Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - IS 101 D700

Global Challenges of the 21st Century: An Introduction to International Studies (3)

Class Number: 5534

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: TBA, TBA
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 8, 2021
    Wed, 6:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces the interdisciplinary field of International Studies to all undergraduates and IS majors. Examines the major global challenges of our time, including poverty and inequality, environmental degradation, nationalism, civil war, and armed conflict. Explores the challenge of global governance and global citizenship. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course provides an introduction to International Studies, an interdisciplinary field focused on the global challenges of the 21st century. The course is structured around the three interrelated streams of the undergraduate major at SFU:

1) International Security and Conflict, which examines the causes and consequences of wars, both within and between states, and the possible ways of resolving conflicts, and building peace and security;

2) Comparative World Politics, Culture and Society, which examines issues such as religion and politics, nationalism, and patterns of democratization and authoritarian rule around the world; and,

3) International Development, Economic and Environmental Issues, which examines the problems of poverty and inequality, development strategies and policies, and issues related to sustainable development.

The course introduces some of the questions, debates, and approaches for understanding and addressing important global challenges in each of the three streams.

Course Delivery:

Lectures will be asynchronous (recordings will be posted on Canvas). There will be an optional synchronous Q&A session on Zoom each Friday from 3:45-4:15pm. Tutorials will be synchronous and will meet on Zoom (attendance is required).


All seats are reserved for students approved by Student Services as part of the REMOTE priority group (International students who may not be able to return to Canada, Indigenous students who may not be able to leave their communities, and students who meet the criteria in Accessibility for Students with Disabilities Policy GP 26). All questions regarding such reserves should be directed to reginfo@sfu.ca. Reserve restrictions come off on July 26.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

In completing this course, students will develop an ability to:

  • Describe and critically analyze the nature and causes of contemporary global challenges related to security, development, environmental change, migration and global health
  • Describe and evaluate key international responses to these challenges
  • Describe and critically analyze: the system of sovereign states, capitalism, globalization, and the human rights regime
  • Describe and critically assess the roles played by states, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations in addressing global challenges
  • Communicate ideas clearly and persuasively in writing

Grading

  • Essay 25%
  • Two midterm tests (15% each) 30%
  • Final exam 35%
  • Tutorial participation and small group exercises 10%

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.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Required readings will be available on Canvas, online, or in the Library’s electronic collection.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.