Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - POL 346 E100

International Organization (4)

Class Number: 7428

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Thu, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 20, 2024
    Sat, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of the structures and processes and the main substantive decisions of the United Nations and related international organizations. Based upon in-depth study of the UN Charter, the Security Council, General Assembly, Secretary-general and Secretariat and their constitutional and political interactions since 1945, with special attention to the theory and practice of international organization advanced by the principal Western countries, the Soviet Union and Soviet bloc, the People's Republic of China and leading Third World countries.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Description:

This course explores the nature, evolution, functions and problems of international organization within the broader context of changing global politics. With an emphasis on the United Nations (UN) system, the course examines patterns of international institutionalization in a variety of contemporary issue-areas (peace and security; trade and finance; development; environmental governance, human rights, etc). The focus here is on the historical development of the institutions, patterns of decision-making, power and influence, and the formal and informal ordering devices that help or hinder their ability to address various international problems. The most prominent theoretical and conceptual approaches to the analysis of international organization are examined throughout the course.

Course Organization:

One lecture/seminar per week

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Presentation 20%
  • Essay 30%
  • Final Exam (Take-Home) 40%

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