Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2021 - POL 342 D100

Developing Countries in Global Politics (4)

Class Number: 3305

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Jun 21, 2021: Tue, Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Problems arising from the disparities in power and wealth between the highly industrialized countries of Europe and North America, and the under-industrialized countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America.

COURSE DETAILS:

Intersession Course

This course examines the role and impact of ‘developing countries’ (the Global South) in world politics. Why do many issues on the contemporary international agenda involve conflict or disagreement between countries of the Global North and the countries of the Global South? How have the historical, political, legal, socio-economic and cultural structures of the international system affected the foreign policies of the Global South? What are the prospects for Global South-North and South-South cooperation? The course is divided into three parts. The first part examines the emergence of the Global South in the post-decolonization era, and their efforts towards solidarity, non-alignment and global economic reform. The second part examines some contemporary global issues where differences between the Global South and North have been prominent including international trade, finance, and debt; international/regional security; human rights and human security; and environmental protection and conservation. Part three examines some prominent issues from the perspective of the main Global South regions (Africa, Central & South America/Caribbean, and the Middle East & Asia).


COURSE ORGANIZATION:

There will be a synchronous lecture via Zoom (50min) twice every week, asynchronous lecture notes delivered on canvas, and asynchronous class discussions/participations on canvas.

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Analytical/Critical Review 20%
  • Research Essay 35%
  • Final Take-Home Exam - due June 25th @ 11:59 PM 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All required readings are available electronically on canvas.


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 2021

Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses.  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).