Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2023 - POL 342 D100

Developing Countries in Global Politics (4)

Class Number: 3332

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Tue, 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 9, 2023
    Wed, 11:59–11:59 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Problems arising from the disparities in power and wealth between the highly industrialized countries of Europe and North America, and the under-industrialized countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Description:

This course examines the role and impact of ‘developing countries’ (the Global South) in world politics. Why do many issues on the contemporary international agenda involve conflict or disagreement between Global North countries and countries in the Global South? How have the historical, political, legal, socioeconomic, and cultural structures of the international system affected the foreign policies of the Global South? What are the prospects for Global South-North and South-South cooperation? The course is divided into three parts. The first part examines the emergence of the Global South in the post-decolonization era, and their efforts towards solidarity, non-alignment, and global economic reform. The second part examines some contemporary global issues where differences between the Global South and North have been prominent including international trade, finance, and debt; international/regional security; human rights and human security; and environmental protection and conservation. Part three examines some prominent issues from the perspective of the main Global South regions (Africa, Central & South America/Caribbean, and the Middle East & Asia).

Course Organization:  One lecture/seminar per week. 

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Presentation 20%
  • Research Essay 35%
  • Final Take-Home Exam 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All required readings are available electronically on canvas.


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.

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 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.