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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PL 209-2"
COURSE NAME: "World Politics"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2022
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Diego Pagliarulo
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 4:30 PM 5:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to the theory and practice of international affairs, this course discusses the main schools of world politics as well as actors, structures and institutions of international relations. Through this framework the course explores key conflicts and issues in the post-World War II era, including problems of war, armed conflict, and peace, and the impact of recent trends in globalization on world politics.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
This course is divided into four parts that will provide us with a rounded up introduction to the study of world politics. In the first part we will have an overview of the main theories of international relations. In the second part we focus on the key questions that define our understanding of the international system. In part three we will survey the evolution of the modern international system and explore the ways in which historical analysis can help us make sense of the world we live in. In the fourth part, we will be looking at the major challenges that define today’s world and the future of global politics. 
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
After the completion of this course the students will: 
1) have a good overview of the history of international politics.
2) possess the ability to engage critically with the theoretical discussions taking place in the discipline of International Relations.
3) be able to apply such theories and approaches to the various problems, events and changes taking place in world politics.
4) develop the basic skills necessary for undertaking scholarly research.
5) enhance their capacity to write coherent and persuasive arguments / essays.
6) improve their communication and learning abilities.
 
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Class attendance and participationAttendance and participation in discussions are mandatory for this course. The goal here is to learn how to ask good questions and provide thoughtful answers. You have 2 excused absences. 15%
Article ReviewThe students are required to write an 'analytical review' (max 700 words) of an academic article that will be chosen from a given selection of articles. Integrate in your analysis the information provided by the textbook and pay special attention to the following questions: - What are the key points of the author’s thesis? - What are the strengths and weaknesses of the author’s analysis? - Do you agree/disagree with the author? Why? 15%
Essay n. 1One essay (max 1000 words each) addressing IR theories and their ability to explain real international issues and provide policy guidelines. Students will be asked to examine current affairs events through the prism of the theoretical approaches examined in Part I of the course and provide policy options. 20%
Essay n. 2One essay (max 1000 words each) addressing IR theories and their ability to explain real international issues and provide policy guidelines. Students will be asked to examine current affairs events through the prism of the theoretical approaches examined in Part I of the course and provide policy options.20%
Final Research EssayIn the final exam you will have to write one policy-oriented research essay (max 2000 worlds) on one of the topics reviewed in Part IV (international security, international political economy, and long-term challenges). In this essay, you need to demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply the material covered throughout the course as well as some additional research. Pay special attention to the following questions: - What is the essence of the challenge? - How do IR theories contribute to our understanding of the challenge? - What are the policy options available? - What are your recommendations?30%
Optional EssaysMax 3 essays (700 words each), 1 point added to the overall earned grade for each assignment completed: - Movie analysis. The Quiet American, directed by Phillip Noyce (2003). Frohring Library Call Number: DVD 0584. - Reports on events concerning the course content organized by JCU or other institutions. (Max 2 reports.) 0%

-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 course.
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:
1. Attendance is a fundamental component of your class participation grade. More than two absences will directly affect your class participation grade (and indirectly affect your other assessments).

2. Particularly active and constructive participation in class can round up your overall grade.

3. Readings are mandatory assignments and must be done in advance. 

4. Recommended readings and documents provided by the instructor via Moodle are not compulsory assignments. However, they can be useful sources of inspiration for debates, papers, and independent research projects.

5. Students are invited to consult leading newspapers, journals and magazines to keep informed with ongoing news related to World Politics. 

6. Group works require active participation. Failure to perform shared tasks or to show up will be considered a sign of disrespect toward colleagues. This kind of behavior is strongly discouraged. It will bring down your grade and may complicate your colleagues’ performances.

7. The use of traditional notebooks and notetaking is encouraged. Laptops and other electronic devices are allowed for the sole purpose of taking notes and enhancing participation during classes.
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

(The course schedule and the readings may be subject to changes and revisions)

Week

Topic

Assignments

1

Course intro.

Analyzing international politics: actors and levels of analysis

Read:

  • Baylis, Introduction and Chapter 1.

Part I - Theories of International Relations

2

Classical Theories: Realism and Liberalism

Read:

  • Baylis, Chapter 6, 8.

