Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - IS 350W E100

Seminar on Global Problems in Interdisciplinary Perspective (4)

Class Number: 4212

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    60 units. International Studies major or honours students.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An in-depth examination of select global problems. Focuses on developing policy-related writing skills valuable for careers in government and in intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations. Assignments may include: briefing papers, policy papers, grant writing, and op-ed essays. Students with credit for IS 450W may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course aims to prepare students for professional roles beyond academia, in both the public and private sectors. These roles often involve researching a particular issue or problem over a short period of time and presenting key arguments and information in a concise and organized way. Often this work involves identifying the best course of action from a range of policy alternatives and developing arguments in support of this action. Always, such writing requires precision and clarity of thought.

The course will focus on the following problems or issues in global affairs:

  1. What are the strengths and limitations of civil disobedience as a form of protest? What are uncivil disobedience and uncivil protest, and what different forms do they take? Is uncivil disobedience, in any of its forms, ever warranted or ethically justifiable? We will explore these questions in relation to efforts to combat authoritarianism, racial inequality, and climate change in various countries around the world. (Op-ed essay and briefing note)
  2. What are the key causes and dynamics of democratic erosion? What can be done to resist or reverse it? We will explore these questions in relation to a range of countries in different regions. (Literature review and policy paper)

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By successfully completing this course, students will strengthen their abilities to:

  • Analyze and evaluate policy options related to the core themes of the course
  • Communicate ideas and complex information to a non-specialist audience, including policy-makers and the public
  • Gather and synthesize information from an array of sources, including academic research, policy sources, and journalism
  • Organize and write a literature review, an op-ed essay, a briefing note, and a policy paper
  • Deliver an effective presentation

Grading

  • Literature Review (team project, with an individual written component) 20%
  • Op-ed Essay (with peer review component) 20%
  • Briefing Note (with peer review component) 20%
  • Policy Paper 25%
  • Presentation 5%
  • Participation 10%

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.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All assigned readings will be available electronically (online or through the SFU Library/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.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.