Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - POL 841 G100

International Relations (5)

Class Number: 5874

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

COURSE DETAILS:

The course examines major theories of international relations and current affairs in world politics We cover mainstream IR theory and explore global trends and policy challenges that shape international relations today. Topics include: the war in Ukraine, global Covid-19 pandemic, great power politics, and the global transition to a clean economy. The course serves as an extended ‘reality check’ to help students see the current affairs through the analytical lens of different academic perspectives.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Course objectives

Students will pursue the following specific objectives:

1) Develop knowledge of mainstream theories of international relations;

2) Develop knowledge of current international affairs

3) Improve understanding of the forces that shape global politics; and

4) Refine your ability to engage in critical political analysis of current affairs.

Grading

  • Participation 40%
  • Research Paper 40%
  • Presentation 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Readings include journal articles and book chapters in electronic format on Canvas. All readings are posted in Canvas. Students need to complete the readings for each week prior to class and develop a sufficient grasp of the material to raise questions and engage in substantive class discussions. Please note that I have included recommended readings for some topics - obviously, those are useful and optional.

RECOMMENDED READING:

* John Mearsheimer, The Tragedy of Great Power Politics (W.W.Norton 2001).

* Robert Keohane, After Hegemony (Princeton University Press 1984).

* David A. Baldwin (ed.) Neorealism and Neoliberalism (Columbia UP 1993).

* Stephen Krasner (ed.) International Regimes (Ithaca, N.J.: Cornell UP, 1983).

* Robert O. Keohane (ed.) Neorealism and Its Critics (New York: Columbia UP, 1986).

* Alexander Wendt, Social Theory of International Politics (Cambridge UP1999).

Hans J. Morgenthau, Politics Among Nations (New York: Knopf 1978).

* Bruce Russett, Grasping the Democratic Peace (Princeton University Press 1993).

* Andreas Hasenclever, Peter Mayer and Volker Rittberger, Theories of International Regimes (Cambridge University Press 1997).

* Giulio M. Gallarotti, The Power Curse: Influence and Illusion in World Politics (Boulder, Colorado: Lynne Rienner 2010).


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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