Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2022 - IS 451 D100

Seminar on Core Texts in International Studies (4)

Class Number: 4166

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 10 – Aug 8, 2022: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    90 units. International Studies major or honours students.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An interdisciplinary course which aims to bring together different disciplinary perspectives on international affairs through the study of influential texts which, between them, involve study of core themes to the program: development, governance and civil society, war and peace, human rights and questions of culture and ethnicity.

COURSE DETAILS:

IS 451 is one of the capstone courses for the international studies major program at SFU. The course will be delivered using six core texts that correspond to the three specialized concentrations in international studies. Our weekly discussions will be organized into three parts. First, we will study, analyze, and discuss past and contemporary developments in international security and conflict management, including the origins, patterns, and consequences of wars within and among states. We will also analyze the prospects for peacemaking, peacebuilding, and post-conflict reconstruction in the world’s conflict-prone regions. Part two examines the roles of politics, governance, culture, and society in understanding the dynamics of war, security, and insecurity in the international community. Part three will discuss the causes and consequences of the disparities in poverty and wealth among and within states. We will also evaluate the effectiveness of core strategies, policies, and approaches that have been adopted to promote international development over the years. Students will acquire the requisite knowledge to investigate, critically analyze, and understand the past, present, and future developments in international studies.

Grading

  • Participation 15%
  • Presentation 15%
  • Two Reflection Papers 20%
  • Research Essay 25%
  • Final exam (take-home) 25%

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:

Waltz, K. (2018). Man, the state, and war. Columbia University Press.

Walzer, M. (2015). Just and unjust wars: A moral argument with historical illustrations. Hachette UK.

Anderson, B. (2006, 2016). Imagined communities: Reflections on the origin and spread of nationalism. Verso books.

Achebe, C. 2009. Things Fall Apart. Anchor Canada

Harvey, D. (2007). A brief history of neoliberalism. Oxford University Press, USA.

Acemoglu, D., Robinson, J. A., & Woren, D. (2012). Why nations fail: The origins of power, prosperity, and poverty. New York: Crown Publishers.

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 2022

Teaching at SFU in summer 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction.  Some courses may be offered through alternative methods (remote, online, blended), and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes. 

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, online, or blended courses 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 summer 2022 term.