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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PL 209-2"
COURSE NAME: "World Politics"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2016
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Diane Maye
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 4.30PM 5.45PM
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:

This course will look at International Relations Theory and Practice. The first part of the course looks at the theories of International Relations. The second part of the course looks at International Relations in practice. The debates over free trade versus protectionism, intervention vs. isolation, civil liberties vs. security will be discussed in depth. We will analyze contemporary issues through a combination of lectures, discussion, student oral reports, and debates.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
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.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Conflict and Cooperation Marc A. GenestThompson and Wadsworth0-534-50690-9     
International Politics on the World StageJohn T. Rourke and Mark A. BoyerMcGraw Hill978-0-07-337899-2     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Class Attendance and Participation  15
Policy Debate 1  10
Policy Debate 2  10
Midterm  20
Final Exam 25
News Journal Each student will be required to maintain a news journal throughout the course. The news journal will be collected on the last day of class. Late work will not be accepted. Each new entry ought to be stapled to the first, so that every time you turn in your journal, you turn in the whole thing. It will help me evaluate your progress. The journal assignment is intended to document your engagement with the assigned readings, chapter activities, and with international news. You need to show that you can apply what you are learning in the classroom to what you observe outside the classroom. You may, but you do not have to, answer some of the discussion questions offered in your book or in the study space. You can select a particular point and analyze it further or, offer a synthesis of what you have learned in a week. You are welcome to agree or disagree with points made in lectures or in readings (do not forget the optional readings at times). I will grade you on the quality of your writing. Journals will be collected after Week 8 and after Week 14. 20
   

-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

PART I: THEORIES OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

WEEK 1 -  The Basics of International Relations  

January 19: Introduction to the Course

January 21: Levels of Analysis  

Readings:

·       Genest, pp. 1 - 28

·       Rourke and Boyer, pp. 55 – 85; 132 – 166

·       David Singer, “The Level of Analysis Problem in International Relations,” World Politics 14:1 (October 1961), pp. 77-92. [JSTOR]

Week 1 Discussion Questions (GROUP A)

1.     What is the “international system”?

2.     What are the problems and /or weaknesses of the notion of an “international system”?

3.     What is meant by “levels of analysis”?

4.     How is state “power” measured? What is the nature of power in the international system?


WEEK 2 – The Realist Tradition   

January 26: Classical Realism  

Readings:

·       Rourke and Boyer, pp. 16 – 19

·       Genest, pp. 41 – 87; 495 - 498

January 28: Neo-Realism (Structural Realism)

Readings:

·       Genest, pp. 99 -115

·       Jeffrey Legro and Andrews Moravcsik, “Is Anybody Still A Realist?” International Security 24:2 (Fall 1999) pp. 5-55 [JSTOR]

Week 2 Discussion Questions (GROUP B)

1.     Describe the realist tradition in IR. What are its key assumptions?

2.     What concepts do realists employ to analyze the international system?

3.     Which individuals in the modern-era would you describe as having a realist world-view? Why?


WEEK 3 – The Liberal Tradition  

February 2:  Foundations of Liberalism in IR

Readings:

·       Rourke and Boyer, pp.19 - 22

·       Genest, pp. 123 - 175

·       Woodrow Wilson’s 14 Points, http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/wilson14.asp

February 4: Liberalism in World Politics

Readings:

·       Genest, pp. 176 – 190

·       Michael Doyle, “Liberalism and World Politics.” American Political Science Review 80: 4. (December 1986), pp.1151–-1169.  [JSTOR]

·       Andrew Moravcsik, “Taking Preferences Seriously: A Liberal Theory of International Politics,” International Organization 51:4 (Autumn 1997) pp. 513-553. [JSTOR]
       

Week 3 Discussion Questions (GROUP C)

1.     Can the state of anarchy be overcome? Why or why not?

2.     How would a liberal theorist view the international system?

3.     In what ways to liberalism and realism differ?


WEEK 4 – Critical & Class-Based Theories   

February 9: Marxist Class Systems

Readings:

