JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY COURSE CODE: "PL 209-3" COURSE NAME: "International Affairs" SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2014

SYLLABUS INSTRUCTOR: Lars Rensmann EMAIL: [email protected] HOURS: TTH 4:30 PM 5:45 PM TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45 CREDITS: 3 PREREQUISITES: OFFICE HOURS: Wed 2-4pm, and by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The class offers a general introduction to the study of International Affairs, or International Relations (IR) and world politics, in a “partially globalized world.” (Robert Keohane) The study of International Relations explores the relationships between various actors in the international and global arena of politics. Students will acquire and distinguish different concepts and theories to examine continuity and change in international relations. A central concern is the problem of international conflict, peace and security in the interplay of sovereign states and international institutions. A primary goal of the course is to recognize and grasp the major actors, structures and dynamics of international relations as well as relevant approaches to understand the global political order. In particular, the course will provide a basic scholarly understanding of the factors and causes of international conflict and conflict resolution. The class also aims at understanding controversies about, and engendering conceptual insights into, the nature of power and the (global) economy in international relations; the relationship between nation-states and non-state actors; and the changing role of international institutions, international law, and human rights norms. At the end of the class, students will be able to recognize and employ different approaches to understanding international affairs and the key challenges they face in the global age.

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT: The course is divided into four major sections. In a first section, students will be introduced to major issues, concepts, and problems of global politics in an age of the globalization of politics. A second section will discuss the major theories of international relations and the ways they frame and organize IR scholarship. The controversies about the nature of global politics and the international order are based on different assumptions and presuppositions that structure our view of international relations and world politics. In the third section, structures and agents of international relations are examined, from nation states to international organizations such as the UN and the European Union and powerful state and non-state players. A fourth and final section will deal with contemporary issues, challenges and events of world politics, and enable students to apply theoretical conceptions. Topics include international and global security, international terrorism, global poverty and justice, environmental politics and humanitarian interventionism. The class is shaped by lectures, readings, and interactive class discussion.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will be introduced, first and foremost, to major schools of thought of IR theory & scholarship seeking to understand and explain international and global politics. Students will be able to differentiate between these schools, evaluate them, and also apply them to various issues of international relations and problems, events, and challenges of global politics. Second, students will become familiar with major principles, actors, and institutions of international relations and the global order.  Third, students will get introduced to the study of key contemporary global issues and conflicts of international politics; in so doing, they will learn to grasp, discuss, evaluate and apply conceptual tools and theories in order to better “read” and interpret historical and current world affairs.

TEXTBOOK: Book Title Author Publisher ISBN number Library Call Number Comments Format Local Bookstore Online Purchase The Globalization of World Politics, 5th Edition John Baylis, Steve Smith, and Patricia Owens Oxford University Press 978-0-19-956909-0

REQUIRED RESERVED READING: Book Title Author Publisher ISBN number Library Call Number Comments International Politics: Enduring Concepts and Contemporary Issues Robert J. Art & Robert Jervis Longman 978-0205778768     RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING: NONE

GRADING POLICY -ASSESSMENT METHODS: Assignment Guidelines Weight In-Class midterm exam, questions and written answers   30% Final exam, questions and written answers   30% Term “policy paper,” 5 pages   30% Participation   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: Attendance is mandatory. Since the class discussions comprise an absolutely essential component of this course, course attendance is compulsory; the grade for your active participation will comprise 10 percent of the final grade. In order to make participation a meaningful experience for everyone, and most importantly for you, you will have to read assigned materials before class sessions and participate in 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

