Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - IS 307 E100

International Ethics: Poverty, Environmental Change, & War (4)

Class Number: 5564

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Thu, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines ethical issues of global concern, with a focus on debates about poverty, environmental change, and armed conflict. Introduces students to relevant political and ethical theories, such as cosmopolitanism and nationalism, utilitarianism, theories of human rights, and ethics of care. Assesses various policy responses to these global challenges. Students who have taken IS 319 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Questions have always been asked about the ethical obligations that transcend national borders. Given the imbalances and inequalities of the global system, these questions have often centred on the responsibility of the Global North to help alleviate the problems associated with poverty and human rights violations in the Global South. However, in an era of intense globalization, finding answers to these questions have become all the more pertinent. The effects of war, global inequality, environmental degradation, and attacks on human dignity have increasingly broadened, impacting more people across a wider geographical space. The refugee crisis of the last decades, both South-to-South and South-to-North, is one clear example of these effects. The purpose of this course is to explore the major theoretical debates that have transpired around questions of international ethics. In doing so, we will also investigate some of the most pressing ethical issues faced by the international community, including their origins, consequences, and potential solutions.

Grading

  • Theoretical Paper 25%
  • Research Paper 25%
  • Final Exam 30%
  • Class Preparation 10%
  • Participation 10%

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:

Required readings available on Canvas, online, or in the SFU Library’s electronic collection.

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 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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 may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.