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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PL 372"
COURSE NAME: "International Diplomacy and the United Nations"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring Semester 2012
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Schepisi Alberto
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 11:30-12:45
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: Junior Standing
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course aims at offering students an opportunity to understand the new role of international and multilateral diplomacy in a globalized world where the theoretical assumptions of traditional international law(such as the principles of State sovereignty and equality,,of non interference in internal affairs, of the legitimate use of force and so on) are facing a gradual but inevitable transformation.

In other words , it will be explained how the real “ architecture” of the international society is no longer “ rigid and horizontal”,as it emerges from the United Nations Charter and from the old textbooks of international law,but it tends to be more and more “liquid and vertical”.

This gap between theory,law and reality,is the main cause for the crisis of the United Nations and the main reason why it is so difficult to reform it .The instructor will illustrate to students practical cases and examples taken from his diplomatic career,especially from his service at the Italian Permanent Missions at the United Nations in Geneva and in Vienna.

Special attention will be also given to the analysis and discussion on the role of the UN and of international diplomacy in facing the transnational threats and challenges of the 21st century(energy,environment,mass migration,poverty,nulear weapons,,terrorism,organised crime…). 
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
A) INTRODUCTION:

1) Globalization and global international politics

2) The evolution of the international society

3) Modern international law: its meaning and its gradual transformation into a supranational or transnational law.

4) Diplomacy and its role in the contemporary global system

 

B) THE UNITED NATIONS

5 )The United Nations in World Politics

 6) Brief history towards a new world order(1815-1945)

7) The United Nations and its principal organs

8) United Nations Diplomacy

9) The diplomacy of international peace and security: the role of the United Nations

10) The soft power of the UN: economic and social cooperation

11) The UN and the protection of human rights

12) The future of the UN: the reform process

 

C) INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMACY and TRANSNATIONAL ISSUES:

13) Environmental issues

14) Terrorism and globalisation

15) Nuclear proliferation

16) Mass migrations

17) Energy supplies

18) Nationalism as a reaction to globalisation

19) European integration and regional cooperation

 

D) CONCLUSION:

20) Prospects of multilateral Diplomacy

21) The new international order: from a rigid and horizontal  architecture to a liquid and vertical one
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1) Understanding the new role of diplomacy in the current situation of international relations

2) Studying and understanding the meaning and the importance of the activity of the United Nations and the need for reform

3) Analyzing the major international threats and challenges of the 21st century and understanding the importance of multilateral diplomacy in fighting them.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
The globalization of world politics (third edition)John Baylis , Steve Smith,Patricia OwensOxford University Press0-199271184     
The Parliament of manPaul KennedyVintage Books037570341-6     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
The UN in the 21st centuryMingst-KarnsWestview Press978--08133 4346 4-64  

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Final paper on a topic related to the class program 30
Class participation,attendance and contribution to class discussion 20
Midterm examination: one and fifteen written exam consisting in multiple essay questions covering the first half of the course 20
Final examination: 2 and a half hours written exam consisting in multiple essay questions. 30

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
Final letter grades will correspond to the final percentage obtained:

A to A- = 100 % to 90%

B to B- = 89% to 80%

C to C-= 79% to 70%

D to D-= 69% to 60%
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Regular attendance and participation in class is required.
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 1 and 2: Introduction :Globalization,international law,internatinal society,diplomacy.

Week 4,5,6 7 ,8, 9: The United Nations in theory and in practice.

Week 10,11,12,13: International Diplomacy and transnational global issues:

Week14: Conclusions: prospects of international diplomacy