·       Genest, pp. 191 – 256

·       Rourke and Boyer, pp. 288 – 289

·       Andres Velasco, “Dependency Theory,” Foreign Policy 133 (Nov-Dec 2002), pp. 44-45 [JSTOR]

February 11:  Power in the Global System  

Readings:

·       Theotonio dos Santos, “The Structure of Dependence” The American Ecomomic Review 60:2 (May 1970), pp. 231 -236 [JSTOR]

·       Franz Kohout, “Cyclical, Hegemonic, and Pluralistic Theories of International Relations: Some Comparative Reflections,” International Political Science Review 24:1 (Jan 2003), pp. 51 – 66 [JSTOR}

·       Douglas Lemke, “The Continuation of History: Power Transition Theory and the End of the Cold War,” Journal of Peace Research 34:1 (Feb 1997), pp. 23-39 [JSTOR]

Week 4 Discussion Questions (GROUP D)

1.     Is the Marxist perspective still relevant to International Relations today?

2.     Can a link be made on the basis of security between class struggle and the anarchic nature of the international system described by Hans Morgenthau in “Politics among Nations”? Explain.

3.     What is meant by the core and peripheral zone in the capitalist world system?

4.     How would a realist respond to the Marxist perspective of international relations?

5.     What is dependency theory? Power transition theory? Long-cycle theory? How do they differ?


WEEK 5 – The Post-Modern Tradition    

February 16: Constructivism

Readings:

·       Rourke & Boyer, pp. 25 – 28

·       Genest, pp. 257 – 260; 281 - 311

February 18: Feminism

Readings:

·       Genest, pp. 312 – 372

Week 5 Discussion Questions (GROUP A)

1.     What does Wendt mean by the phrase “social structures”?

2.     How does Wendt explain the construction of the Cold War?

3.     According to Tickner, why does the feminist perspective on IR theory continue to remain outside the mainstream approaches?

4.     How would a feminist analysis of global politics differ from a realist? A liberal? Why?

5.     What are the fundamental assumptions shared by both constructivists and feminists?


WEEK 6 – International Political Economy - Part I (Realist Approaches)

February 23: Mercantilism and Structuralism

Readings:

·       Rourke and Boyer, pp. 282 – 312

·       Jean-Christophe Graz, “Transnational Mercantilism and the Emergent Global Trading Order,” Review of International Political Economy 11:3 (Aug 2004), pp. 597-617 [JSTOR]

February 25: Hegemonic Stability Theory  

Readings:

·       Genest, pp. 88-98

·       Michael Webb and Stephen Krasner, “Hegemonic Stability Theory: An Empirical Assessment,” Review of International Studies 15:2 (Apr 1989), pp. 183 -198 [JSTOR]

Week 6 Discussion Questions (GROUP B)

1.     Who are the most important actors in the global political economy? Why?

2.     Is there a link between economic globalization and democratization?

3.     What is hegemonic stability theory? Do you agree? Disagree? Why?


WEEK 7 – IPE – Part II (Liberal Approaches)

March 1:  Economic Cooperation

Readings:

·       Rourke and Boyer, pp. 314 - 347

March 3: Complex Interdependence Theory

·       Rourke and Boyer, pp. 109 – 118; 286 – 287

Week 7 Discussion Questions (GROUP C)

1.     What are the key concepts of economic liberalism?

2.     How do the views of the mercantilists/statists differ from economic liberals?

3.     According to the economic internationalists, what are the economic and noneconomic advantages of free economic interchange and support for new development?

4.     Which international organizations are at the forefront of economic internationalism?


WEEK 8 –  Midterms

March 8:   Midterm Prep / Review  (GROUP D)
**News Journals Due**

March 10: Midterm

WEEK 9– Alternative Theories of International Relations, Part I

March 15: Bureaucratic Decision-Making

Readings:

·       Genest, pp. 444 – 488

March 17: Neo-Classical Realism

Readings:

·       Colin Dueck, “Ideas and Alternatives in American Grand Strategy, 2000 – 2004,” Review of International Studies 30:4 (Oct 2004), pp. 511-535 [JSTOR]

