Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - IS 800 G100

Problems of International Policy and Practice (4)

Class Number: 4611

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Oct 6, 2023: Tue, 8:30–11:20 a.m.
    Vancouver

    Oct 11 – Dec 5, 2023: Tue, 8:30–11:20 a.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    Graduate students enrolled in the MA in International Studies, or permission of the instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An inter-disciplinary course which aims to bring to bear different perspectives on problems of International policy and practice. The particular problems taken up will change over time in light of global developments and current events.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is designed to focus on the skills and applications of research and writing that are relevant beyond academia, and which IS students will likely encounter across governmental, nongovernmental, and private sectors. Much of this work involves researching, over a relatively short period of time, what has been written about a specific topic or problem and organizing key arguments about it, often going so far as to think through and develop arguments in favour of a particular course of action. This kind of work requires clarity of purpose, the capacity to identify and synthesize key ideas, and economical and authoritative writing.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students will develop a diverse set of research and writing skills through four assignments and several in-class participatory exercises. These assignments are of the type that students of International Studies may expect to be asked to take up in their professional careers. Three of the assignments will address assigned topics and questions, while one assignment will be tailored to each student’s own MAIS research interests.

Grading

  • Literature Review 25%
  • Briefing Paper 20%
  • Op-Ed Essay 20%
  • Policy Paper 20%
  • In-class participation 15%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There are no required readings assigned for this course. For the first three assignments, initial content on the three assigned topics (natural resource curse, protracted refugee situations, and ethics of representing suffering of others) will be provided through lectures and seminars. Recommendations for initial readings and other resources will be provided during the lectures. Students will be expected, with guidance, to identify additional relevant research sources, including ‘grey literature’ (e.g. the literature produced by international organizations, research institutions, policy think-tanks, etc.) and, when relevant, news media.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.