Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - POL 141 D100

International Relations (3)

Class Number: 4236

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.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:

This course introduces students to the main concepts, approaches, and traditions in the study of international politics. It emphasizes the core ideas of state interaction in the past and explores them to understand change and continuity in contemporary international relations and global issues. The course is structured along the following themes: the normative traditions of thought in international politics; power and society in the international arena; nation, state, national interest and foreign policy; war and peace; international law and organization; and international political economy.

Grading

  • Hand-written mid-term exam based on lectures and lecture and tutorial readings 30%
  • Hand-written final exam based on lectures and lecture and tutorial readings 40%
  • Policy Brief (1000 words) chosen from policy brief options provided in the syllabus 20%
  • Attendance and Participation 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Martin Wight, International Theory: The Three Traditions (Leicester, 1991). Custom Courseware Book.

~~ Here is the link to the book "International Theory" with first option being an "Online access."


Tutorial Readings will be online or in Online Reserve Library.


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 term 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.