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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PL 212-1"
COURSE NAME: "International Organizations"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2021
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Silvia Scarpa
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 10:00 AM 11:15 AM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: PL 209
OFFICE HOURS: by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course examines attempts at international cooperation in various institutional forms. The course analyzes efforts of twentieth-century internationalism, from the League of Nations up to the United Nations (UN). Main regional organizations are also examined, such as NATO, the African Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, World Trade Organization and Organization of American States.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
The course aims at introducing students to the concept of global governance, its challenges and limitations and the most important actors at the supra-national level. The foundations of intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and the role they play in world politics will be specifically studied. Attention will be dedicated in particular to understanding the structure, functions, major achievements and challenges faced by the most important intergovernmental organization, namely the United Nations (UN). Its action in the fields of international peace and security, human rights and the environment, as well as the major challenge related to reforming the organization will be studied. Regional and sub-regional organizations - such as the European Union (EU) - and security organizations – including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) - will also be studied. Finally, while it is evident that IGOs remain fundamental actors at the supranational level, the role that new ones - such as inter alia non-for profit non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and multinational corporations (MNCs) - play in the system of global governance will also be examined.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students attending the course are expected to have acquired a specific knowledge of the concept of global governance. They will have developed an understanding of what IGOs are and how they work and they will be able to discuss about the challenges determined by emerging new actors in world politics. They will also have conducted research on a topic of their choice for the purpose of drafting an advocacy plan.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
International Organizations: The Politics and Processes of Global GovernanceM. Karns, K. Mingst and K. StilesRienner 9781626371514     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Mid-Term ExamEssay questions. Sample exam available online.30%
Final ExamEssay questions. Non-cumulative.30%
Advocacy PlanProject work: research+development of project presentation+oral presentation30%
Forum participationForums available on Moodle for favoring students' discussion on relevant topics.10%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the cours
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
In class or virtual attendance is compulsory. Students are expected to attend classes regularly, to read assigned reading materials before each class and to contribute to class discussions.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

 

WEEK

 

TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED

 

READING ASSIGNMENTS*

Week 1

 

Introduction to the Course.

What is global governance? The challenges, actors and processes of global governance.

 

 

Karns, Mingst & Stiles, Ch. 1

Week 2

Continued.

The foundations of Global Governance: from the Concert of Europe to the League of Nations.

 

Karns, Mingst & Stiles, Ch. 3, p. 75 – 87.

Week 3

The United Nations.

 

Continued.

Karns, Mingst & Stiles, Ch. 4, p. 109 – 148.

Week 4

The United Nations: problems and the need of reforms.

Continued.

Karns, Mingst & Stiles, Ch. 4, p. 148 – 159.

 

Week 5

The Reform of the UN Security Council: a never-ending story?

 

Mainstreaming gender equality and women’s representation at the UN.

Lee; Gowan.

 

 

Haack.

 

Week 6

Palestine, Taiwan and UN membership.

 

Continued.

Blanchfield and Browne; Winkler.

 

 

Week 7

 

Review session.

Mid-term exam

 

Week 8

 

SPRING BREAK

 

 

Week 9

An introduction to regional and security organizations. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

NATO at 70: An Alliance in Crisis.

Karns, Mingst & Stiles, Ch. 5, p. 161 – 175; 234 - 237.

 

 

Belfer Centre Report

 

Week 10

REVIEW SESSION: Submission of abstract and bibliography & discussion on students’ advocacy projects

The European Union (EU).

 

 

 

 

 

Staab, Part 1.

Week 11

The crisis of the EU.

 

The role of Non-State Actors in the system of global-governance. The Kony Campaign.

 

Staab, Outlook on the Future of the EU.

 

Karns, Mingst & Stiles, Chapter 6; Schomerus; Video of the Kony Campaign.

 

Week 12

The Arctic Council and environmental governance.

 

 

The Dilemmas of global governance.

Deadline for the Submission of Powerpoint/Prezi Presentations

Koivurova.

 

 

 

 

Karns, Mingst & Stiles, Ch. 12

Week 13

Students’ presentations

Students’ presentations

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week 14

Students’ presentations

Students’ presentations

 

Week 15

Students’ presentations

 

Final review.

 

Week 16

Final exam

(Date TBA)