  • Thucydides, The Melian Dialogue (Jervis)

  • Hans Morgentahu, Six Principles of Political Realism (Jervis)

  • Michael W. Doyle, Kant, Liberal Legacies, and Foreign Affairs (Jervis)

3

Beyond Classical Theories #1: Neorealism and Neoliberalism

Read:


Recommended:

  • John J. Mearsheimer, “The False Promise of International Institutions,” International Security 19, no. 3 (1994/5)

  • Robert. O. Keohane and Lisa Martin, “The Promise of Institutionalist Theory,” International Security 20 no.1 (1995)

4

Beyond Classical Theories #2: Constructivism, Marxism, Feminism, Post-Colonialism.

Read:

  • Baylis, Chapter 7 and 12

  • Alexander Wendt, Anarchy Is What States Make of It (Jervis)

  • Ian Hurd, Legitimacy in International Politics (Jervis)

  • Recommended: Baylis Chapter 9/10/11/13.

Part II - Understanding World Politics

5

Conflict and Cooperation

  • War and International Relations

  • International Institutions

Read:

  • Baylis, Chapter 14, 19, 20.

  • Kenneth Oye, The Conditions of Cooperation in World Politics (Jervis)

  • Robert J. Art, The Four Functions of Force (Jervis)

  • Robert Jervis, Offense, Defense, and the Security Dilemma (Jervis)

  • Thomas C. Schelling, The Diplomacy of Violence (Jervis)

  • Stanley Hoffman, The Uses and Limits of International Law (Jervis)


Submit: Article Review.

6

Culture, Identity, and World Politics

Read:

  • Baylis, Chapter 17, 18 and 30


Debate: Current affairs through the prism of IR theories.

7

Midterm Assessment

Midterm review session.

Midterm exam - Essay n. 1.

Part III - The Evolution of the International System

8

The International System from Westphalia to the First World War.

Read:

  • Baylis, Chapter 2.

  • Woodrow Wilson, Address to a Joint Session of Congress on the Conditions of Peace ["The Fourteen Points"] Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/206651

  • Lawrence D. Freedman, “The War That Didn’t End All Wars. What Started in 1914 – and Why It Lasted So Long”, Foreign Affairs, November/December 2014.

9

History: World War II and the Cold War

Read:


Recommended Reading:

  • Thomas J. Christensen and Jack Snyder, “Chain Gangs and Passed Bucks: Predicting Alliance Patterns in Multipolarity,” International Organization, Vol. 44, No. 2 (Spring, 1990), pp. 137-168

10

The End of the Cold War and the Post-Cold War era

Read:


Debate: The Post-Cold War International System: Unipolar or Multipolar?

Part IV - World Politics Today, and Tomorrow

11

Security: Terrorism, Nuclear Weapons and WMDs, and Cyber security

Read:

  • Baylis, Chapter 28 and 29.

  • Bruce Hoffman, What Is Terrorism? (Jervis)

  • Kenneth N. Waltz, Why Iran Should Get the Bomb (Jervis)

  • Herbert Lin, Cyber Conflict and National Security (Jervis)

12

International Political Economy: Trade, Development, and Global Social Challenges.

Read:


Submit: Essay n. 2

13

Long-Term Challenges: Humanitarian Concerns and the Environment

Read:

  • Baylis, Chapter 24, 25, 31, and 32.

  • One of the following:

  • Garrett Hardin, The Tragedy of the Commons (Jervis)

  • Alan Dupont, The Strategic Implications of Climate Change (Jervis)

  • Joe Western and Joshua S. Goldstein, Humanitarian Intervention Comes of Age (Jervis)

  • Benjamin A. Goldstein, The True Costs of Humanitarian Intervention (Jervis)

  • Alexander B. Downes, To the Shores of Tripoli? Regime Change and Its Consequences (Jervis)

  • Rhoda E. Howard and Jack Donnelly, Human Rights in World Politics (Jervis)

14

The Future of World Order:

Read:

Recommended:

  • Barry S. Posen, The Emerging Multipolarity: Why Should We Care? (Jervis)

  • John Ikenberry, The Future of the Liberal World Order (Jervis)

  • Dani Rodrik, A Sane Globalization (Jervis)

  • Michael Cox, Power Shifts, Economic Change, and the Decline of the West? (Jervis).

  • Subramanian, The Inevitable Superpower: Why China’s Dominance is a Sure Thing (Jervis)

  • Graham Allison, “The Thucydides Trap: Are the U.S. and China Headed for War?”, The Atlantic, September 24, 2015, https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2015/09/united-states-china-war-thucydides-trap/406756/

Debate: The Liberal Order and its Discontents

Final Exams

Submit: Research Essay