Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - POL 346 D100

International Organization (4)

Class Number: 4846

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 20, 2021
    Tue, 11:59–11:59 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of the structures and processes and the main substantive decisions of the United Nations and related international organizations. Based upon in-depth study of the UN Charter, the Security Council, General Assembly, Secretary-general and Secretariat and their constitutional and political interactions since 1945, with special attention to the theory and practice of international organization advanced by the principal Western countries, the Soviet Union and Soviet bloc, the People's Republic of China and leading Third World countries.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course explores the nature, evolution, functions and problems of international organization within the broader context of changing global politics. With an emphasis on the United Nations (UN) system, the course examines patterns of international institutionalization in a variety of contemporary issue-areas (peace and security; trade and finance; development; environmental governance, human rights, etc). The focus here is on the historical development of the institutions, patterns of decision-making, power and influence, and the formal and informal ordering devices that help or hinder their ability to achieve cooperative solutions to various international problems. The most prominent theoretical and conceptual approaches to the analysis of international organization are examined throughout the course, with particular emphasis on the evolving notions of multilateralism and global governance.

COURSE ORGANIZATION:

There will be a weekly synchronous lecture via Zoom (50min), asynchronous lecture notes delivered via canvas, and asynchronous class discussions/participations via canvas.  

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Analytical/Critical Review 20%
  • Research Essay 35%
  • Final Take-Home Exam - due April 14, 2021 @ 11:59 PM 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All required readings will be available electronically on canvas.


Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.

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 SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges 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. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).