INTRODUCTION January 14: International Relations and Global Politics: Introduction to the Course; Organization Readings: None PART I:  GLOBALIZATION AND PROBLEMS OF IR & WORLD POLITICS January 16: International Relations and Global Politics: Key Concepts and Problems Readings: Steve Smith, Patricia Owens and John Baylis, “Introduction,” in Baylis/Smith/Owens, The Globalization of World Politics, pp.1-13. January 21: The Globalization of Politics and the Politics of Globalization Readings: Anthony McGrew, “Globalization and Global Politics,” in Baylis/Smith/Owens, The Globalization of World Politics, pp.16-31. PART II: HISTORY, THEORIES, AND APPROACHES TO IR & GLOBAL POLITICS January 23: The Westphalian System and the Evolution of International Society Readings: David Armstrong, “The Evolution of International Society,” in Baylis/Smith/Owens, The Globalization of World Politics, pp.34-49. January 28: The Long Twentieth Century and its Aftermath: From Cold War to a Post-Westphalian Global Order? Readings: Len Scott, “International History 1900-1990;” Michael Cox, “From the Cold War to the World Economic Crisis,” in Baylis/Smith/Owens, The Globalization of World Politics, pp.50-80. January 30: Realism and ‘Westphalianism’: International Politics and the Anarchy of States Readings: Tim Dunne & Brian C. Schmidt, “Realism,” in Baylis/Smith/Owens, The Globalization of World Politics, pp.84-99; Additional: Morgenthau, “Six Principles of Political Realism;” Waltz, “The Anarchic Structure of World Politics,” in Robert J. Art & Robert Jervis, International Politics: Enduring Concepts and Contemporary Issues. February 4: Liberalism and Liberal Institutionalism: Between States and International Institutions Readings: Tim Dunne, “Liberalism,” in Baylis/Smith/Owens, The Globalization of World Politics, pp.100-113; Additional: Doyle, “Kant, Liberal Legacies, and Foreign Affairs,” in Art & Jervis, International Politics. February 6: Neo-Realism and Neo-Liberalism: Contemporary Approaches, Hegemonic Debates Readings: Steven L. Lamy, “Contemporary Mainstream Approaches,” in Baylis/Smith/Owens, The Globalization of World Politics, pp.114-129; Additional: Keohane, “International Institutions: Can Interdependence Work?” in Art & Jervis, International Politics. February 11: Marxist and Post-Colonial Critiques of the World System Readings: Stephen Hobden & Richard Wyn Jones, “Marxist Theories of International Relations;” Christine Sylvester, “Post-Colonialism,” in Baylis/Smith/Owens, The Globalization of World Politics, pp.130-147; 182-195. February 13: Social Constructivism Readings: Michael Barnett, “Social Constructivism,” in Baylis/Smith/Owens, The Globalization of World Politics, pp.148-165; Wendt, “Anarchy is What States Make of It,” in Art & Jervis, International Politics. February 18: Cosmopolitanism and Global Ethics Readings: Richard Shapcott, “International Ethics,” in Baylis/Smith/Owens, The Globalization of World Politics, pp.196-211. February 20: Feminism and Gender in World Politics Readings: J. Ann Tickner, “Gender in World Politics,” in Baylis/Smith/Owens, The Globalization of World Politics, pp.262-277. February 25: MIDTERM REVIEW February 27: In­-Class Examination. PART III: STRUCTURE AND AGENCY IN IR AND GLOBAL POLITICS March 4: International Law Readings: Christian Reus-Smit, “International Law,” in Baylis/Smith/Owens, The Globalization of World Politics, pp.278-293. FINAL PAPER ASSIGNMENT TO BE HANDED OUT. March 6: International Regimes Readings: Richard Little, “International Regimes,” in Baylis/Smith/Owens, The Globalization of World Politics, pp.294-309. March 11: The United Nations I Readings: The United Nations Charter; http://www.un.org/en/documents/charter/   March 13: The United Nations II Readings: Paul Taylor & Devon Curtis, “The United Nations,” in Baylis/Smith/Owens, The Globalization of World Politics, pp.310-326. SPRING BREAK, March 17-21 March 25: International Organizations and Transnational Actors Readings: Peter Willets, “Transnational Actors and International Organizations in Global Politics,” in Baylis/Smith/Owens, The Globalization of World Politics, pp.326-342; Additional: Keck and Sikkink, “Transnational Activist Networks,” in Art & Jervis, International Politics. March 27: International Political Economy, Trade and Finance Readings: Ngaire Woods, “International Political Economy in an Age of Globalization,” in Baylis/Smith/Owens, The Globalization of World Politics, pp.246-261; Matthew Watson, “Global Trade and Finance,” in Baylis/Smith/Owens, The Globalization of World Politics, pp.444-457. PART IV:  ISSUES, CONFLICTS AND CONTROVERSIES April 1:  National, International, Global Security: War and New Global Conflicts Readings: Michael Sheehan, “The Changing Character of War,” The Globalization of World Politics, pp.214-229; John Baylis, “International and Global Security,” in Baylis/Smith/Owens, The Globalization of World Politics, pp.230-245. April 3: Global Terrorism Readings: James D. Kiras, “Terrorism and Globalization,” in Baylis/Smith/Owens, The Globalization of World Politics, pp.364-381. April 8: International Relations and Environmental Issues Readings: John Vogler, “Environmental Issues,” in Baylis/Smith/Owens, The Globalization of World Politics, pp.346-363. April 10: Global Justice and Global Poverty Readings: Caroline Thomas & Tony Evans, “Poverty, Development, and Hunger,” in Baylis/Smith/Owens, The Globalization of World Politics, pp.458-477. April 15:  Human Security and Human Rights Readings: Amitav Acharya, “Human Security;” Jack Donnelly, “Human Rights,” in Baylis/Smith/Owens, The Globalization of World Politics, pp.478-509; Additional: Howard and Donnelly, “Human Rights in World Politics,” in Art & Jervis, International Politics. April 17: “Humanitarian Intervention” Readings: Alex J. Bellamy & Nicholas J. Wheeler, “Humanitarian Intervention in World Politics,” in Baylis/Smith/Owens, The Globalization of World Politics, pp.510-525; Additional: Kofi Annan, “Reflections on Intervention;” Barnett and Snyder, “The Grand Strategies of Humanitarianism;” in Art & Jervis, International Politics. April 22: Final Discussion: The Future of International Relations and World Politics Readings: Posen, “Emerging Multipolarity: Why Should we Care?” in Art & Jervis, International Politics. April 24: FINAL REVIEW TERM PAPER DUE. April 26-May 2: Final Exam (Look for Announcements)