JCU Logo
JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PL 209-2"
COURSE NAME: "World Politics"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2024
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Giulia Daga
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: TTH 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:

The course is structured along three thematic sections:

The first part of the course introduces the main historical turning points of international history, with a focus on how the current international system has been constructed and evolved until today.

The second part introduces and discusses the main traditional and critical International Relations theory.

The third parts addresses some of the most important current transnational and international issues, it introduces the plurality of actors that operate in the international system, and it discusses the challenges and tensions that derive from the interaction between the structure of the current international system and the evolving dimensions of an increasingly globalized world.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students will learn the basic theoretical and historical notions that are essential to pursue a more advanced academic path in international relations. It integrates frontal lectures with discussions that seek to encourage the student's critical thinking, and it also seek to provide the students with a more practical understanding of how international organizations work through a mock simulation of a UN organ on one of the issues dealt with during the course.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
The Globalization of World PoliticsJohn Baylis, Steve Smith, and Patricia OwensOxford University Press9780192898142     
International Politics Enduring Concepts and Contemporary IssuesROBERT J. ART; TIMOTHY W. CRAWFORD AND ROBERT JERVISRowman & Littlefield978-1-5381-6955-1     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Attendance and Class discussionThis includes active participation in class, reading and discussion of weekly assigned chapters/articles.15%
Position paperThe position paper is due in preparation of the mock debate. It should present the topic and the arguments supported by the assigned actor on the topic, by reviewing its historical and current positions.10%
Mock debateThe students will be asked to represent a state or a non-state actor in a mock debate pertaining to a current or historical international topic.10%
Midterm examThe midterm exam consists of written open-ended questions.25%
Final examThe final exam consists of written open-ended questions.30
Oral presentation 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 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:
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.
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

Make-up classes:

20 September instead of 28 November

11 October instead of 12 September

NB. recommended readings will be provided on moodle or on the slides to integrate the textbooks

 

PART I: INTERNATIONAL HISTORY

Week 1 – The ‘construction’ of the international system

Reading: Baylis et al, Chapter 1 (Introduction:from international politics to world politics), Chapter 3 (The rise of the modern international order)

Week 2 – The post-WWI system

Reading: Baylis et al, Chapter 4 (pp. 54-58), International History of the twentieth century, Chapter 31, Nationalism, national self-determination and international relations

Week 3 – The Cold War system

Reading: Baylis et al, Chapter 4 (pp. 59-69), International History of the twentieth century, Chapter 21, The United Nations

Week 4 – The post-Cold war system / oral presentations

Reading: Baylis et al, Chapter 5, From the end of the Cold War to a new world dis-order?, Chapter 6, Rising powers and the emerging global order

 

PART II: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORY

Week 5 – Realism(s)

Reading: Baylis et al, Chapter 9 - Realism

Week 6 – Liberalism(s) / Marxism(s)

Reading: Baylis et al, Chapter 7 - Liberal Institutionalism, Chapter 8 -Marxist theories of international relations

Week 7 – Review / Midterm Exam

Week 8 – Constructivism(s) / Poststructuralism(s)

Reading: Baylis et al, Chapter 13- Social constructivism, Chapter 12 - Poststructuralism

Week 9 – Critical theories (postcolonial and feminist approaches)

Reading: Baylis et al, Chapter 11- Postcolonial and decolonial approaches, Chapter 10- Feminism

 

PART III: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES AND ACTORS

Week 10 – International security

Reading: Baylis et al, Chapter 15 - International and global security, Chapter 29- Terrorism and globalization

Week 11 – Mock debate (UN security council)

Week 12 – Human rights / The environment

Reading: Baylis et al, Chapter 32- Human rights, Chapter 24- Environmental issues

Week 13 – Contemporary nation-states’ tensions (globalization, migration, self-determination)

Reading: Baylis et al, Chapter 2- Globalization and global politics, Chapter 26-Refugees and forced migration

Week 14 – Review / Final exam