Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - POL 349 D100

Selected Topics in International Relations (4)

International Negotiations

Class Number: 3843

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Oct 6, 2023: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

    Oct 11 – Dec 5, 2023: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 14, 2023
    Thu, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    Six lower division units in Political Science or permission of the department.

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

The course explores United Nations diplomacy and international negotiations. Topics include: national foreign policy institutions, international treaty-making processes, UN diplomatic protocol of conduct, organization and process of negotiations, power and influence in world politics, and intercultural communication. We will examine how process affects outcomes in diplomacy and explore the role of power, persuasion and argumentation strategy, language and translation, cultural differences in communication, and domestic politics. Students will engage in classroom simulations and gain practical experience in multilateral negotiations. The course draws on the instructor’s experience in UN diplomacy, as member of the European Union delegation in climate change negotiations and UN rapporteur

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The overarching objectives are to 1) accumulate factual knowledge about the subject, 2) obtain insight about factors affecting diplomacy, and 3) develop practical skills at negotiations that can be applied in various professional contexts.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of foreign policy institutions
2. Show in-depth knowledge of diplomatic protocol, the treaty-making process and the conduct of international negotiations
3. Understand and debate political, economic and social factors that shape international diplomacy;
4. Apply knowledge in multilateral negotiations on international policy, through extensive and realistic simulations; and
5. Engage in critical reading, and assess academic claims and methods of inquiry.
Students who pass the course with 90 or above, would be able to:
7. Participate on Canadian delegations to UN conferences, and
8. Engage professionally in multilateral negotiations.

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Simulation 25%
  • Exam 35%
  • Research Paper 30%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

There is no textbook to purchase for this course. All readings are available online, on the Canvas course site. Students need to complete the readings for each class period before class. You need to not only read them but to develop a sufficient grasp of the content and come prepared to discuss it with me and your classmates

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.