Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - POL 432 D100

Great Power Politics (4)

Class Number: 3977

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Oct 6, 2023: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

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

  • Prerequisites:

    POL 141 and eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

How do great powers form alliances and balance of power? Under what conditions do they engage in war? How does geography shape their strategy? How do they manipulate economic relations for political aims? This course addresses these questions utilizing key international relations theories and various analytical methods.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Details:

How do great powers form alliances and balance of power? Under what conditions do they engage in war? How does geography shape their strategy? How do they manipulate economic relations for political aims? This course addresses these and other big questions utilizing key international relations theories and various analytical methods.  It also attempts to apply theory-informed insights to ongoing strategic affairs.

More specifically, we will first read Mearsheimer’s book.  We will then study the recently published strategic documents of key Western countries on the Indo-Pacific region.

Course Times:

3 hours per week.  Tuesday, 2:30pm-5:20pm

Grading

  • Participation (including discussion and presentation) 30%
  • Short weekly assignments 10%
  • Book report 25%
  • Research paper on a Western country’s Indo-Pacific strategy 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

John J. Mearsheimer, The Tragedy of Great Power Politics. Updated ed. (New York: W. W. Norton, 2014) [paperback and electronic]. ISBN978-0393349276.   Earlier edition acceptable.


Other reading materials will be accessible via Canvas.


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.