Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - POL 346 D100

International Organization (4)

Class Number: 4543

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of the structures and processes and the main substantive decisions of the United Nations and related international organizations. Based upon in-depth study of the UN Charter, the Security Council, General Assembly, Secretary-general and Secretariat and their constitutional and political interactions since 1945, with special attention to the theory and practice of international organization advanced by the principal Western countries, the Soviet Union and Soviet bloc, the People's Republic of China and leading Third World countries.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course explores the nature, evolution, functions and problems of international organization within the broader context of changing global politics. With an emphasis on the United Nations (UN) system, the course examines patterns of international institutionalization in a variety of contemporary issue-areas (peace and security; trade and finance; development; environmental governance, human rights, etc.). The focus here is on the historical development of the institutions, patterns of decision-making, power and influence, and the formal and informal ordering devices that help or hinder their ability to address various international problems. The most prominent theoretical and conceptual approaches to the analysis of international organization are examined throughout the course.

COURSE ORGANIZATION:  One lecture/seminar per week.

Grading

  • Participation 15%
  • Assignment 1 20%
  • Assignment 2 30%
  • Final Exam (Take-Home) 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All required readings are available electronically on 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

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.