Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - IS 451 E100

Seminar on Core Texts in International Studies (4)

Class Number: 5169

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Mon, 5:30–9:20 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 cannon of what comprise 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; concepts and contradictions of democracy and freedom; the climate crisis; the politics of knowledge production and digital data; 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 contemporary historical forces shaping international affairs; (iii) develop their ability to read different kinds of texts critically; and (iv) develop their skills in critically analyzing texts and ideas in written and oral forms.  

Grading

  • In-class participation 25%
  • Combined essay on Seeing like a State and Sand Talk 25%
  • Combined essay Brief History of Neoliberalism and The Great Derangement 25%
  • Essay on Things Fall Apart and Looking for Transwonderland 25%

NOTES:

Essays: For each essay assignment, at least two questions will be provided and students will choose which to answer. Each essay will require the student to do some explanatory synthesis of a key concept and/or argument as well as to critically engage with that concept and/or argument (through formulation of an argument). Additional sources are not required to address the questions.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

  1. Scott, James. 1999. Seeing Like a State: How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed. Yale University Press.
  2. Harvey, David. 2007. A Brief History of Neoliberalism. Oxford University Press.
  3. Ghosh, Amitav. 2016. The Great Derangement: Climate Chang and the Unthinkable.
  4. Yunkaporta, Tyson. 2019. Sand Talk: How Indigneous Thinking Can Save the World. Harper Collins.
  5. Achebe, Chinua. 2009. Things Fall Apart. Anchor Canada.
  6. Saro-Wiwa, Noo. 2012. Looking for Transwonderland: Travels in Nigeria. Soft Skull Press.

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.

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