Summer 2021 - POL 141 D100

War, International Cooperation and Development (3)

Class Number: 3281

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, Fri, 3:30–4:50 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 11, 2021
    Wed, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores causes and consequences of international political conflict, including war, terrorism, protectionism, nationalism, economic disparity, migration, and humanitarian crises. Evaluates how states and non-state actors navigate and influence these conflicts and the role of international law, diplomacy, and organizational cooperation. Analyzes worldviews on war, peace, human rights, and world order. Students who have taken POL 241 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Times and Location

Lecture: Wednesdays & Fridays 3:30-4:50 PM (synchronous)

Remote Learning via Zoom or Webex (TBD)

 

Course Description

This course provides a broad exploration of the field of international relations (IR). It seeks to provide students with the factual knowledge about the study of international relations (terminology, classifications, methods, trends), introduce fundamental principles, generalizations and theories of international relations in order to better understand the contemporary international system. The course is organized around two parts: Concepts and Theories of International Relations, and Contemporary Issues in International Relations. Some of the questions that will be explored in this class include: are democracies more peaceful than autocracies? does human nature lead to war? does everyone benefit from free trade? does international law matter? should the international community engage in humanitarian interventions? how can terrorism be defeated? Most weeks in the course, we will explore one big topic. Most topics will include a lecture, discussion and, at times, some videos.

Course Objectives

· To introduce students to the basic concepts and ideas of international relations.

· To understand and be able to describe the dominant theories of international politics.

· To hone research, writing and analytical skills to effectively communicate ideas, opinions, and arguments on a variety of international relations topics.

· Role-play actors in international politics and formulate/construct policies in specific circumstances of world affairs.

· To provide the tools necessary to delve deeper into issues, develop critical thinking skills, and understand many of the critical issues in international relations.

Student Outcomes

1. Students will read critically the assigned materials, and demonstrate (in exams, discussions, and assignments) that they understand the concepts, theories, and issues.

2. Students will express themselves clearly and persuasively in written exposition and argument in writing assignments.

3. Students will engage in meaningful class discussions/debates and demonstrate a level proficiency/familiarity in course material and current world events as applicable to IR.

4. Students will carry out research for the purpose of supplying evidence and support for claims made in assignments.

Grading

  • Weekly Quizzes 10%
  • Class/Online Discussions 20%
  • Exams (2) 50%
  • Statecraft Simulation 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

IR: International, Economic, and Human Security in a Changing World; Third Edition by James M. Scott, Ralph G. Carter and A. Cooper Drury.  Digital copy is available.  ISBN-13: 978-1506397061 ISBN-10: 1506397069

Theories of International Politics and Zombies: Revived Edition by Daniel W. Drezner.  Digital copy is available.  ISBN-10 : 9780691163703 ISBN-13 : 978-0691163703

Students will be required to purchase access to the Statecraft (www.statecraftsim.com) simulation for $35.

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 SUMMER 2021

Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses.  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).