Spring 2022 - POL 141 D100

International Relations (3)

Class Number: 5120

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Mon, Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 13, 2022
    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 Description

To say the world is complex is a bit of an understatement these days. Though it may not always seem like it, the prevalence of war has been in decline for more than 30 years. Nevertheless, war and violence are still very much a part of the international system as illustrated by events such as the 9/11 attacks against the United States; the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan; civil wars in Libya, Syria, and Yemen; Russian involvement in eastern Ukraine; the rise of ISIS in Iraq and Syria (and elsewhere); the sabre rattling on the Korean Peninsula, and the increased hostility of the People’s Republic of China. International politics is about far more than violence, however. In recent years, the world has experienced a massive global recession with far-reaching consequences, non-state actors continue to gain greater attention, and issues such as climate change and the spread of certain global diseases frequently require international cooperation. And this is only the beginning.

This introductory 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, and divided into three modules. In Module 1, we examine the international security. In Module 2, we look at the economic interactions of states and in Module 3 we assess the human factors that affect the quality of life of individuals from the environment to human rights. Most weeks in the course, we will explore one big topic. Each topic will include a lecture and a tutorial that involves discussions, educational activities, and IR simulation.

Course Objectives

  1. Compare basic theories of international relations and their explanations for state behavior.
  2. Critically analyze current international events.
  3. Use the basic scientific method to test different explanations for international outcomes.
  4. Identify and evaluate the role of a variety of international actors, including states, non-state actors such as terrorists’ groups, multinational corporations, international intergovernmental organizations, and international nongovernmental organizations.

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

  • Tutorial 25%
  • Exams (2) 50%
  • Statecraft Simulation 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

IR: Seeking Security, Prosperity, and Quality of Life in a Changing World. 4th Edition by James M. Scott, Ralph G. Carter and A. Cooper Drury. SFU Bookstore and online including a digital copy.

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1544381611
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1544381619


Statecraft Simulation (www.statecraftsim.com) $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 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.