Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - IS 444 D100

Inside Diplomacy: A Practitioner's Perspective (4)

Class Number: 4488

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Tue, Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • 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 specific 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. Real world diplomacy is an intense, dynamic affair and active engagement is expected for students selecting this course.

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%

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.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

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

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 SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course 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.

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) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.