Fall 2020 - IS 306 D100
State Failure and Reconstruction (4)
Class Number: 4994
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Jason Stearns
jkstearn@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
45 units.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Examines the causes of state fragility and collapse, and assesses the challenges of reconstruction. Focusing on cases from different regions, we will explore the security dimensions of state fragility; the role of humanitarian intervention; the challenge of building democratic institutions in divided societies; and, the relationship between statebuilding and peacebuilding. Students who have taken IS 409 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.
COURSE DETAILS:
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
In completing this course, students will develop an ability to:
• Describe and analyze the processes and conditions of state formation
• Analyze the causes of state break down and collapse
• Analyze the role of international organizations in post-conflict reconstruction
• Understand and analyze the challenges of building democratic institutions in post conflict settings
Grading
- Participation 20%
- Reading responses 20%
- Group presentation 30%
- Essay 30%
NOTES:
Students will be required to submit their written assignments to Turnitin.com in order to receive credit for the assignments and for the course.
The School for International Studies strictly enforces the University's policies regarding plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty. Information about these policies can be found at: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/teaching.html.
REQUIREMENTS:
This course will be delivered via online platforms, such as Zoom, Canvas, Blackboard, etc.
Students are required to have a computer, with a microphone, webcam, and speakers. They also must have good access to the Internet.
Microsoft Office is required, and a free version of Office 365 is available to SFU students here: https://www.sfu.ca/itservices/technical/software/office365.html.
Students will be required to upload assignments to Canvas and through Turnitin.com.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Coercion, capital, and European states, AD 990-1992, Charles Tilly
State Legitimacy and Development in Africa, Pierre Englebert
Political Order and Political Decay: From the Industrial Revolution to the globalization of democracy, Francis Fukuyama
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
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
TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020
Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.
Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).