·       Randall Schweller, “Unanswered Threats: A Neoclassical Realist Theory of Underbalancing,” International Security 29:2 (Fall 2004), pp. 159-201 [JSTOR]

Week 9 Discussion Questions (GROUP A/B)

1.     How does neo-classical realism differ from classical realism and neo-realism?

2.     How does neo-classical realism compare to liberalism? Constructivism?

3.     How would a Marxist critique neo-classical realists?

WEEK 10 – Alternative Theories of International Relations, Part II

March 22: Peace Studies Theory

Readings:

·       Genest, pp. 547 – 583

March 24: Democratic Peace Theory  

Readings:

·       Rourke & Boyer, pp. 40 –41

·       Sebastian Rosato, “The Flawed Logic of Democratic Peace Theory,” The American Political Science Review 97:4 (Nov 2003), pp. 585-602 [JSTOR]

·       Colin Elman, “Introduction: History, Theory and the Democratic Peace,” The International History Review 23:4 (Dec 2001), pp. 757-766

Week 10 Discussion Questions  (GROUP C/D)

1.     Do you agree or disagree with Gandhi’s assertion that economic war is no better than armed conflict?

2.     What are the fundamental values associated with peace studies?

3.     Do democracies go to war with each other?

4.     Would increasing democracy in the Middle East make the region less conflict-prone? Why or why not?

5.     Should democracy be promoted? Why or why not?

PART II: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS IN PRACTICE

****SPRING BREAK****

WEEK 11 –  Security, Alliances, and Organizations  

April 5:  Security Alliances

Case Study: NATO vs. the Warsaw Pact  (Group A)

Readings:

·       “North Atlantic Treaty Organization,” International Organization 9:3 (Aug 1955), pp. 442 -445. [JSTOR]

·       Paul E. Zinner, “Soviet Policies in Eastern Europe,” Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science 303 (Jan 1956), pp. 152 – 165 [JSTOR]

·       Harrison E. Salisbury, “Characteristics of Soviet Foreign Policy,” International Journal 11:4 (Autumn 1956), pp. 243 – 250 [JSTOR]

·       Mark N. Katz, "The Decline of Soviet Power" Survival 32:1 (1990), handouts in class/ [Taylor & Francis] 

Recommended:

Zoltan Barany, The Future of NATO Expansion: 4 Case Studies

April 7: Ethnic Conflict and Intervention

Case Study: 1999 Kosovo Crisis (Group B)

Readings:

·       Rourke and Boyer, pp. 240 – 281

·       Genest, pp. 116 – 122

·       Javier Solana, “NATO’s Success in Kosovo,” Foreign Affairs 78:6 (Nov-Dec 1999), pp. 114-120 [JSTOR]

·       Michael Mandelbaum, “A Perfect Failure: NATO’s War against Yugoslavia,” Foreign Affairs 78:5 (Sept-Oct 1999), pp. 2 – 8 [JSTOR]

Week 11 Discussion Questions (GROUP A/B)

1.     Why do intergovernmental organizations form?

2.     What is the role of international law in international relations?

3.     Is NATO an effective organization? Why or why not?

4.     Should NATO have disbanded after the fall of the Soviet Union?

5.     Is war ever ‘rational’? Why do otherwise rational actors go to war when it is not in their interest to do so?

6.     Was NATO’s intervention in Kosovo legal?

7.     What were the motives of the international community?

WEEK 12 – International Economics in Practice

April 12:  Economic Globalization

Case Study: China’s WTO Accession, 2001 (Group C)

Readings:

·       Rourke and Boyer, pp. 318 – 339

·       Nicholas R. Lardy, “Sweet and Sour Deal,” Foreign Policy 129 (Mar-Apr 2002), pp. 20 – 21 [JSTOR]

·       Hongyi Harry Lai, “Behind China’s World Trade Organization Agreement with the USA,” Third World Quarterly 22:2 (April 2001), pp. 237 – 255 [JSTOR]

·       Michael Pettis, “Will Globalization go Bankrupt?” Foreign Policy 126 (Sept-Oct 2001) pp. 52-59 [JSTOR]

April 14: European Integration and the European Community

Case Study: The Euro (Group D)

Readings:

·       Willem Duisenberg, “Europe and the Euro,” The World Today 54:11 (Nov 1998), pp. 284-285 [JSTOR]

·       Rudi Dornbusch, “Euro Fantasies,” Foreign Affairs 75:5 (Sep-Oct 1996), pp. 110 – 124 [JSTOR]

·       Dominick Salvatore, “The Euro, the European Central Bank, and the International Monetary System,” Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science 579 (Jan 2002), pp. 153 – 167 [JSTOR]

·       Stewart Fleming, “The Euro: Tenth Anniversary: Euro Weighs-In,” The World Today 65:1 (Jan 2009), pp. 28 – 29 [JSTOR]

·       Max Watson, “The Euro and the Global Financial Crisis: Surviving Strain,” The World Today 65:7 (Jul 2009), pp. 29 – 31 [JSTOR]

Week 12 Discussion Questions (GROUP C/D)

1.     As China’s economic power grows, is conflict inevitable? Why or why not?

2.     Is it possible to have a harmony of interests and mutual gains as the Chinese economy expands?

3.     What are the challenges to economic globalization in light of the 2008- 2009 global economic crisis?

4.     How has the European Union changed over time?

5.     What are the hazards and opportunities created by a common currency? Explain.

6.     What are the key similarities and differences between the EU and NAFTA?

WEEK 13 – Transnational Issues

April 19: Environmental Issues

Case Study: The Kyoto Protocol (Group A/B)

Readings:

·       Rourke & Boyer, pp. 348 – 383

·       Stuart Eizenstat, “Stick With Kyoto: A Sound Start on Global Warming” Foreign Affairs 77:3 (May-Jun 1998), pp. 119 – 121 [JSTOR]

·       John Browne, “Beyond Kyoto,” Foreign Affairs 83:4 (Jul-Aug 2004), pp. 20 – 32 [JSTOR]

·       “U.S. Rejection of Kyoto Protocol Process,” The American Journal of International Law 95:3 (Jul 2001), pp. 647-650. [JSTOR]

·       Elena Mclean and Randall Stone, “The Kyoto Protocol: Two-Level Bargaining and European Integration,” International Studies Quarterly 56:1 (Mar 2012), pp. 99 – 113 [JSTOR]

April 21: Human Rights 

Case Study: Human Trafficking (Group C/D)

Readings:

·       Lindsey King, “International Law and Human Trafficking” Topical Research Digest Available: http://www.du.edu/korbel/hrhw/researchdigest/trafficking/InternationalLaw.pdf

·       James Giguere, “Human Trafficking: A Security Perspective,” International Affairs Review 21:2 (Spring 2013)  Available: http://www.iar-gwu.org/sites/default/files/articlepdfs/Human%20Trafficking-%20James%20Giguere.pdf

Recommended:

·       Bishop, Rebecca A., Charlie V. Morgan, and Lance Erickson. “Public Awareness of Human Trafficking in Europe: How Concerned Are European Citizens?” Journal of Immigrant & Refugee Studies 11, no. 2 (2013): 113-35.

·       Bressan, Serena. “Criminal Law against Human Trafficking within the Eu: A Comparison of an Ap- proximated Legislation?” European Journal of Crime, Criminal Law & Criminal Justice 20, no. 2 (2012): 137-63.

 

Week 13 Discussion Questions (GROUP A/B/C/D)

1.     Is it possible for the world to cooperate on environmental issues?

2.     Can the world agree to one standard of human rights? Why or why not?

3.     Which environmental issues may lead to international conflict? What about human rights issues?

4.     Can environmental standards be enforced?

5.     How have contending theories of international relations been modified or changed to accommodate transnational issues?

WEEK 14 – Policy Debate

April 26:  Group A/B : NATO Expansion  

April 28:  Group C/D : NATO and Russian Intervention in Iraq and Syria          

News Journals due: 28 April 2016

WEEK 15

April 30- May 6: Final Exam (Look for Announcements)