Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - IS 451 D100

Seminar on Core Texts in International Studies (4)

Class Number: 5336

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    90 units. International Studies major or honours students.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An interdisciplinary course which aims to bring together different disciplinary perspectives on international affairs through the study of influential texts which, between them, involve study of core themes to the program: development, governance and civil society, war and peace, human rights and questions of culture and ethnicity.

COURSE DETAILS:

Students of International Studies face the opportunity and challenge of reading across many fields of expertise to harness the best ideas and knowledge possible for addressing their particular interests. This course is designed as an opportunity to read thoroughly and critically a select number of texts that have proven influential across the social sciences and beyond academia. We will read these texts to improve our understanding of major political, economic, and social transformations and their implications. Moreover, we will focus on reading books to hone our appreciation of what can be learned when the longer form of an argument (e.g., a book) is digested.

Given the interdisciplinary nature of International Studies, there is no established canon of what are its ‘core texts’. For this class, I have selected 6 books, including 2 works of literary fiction, that will challenge us to navigate through differences in substance and style to develop multifaceted analyses. These texts will allow us to study major topics in the field, including: histories of state formation and underpinning logics of governance; processes and experiences of colonialism; the rise and spread of capitalism, neoliberalism, and inequality; aspirations and threats to democracy; international politics of fossil fuels; realities of war and confinement in the twenty-first century; and questions of identity and belonging in an unevenly globalized world of transnational migration and cultural production.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

There are several goals for this course. Students will: (i) deepen their understandings of major ideas and theoretical strands in international studies and other internationally-oriented disciplines; (ii) enhance their substantive knowledge of modern and contemporary historical forces shaping international affairs; (iii) develop their ability to read different kinds of texts critically; and (iv) develop their skills in critically analysing texts and ideas in written and oral forms.

This course is reading-intensive: expect to read for several hours (e.g. 120 pages) every single week. The course will be organized as a mix of lectures and seminars with a strong emphasis on group discussions and collaborative learning.

Grading

  • Short essay on Seeing like a State (1000 words) 10%
  • Short essay on Brief History of Neoliberalism (1000 words) 10%
  • Essay on Carbon Democracy (2000 words) 20%
  • Essay on Time in the Shadows (2000 words) 20%
  • Essay on Things Fall Apart and Looking for Transwonderland (2000 words) 20%
  • In-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.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

* Everyone will be reading all of these books and must bring copies to class so that we can easily refer to specific passages in our discussions. Each book’s ISBN is listed below so that all students can try to obtain the same edition (publisher and year) so that we are able to refer to specific passages on specific pages. Digital versions are permitted.  

  1. Scott, James. 1999. Seeing Like a State: How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed. Yale University Press. ISBN-10: 0300078153
  2. Achebe, Chinua. 2009. Things Fall Apart. Anchor Canada. ISBN-10: 0385667833
  3. Harvey, David. 2007. A Brief History of Neoliberalism. Oxford University Press. ISBN-10: 0199283273
  4. Mitchell, Timothy. 2013. Carbon Democracy: Political Power in the Age of Oil. Verso. ISBN-10: 1781681163
  5. Khalili, Laleh. 2012. Time in the Shadows: Confinement in Countersurgencies. University of Stanford Press. ISBN: 9780804778336
  6. Saro-Wiwa, Noo. 2012. Looking for Transwonderland: Travels in Nigeria. Soft Skull Press. ISBN-10: 9781619020078

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 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this 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 spring 2022 term.