Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - IS 200 D100

Security and Global Governance: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (3)

Class Number: 5842

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 19, 2021
    Mon, 5:30–5:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines contemporary security and governance challenges by drawing on insights from across the social sciences. Includes such topics as: war, nuclear proliferation, genocide, human trafficking, and global health threats. Explores the role of international organizations (the UN, EU, NATO and others) in addressing security challenges and advancing global governance. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course provides a broad introduction to the study of international security. It examines a range of security and governance challenges related to: inter-state war, civil war and state fragility, genocide and ethnic cleansing, terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, and climate change. More generally, we will explore competing perspectives on the meaning of security and on the efforts of states and international organizations to achieve and maintain security. We will give particular attention to the changing nature of conflict and the different methodological approaches that have been used.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

In completing this course, students will acquire knowledge about important contemporary security challenges and about key policies aimed at managing or addressing these challenges. Students will develop an ability to analyze and assess contending perspectives on international security; and, they will develop an ability to critically evaluate the role that international organizations play in global security governance. Students will also develop the skills needed to communicate ideas clearly to academic readers as well as to policy-makers.

Grading

  • Essay 30%
  • Midterm Exam 25%
  • Final Exam 35%
  • 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.

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:

Required readings, which will include articles and book excerpts, will be available online or on reserve (via Canvas).

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 SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 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).