Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2019 - POL 346 D100

International Organization (4)

Class Number: 6187

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 16, 2019
    Tue, 12:00–3:00 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:

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. 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 achieve cooperative solutions to various international problems. The most prominent theoretical approaches to the analysis of international organization are examined throughout the course. The course material is divided two parts: Part 1 examines how international politics is organized through international institutions, the nature and types of international institutions, and their role in global governance. Part 2 examines some contemporary issues in international organization, including peace and security; self-determination and human rights; and international political economy and sustainable development.  

A three-hour lecture and one-hour tutorial per week.  Tutorials start in Week Two.

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Presentation 20%
  • Research Paper 35%
  • Final Exam (Take-home) 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no required textbook. Required readings are 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