Fall 2023 - POL 141 D100

International Relations (3)

Class Number: 3844

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Mon, Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 10, 2023: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 13, 2023
    Wed, 8:30–10:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores causes and consequences of international political conflict, including war, terrorism, protectionism, nationalism, economic disparity, migration, and humanitarian crises. Evaluates how states and non-state actors navigate and influence these conflicts and the role of international law, diplomacy, and organizational cooperation. Analyzes worldviews on war, peace, human rights, and world order. Students who have taken POL 241 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

The course offers an introduction to actors and current issues in world politics. Topics include: states and non-state actors; international organizations, negotiations and global governance; violent conflict and international security; terrorism; international political economy, global environmental politics, and human rights.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students will pursue the following objectives:
1) Develop knowledge of contemporary international affairs;
2) Improve understanding of the forces that shape world politics;
3) Refine their ability to engage in political analysis of current events; and
4) Grow awareness of the impacts of world politics on our lives.

Grading

  • News Journal 30%
  • October exam 30%
  • Final Exam 30%
  • Tutorial 10%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

The textbook is James M. Scott, Ralph G. Carter and A. Cooper Drury, International Relations: International, Economic and Human Security in a Changing World (Sage Publishing 2022, fourth edition). In addition, we will read academic articles that are available electronically on the Canvas course site.

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.

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 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.