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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY
COURSE CODE: "PL 340"
COURSE NAME: "Political Development in the Third World"
SEMESTER & YEAR:
Spring Semester 2012
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SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR:
Argentieri Federigo
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS:
MW 14:30-15:45
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS:
45
CREDITS:
3
PREREQUISITES:
Prerequisite: PL 223
OFFICE HOURS:
by appointment
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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The definition of Third World has been applied to countries which, albeit located in different geographic areas of the globe, are affected by similar features and problems: recent independence from colonial rule, limited economic development, overpopulation, insufficient infrastructures and availability of public hygiene/health care/education, persisting dependency on developed countries and attempts at reducing or altogether eliminating it. The course will explore the various patterns with an emphasis on historical issues - decolonization and the impact of the Cold War - and the current situation. In examining case studies, particularly focused on the so-called "rogue states", the dichotomies of dictatorship and democracy, national sovereignty and human rights, globalization and autarchy will be analyzed and assessed.
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SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
General issues:
- Definitions of "The Other World"
- Patterns of relationship with developed countries (colonial, neocolonial); terrorism and its consequences
- Political economy, globalization, resources, development
- The role of women
Geographic areas:
- Latin America (case studies: Cuba and Venezuela).
Additional reading: http://www.libreriauniversitaria.it/after-fidel-raul-castro-and/book/9781403975072
- Sub-saharan Africa (case study: Zimbabwe)
Additional reading:
http://www.amazon.it/Dinner-Mugabe-Untold-Freedom-Fighter/dp/0143026186/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1327269497&sr=1-1-catcorr
OR http://www.libreriauniversitaria.it/dinner-with-mugabe-untold-story/book/9780143026181
- Asia (case study: North Korea)
Additional reading: http://www.libreriauniversitaria.it/nothing-to-envy-ordinary-lives/book/9780385523912
OR http://www.amazon.it/Nothing-Envy-Ordinary-Lives-North/dp/0385523912/ref=sr_1_1?s=english-books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327269824&sr=1-1
- The Middle East and North Africa (case study: Iran)
Additional reading:
http://www.amazon.it/Iran-Looming-Crisis-Nuclear-Threat/dp/1846684234/ref=sr_1_1?s=english-books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327269904&sr=1-1
OR http://www.libreriauniversitaria.it/iran-looming-crisis-can-west/book/9781846684234
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LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students should have a good command of the principal instruments of political analysis in a comparative context, including elements of political and social history, political culture and background of the different leaders and ruling forces. They should be able to identify and analyze the main actors, their strategies and their conflicts, their elements of rupture and continuity, as well as the main trends in political life of the countries under scrutiny
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TEXTBOOK:
| Book Title | Author | Publisher | ISBN number | Library Call Number | Comments | Format | Local Bookstore | Online Purchase |
| The Other World - Issues and Politics of the Developing World, 9th edition | Weatherby/Arceneaux/Evans/Long/Reed/Novikova-Carter | Longman | 978-0-205-77887-4 | | | | | |
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REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
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GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
| Assignment | Guidelines | Weight |
| Midterm exam | Questions on general part of textbook | 20% |
| Group discussion of case study book | A presentation of their reading by 6 students (grade is individual) | 15% |
| Book review | 10-page individual review of the same book | 25% |
| Final exam | Question on the regional studies part of the textbook | 30% |
-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:
Regular attendance and active participation in class are essential: this includes punctuality and quick checking of intranet messages. Students are also expected to attend at least half (i.e. five) of the Monday evening film screenings. PLEASE NO SOCIAL NETWORKING DURING CLASS. Unexcused absences will affect the final grade. Makeup examinations will be given or late papers accepted only for documented serious medical or family emergencies.
PLEASE NOTE: Documentary films will be screened as a part of the course material presented (unrelated to the Monday evening series). Occasionally, their screening could begin at 2:00 pm, in which case the previous or following class will be shortened by 15'.
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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.
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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.
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SCHEDULE
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| Session | Session Focus | Reading Assignment | Other Assignment | Meeting Place/Exam Dates |
| Jan. 16-18 | Introduction to the course - General discussion and formation of reading groups | | | |
| Jan. 23-25 | Formation of reading groups ctd | | | |
| Jan. 30-Feb.1 | The Other World | Chapter 1 | Monday Jan. 30 at 7:00 pm, Aula Magna Regina at Guarini campus, REQUIRED participation in the event "Explorers of Excellence" | |
| Feb. 6-8 | The Old and the New | Chapter 2 | | |
| Feb. 13-15 | Political Economy | Chapter 3 | | |
| Feb. 20-22 | Women and Development | Chapter 4 | Monday at 8:15 pm in G.K.G.1, Films from/on the Other World series: "Tropico de Sangre", by Juan Delancer, Dominican Republic, 2010 | |
| Feb. 27 - 29 | Review and midterm | All the above | Monday at 8:15 pm in G.K.G.1, Films from/on the Other World series: "The Last King of Scotland", by Kevin MacDonald, UK 2006 | Midterm exam on Wed. Feb. 29 at 2:30 pm |
| March 5-7-9 | Latin America | Chapter 5 | Monday at 8:15 pm in G.K.G.1, Films from/on TOW series: "Persepolis", by Marjane Satrapi, France/US 2007 | |
| March 12-14 | Sub-Saharan Africa | Chapter 6 | | |
| March 26-28 | MONDAY: Asia part I // WEDNESDAY: Group presentation of "After Fidel"
| Chapter 7 | Monday at 8:15 pm in G.K.G.1, Films from/on TOW series: "Bordertown", by Greg Nava, US/UK 2007 | First book presentation March 28 |
| April 2-4 | MONDAY: Group presentation of "Dinner with Mugabe"//WEDNESDAY: Asia part II | Chapter 7 | Monday at 8:15 pm in G.K.G.1, Films from/on TOW series: "Mugabe and the White African", by Lucy Bailey and Andrew Thompson, UK 2009 | Second book presentation April 2 |
| April 11-16 | WEDNESDAY: Group presentation of "Nothing to Envy"// MONDAY: The Middle East and North Africa part I | Chapter 8 | Monday at 8:15 pm in G.K.G.1, Films from/on TOW series: "A State of Mind", by Daniel Gordon, UK 2004 | Third book presentation April 11 |
| April 18-23 | WEDNESDAY: Group presentation of "Iran - The Looming Crisis"//MONDAY: The Middle East and North Africa-part II | Chapter 8 | Monday at 8:15 pm in G.K.G.1, Films from/on TOW series: "Prisoner of the Mountains", by Serghey Bodrov, Russia 1996 | Fourth book presentation April 18 / Ultimate deadline for turning in the book review April 23 |
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