Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2016 - POL 449 D100

Selected Topics in International Relations II (4)

Intro to 21stCentu,Strategy

Class Number: 7102

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 20, 2016
    Wed, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    Eight upper division units in Political Science or permission of the department .

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

Selected Topics: Intro to 21st Century Strategy


This seminar course provides a survey of the prominent themes in conflict and war in the 21st century, incorporating the study and application of theories from classical and contemporary strategic thinkers. These themes include fourth/fifth generation and asymmetric warfare, such as terrorism, insurgency and counterinsurgency, chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological (CBRN) threats, cyber warfare, offensive technological developments in conventional and non-conventional weaponry, space-based capabilities providing for force enhancement of the terrestrial conduct of war, and the role of intelligence (ISR). Course material will include the application of strategic theories to geopolitical events; therefore, students are expected to be up to date on contemporary global conflicts through review of media sources.    

There will be a four-hour seminar once a week.

Grading

  • Attendance and Participation 20%
  • Individual Presentations 20%
  • Research Paper 30%
  • Final Examination 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Elinor C. Sloan, Modern Military Strategy: An Introduction (New York: Routledge, 2012) (pbk)
ISBN: 978-0-415-77771-1

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.
For details, see http://www.sfu.ca/politics/undergraduate/program/related_links.html and click on “Plagiarism and Intellectual Dishonesty” .

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS