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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PL 212"
COURSE NAME: "International Organizations"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2014
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Silvia Scarpa
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MW 1:30 PM 2:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: PL 209
OFFICE HOURS: by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course aims at introducing students to the concept of global governance, its challenges and limitations and the most important actors at the supra-national level. The foundations of intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and the role they play in world politics will be specifically studied. Attention will be dedicated in particular to understanding the structure, functions, major achievements and challenges faced by the most important intergovernmental organization, namely the United Nations (UN). Its action in the fields of international peace and security, human rights and the environment, as well as the major challenge related to reforming the organization will be studied. Regional and sub-regional organizations - such as the European Union (EU), the Organization of American States (OSA), the African Union (AU) and the League of Arab States - security organizations – including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) will also be taken into consideration. Finally, while it is evident that IGOs remain fundamental actors at the supranational level, the role that new ones - such as inter alia non-for profit non-governmental organizations and multinational corporations - play in world politics will be examined too.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
The course discusses the fundamental concept of global governance, identifies relevant well-established and new emerging actors at the international level and examines their structure and functions, as well as the challenges they face.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students attending the course are expected to have acquired a specific knowledge of the concept of global governance. They will have developed an understanding of what IGOs are and how they work and they will be able to discuss about the challenges determined by the emergence of new actors in world politics. They will also have conducted group work and research on a topic of their choice for the purpose of drafting an advocacy plan.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
International Organizations: The Politics and Processes of Global GovernanceMargaret P. Karns & Karen A. MingstLynne Rienner Publishers 978-1588266989     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Mid-Term ExamEssay questions.25%
Final ExamEssay questions.25%
Advocacy PlanGroup work + essay (2,000 words minimum). 25%
Oral presentationIn-class oral presentation of group work. 15%
Class participationStudents shall attend classes and participate to class discussions.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:
Students are expected to attend classes regularly to read assigned reading materials before each class and to contribute to 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

                                       WEEK

 

TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED

READING ASSIGNMENTS

Week 1 (September 1 and 3)





             

Introduction to the Course. The challenges of global governance.

Karns & Mingst, Ch. 1

Week 2 (September 8 and 10)

September 8: last day for late registration/last day to add/drop a class.

The foundations of Global Governance.

Karns & Mingst, Ch. 3

Week 3 (September 15 and 17)

The Actors of Global Governance: the United Nations.

Karns & Mingst, Ch. 4

Week 4 (September 22 and 24)

The Actors of Global Governance: regional and security organizations

Karns & Mingst, Ch. 5

Week 5 (September 29 and October 1)

The Actors of Global Governance: States and Non-State Actors

Karns & Mingst, Ch. 7 and 6 (read them in this order!)

Week 6 (October 6 and 8)

 

October 6: General summary

October 8: Mid-term exam

Week 7 (October 13 and 15)

 

International Peace and Security

Karns & Mingst, Ch. 8, p. 289 - 354.

Week 8 (October 20 and 22)

Con’t

Week 9 (October 27 and 29)

Protecting Human Rights

Karns & Mingst, Ch. 10

Week 10 (November 3 and 5)

Protecting the Environment

Karns & Mingst, Ch. 11

Week 11 (November 10 and 12)

November 14: last day to withdraw from a class

The Dilemmas of Global Governance

 

Karns & Mingst, Ch. 12

Week 12 (November 17 and 19)

Students’ Presentations

NOVEMBER 17: DEADLINE FOR THE SUBMISSION OF ADVOCACY PLANS.

Week 13 (November 24 and 26)

Students’ presentations

Week 14 (December 1 and 3)

Con’t and Final summary.

Week 15 (December 6 - 12)

Final exam

Date TBA