Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - IS 444 D100

Inside Diplomacy: A Practitioner's Perspective (4)

Class Number: 2896

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: 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

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Canvas will not be used – guidance to the class will be sent by weekly emails.

REQUIRED READING:

There is no required textbook for this course. Weekly readings will include primary documents as well as articles, and customized materials to support negotiation simulation exercises.

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term 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.