Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - POL 472 B100

Diplomacy and Global Governance (4)

Class Number: 6281

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Oct 24, 2026: Thu, 8:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Nov 25 – Dec 6, 2026: Thu, 8:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 25 – Nov 24, 2026: TBA, TBA
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines diplomacy and its role in global governance. Introduces students to the theory and practice of diplomacy, both bilaterally and multilaterally, with particular emphasis on how interactions between state actors and non-state actors contribute to the resolution of global problems. Students with credit for POL 349 under the title "Diplomacy and International Negotiations" may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Description:

The course explores United Nations diplomacy and international negotiations. Topics include: national foreign policy institutions, international treaty-making, UN diplomatic protocol of conduct, the UN structure, organization and the process of negotiations, and intercultural communication in multilateral talks. We will examine how process affects outcomes in diplomacy and explore the role of power, persuasion, argumentation strategy, language and translation, and cultural differences in communication. Students will engage in an extensive and reaslitic classroom simulation of international negotiations on a global problem and gain practical experience in multilateral problem solving.

Course Objectives and Outcomes:

The overarching objectives in this course 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 UN 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 Canada’s delegations to UN conferences, and
8. Engage professionally in multilateral negotiations.

Grading

  • Simulation 30%
  • Final Exam 40%
  • Research paper 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

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.


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.