Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - POL 141 D100

War, International Cooperation and Development (3)

Class Number: 4004

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Jun 22, 2020: Mon, Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores causes and consequences of international political conflict, including war, terrorism, protectionism, nationalism, economic disparity, migration, and humanitarian crises. Evaluates how states and non-state actors navigate and influence these conflicts and the role of international law, diplomacy, and organizational cooperation. Analyzes worldviews on war, peace, human rights, and world order. Students who have taken POL 241 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Description

The goal of this course is to familiarize students with the basic concepts and methods that are vital for understanding various topics in international politics. We will be looking at why some states go to war, why conflicts escalate and spread, the conditions under which we preserve international cooperation and promote peaceful resolutions to conflict. This course will also focus on the key role leaders play in shaping these events as well as the implications for development in a state. 

The approach to this course is not descriptive, but rather analytical. As such, we will also be learning key analytical tools – such as game theory – that help us to better understand the strategic interactions between states, leaders, international organizations, and other non-state actors. There is also a strong empirical component to this course. In particular, we will look at historical and current events to assess the applicability of the theories and models we learn.

Course Format 

There are two weekly lectures for this course. These meetings are not only for me to lecture but also for students to participate in discussions. 

Grading

  • Exam #1 25%
  • Exam #2 25%
  • Class Exercises/Homework 30%
  • Quizzes 20%

NOTES:

Class Exercises/Homework:

Every week students will be working on exercises in class. These exercises are group work. If we do not have time to finish an exercise in class, it will be then assigned as homework.

Exams:

There will be two in-class exams in this course. There will be a variety of different types of questions students will be expected to answer: analytical skills, definitions, short answer, and essay questions. The exams are not cumulative.  

Quizzes:

Students are expected to attend every class and participate in the discussions. Attendance is also imperative as there will be in-class quizzes most weeks. The quizzes will mostly feature game theoretical problems.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There are two types of readings in this class: textbooks and journal articles. The primary text for the course is:

Bruce Bueno de Mesquita, Alastair Smith, Randolph M. Siverson and James D. Morrow, The Logic of Political Survival, MIT Press, 2004, ISBN-13: 978-0262524407, ISBN-10: 9780262524407
ISBN: 13: 978-0262524407

The reading list also includes a number of scholarly articles written by some of the most influential academics in international politics. These articles are include to not only get a “textbook” style of learning for international relations but also to get an introduction to how these concepts are applied in current or resent research in the field. 

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.

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.