Summer 2019 - IS 409 D100

Special Topics I (4)

Diplomacy Demystified

Class Number: 5356

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 6 – Aug 2, 2019: Tue, Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to enrolment each term.

COURSE DETAILS:

Diplomacy, the conduct of relations between sovereign states, has been practised for centuries but is still poorly understood. This is due in part to the cloak of confidentiality that is frequently employed to hide its functioning from the public gaze. The protocol and professional jargon associated with diplomacy has also rendered it rather opaque to the uninitiated. This course will illuminate the machinery, principles and application of diplomacy as it is currently practiced.  The nature of diplomatic establishments and the two chief modes of bilateral and multilateral diplomacy will be examined. The diplomacy of specific areas of global public policy (e.g. human rights, peacemaking, climate change, disarmament, etc.) will be discussed. Attention will be given to developing relevant diplomatic and professional skills such as analysis, interviewing, reporting and negotiation.  A series of case studies and group diplomatic simulation exercises will supplement the course readings and class discussion. Real world diplomacy is an intense, dynamic affair and active engagement is expected for students selecting this course.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

- Impart an understanding of the nature and dynamics of contemporary diplomacy and insight into the factors making for success or failure in diplomatic endeavours.
- Foster effective professional writing and analysis as well as presentation, interviewing and reporting skills
- Develop multi-party negotiating abilities and the formulation of practical strategies to achieve desired outcomes.
- Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively (as part of a team)

Grading

  • Memorandum to the Minister assignment 20%
  • Group Interview & Reporting Exercise 20%
  • Research Paper 40%
  • Class Participation 20%

NOTES:

Students will be required to submit their written assignments to Turnitin.com in order to receive credit for the assignments and for the course.

The School for International Studies strictly enforces the University's policies regarding plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty. Information about these policies can be found at: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/teaching.html.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS