Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2019 - POL 342 J100

Developing Countries in Global Politics (4)

Class Number: 8021

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Fri, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 13, 2019
    Fri, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Problems arising from the disparities in power and wealth between the highly industrialized countries of Europe and North America, and the under-industrialized countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America.

COURSE DETAILS:

Why are some countries poor and others rich? Is it possible for the developing world (global South) to ‘catch up’ with the advanced industrialized world (global North)? This course engages the North-South divide in world politics by studying the global structures, processes, and institutions that shape politics and development in the global South. The course is organized into three parts. Part one traces the origins and history of the North-South ‘development gap’ in world politics. Part two situates the politics of (under) development in the global South into the mainstream and alternative development theories such as the modernization, dependency, and world systems theories. Part three examines the role of international institutions like the IMF, World Bank, WTO, and global NGOs in promoting development in the more impoverished regions of the world. We will draw on specific cases of rising powers in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America to critically assess the global positioning of the poorer regions of the world in international politics.

There will be a four (4) hour seminar each week.

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Presentation 15%
  • Research Proposal 15%
  • Research Paper 30%
  • Final Exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Haslam, P., Shafer, J., & Beaudet, P. (2016). Introduction to International Development: Approaches, Actors, Issues, and Practice. Oxford University Press.

Additional readings will be available on canvas.

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://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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS