Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2024 - IS 444 D100

Inside Diplomacy: A Practitioner's Perspective (4)

Class Number: 2778

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores diplomacy in its bilateral and multilateral forms, from the perspective of practitioners. Examines how diplomatic principles and procedures have been applied in various areas of global policy (e.g. human rights, peacemaking, climate change, and disarmament). Focuses on the development of diplomatic skills, such as analysis, reporting, and negotiation. Students who have taken IS 409 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Diplomacy, the conduct of relations between sovereign states, has been practised for centuries but is still poorly understood. This is due in part to the cloak of confidentiality that is frequently employed to hide its functioning from the public gaze. The protocol and professional jargon associated with diplomacy has also rendered it rather opaque to the uninitiated. This course will illuminate the machinery, principles and application of diplomacy as it is currently practiced.  The nature of diplomatic establishments and the two chief modes of bilateral and multilateral diplomacy will be examined. The diplomacy of key areas of global public policy (e.g. human rights, peacemaking, climate change, disarmament etc.) will be discussed. Attention will be given to developing relevant diplomatic and professional skills such as analysis, negotiation, and the formulation and effective presentation of positions.  A series of case studies and group diplomatic simulation exercises will supplement the course readings and class discussion. 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Impart an understanding of the nature and dynamics of contemporary diplomacy and insight into the factors making for success or failure in diplomatic endeavours.
  • Foster effective professional writing and analysis as well as presentation skills
  • Develop multi-party negotiating abilities and the formulation of practical strategies to achieve desired outcomes.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively (as part of a team)

Grading

  • Memorandum to the Minister assignment 20%
  • Group Negotiation Simulation Exercise 20%
  • Research Paper 40%
  • Class Participation 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no required textbook for this course. Weekly readings will include primary documents as well as articles, book chapters and customized materials to support negotiation simulation exercises. CANVAS will not be used – guidance to the class will be sent by weekly emails.

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