Alternative World Futures
Michael D. Kanner
Instructor Contact Information
Telephone:
(none in office) Department of Political Science office is (303) 492-7871
E-mail:
michael.kanner@colorado.edu
Office Location:
Ketchum 4 B
Office hours:
Mon., Wed., Fri. 10 to 11 AM
Campus Box:
333 UCB
Website:
http://socsci.colorado.edu/~kanner/
Communication Policies:
Because I do not have a phone in my office (and am not on campus Tuesday or Thursday), I am best
contacted by e-mail. I normally answer within 8 hours, even on weekends. If I have not answered
(even if only acknowledging receipt) in 24 hours, please call the Political Science office and have them
contact me. They have my private phone number.
Instructor Bio:
I am a member of the political science faculty at the University of Colorado, Boulder and regularly
teach courses in all aspects of international relations from security studies to development to
international behavior. In addition, I have written and published on the use of causal models (as well
as taught a course on rational choice modeling). While my Bachelor’s degree was in Science with a
concentration in engineering, I also have a Master’s in Managerial Science from Troy State University,
a Master of Arts in international relations from Salve Regina University and a Ph.D. from the
University of Colorado, Boulder where I focused on political psychology and its effect on foreign
policy decision making. Since then, my research has focused on political psychology and decision
making as applied to international negotiations.
Course Description:
Aims to help students think about the future of the world in a systematic way. Focuses on alternative
projections and policies dealing with major problems. Teaches students how observations about
how events are linked lead to beliefs about the world and eventually theories, practices, and policies.
Prerequisite: PSCI 2223 and junior or senior standing.
Objectives: (levels refer to Bloom’s taxonomy)
1. Recognize the role of agency and causation (level 1)
2. Explain the role of theory in understanding the world (level 2)
3. Compare the differences among the theories (level 6)
a. Identify the assumptions that frame the theory (level 2)
b. Relate how assumptions result in different perspectives about the world (level 3)
c. Examine the accuracy and validity of these assumptions (level 4)
4. Evaluate theories as applied to current political issues (level 6)
Overview:
In addition to assigned readings, students will participate in on-line discussions about the subject
matter in each chapter. This is similar to traditional teaching in which I focus class around a central
question. Many of these will ask you to apply a specific theory to a recent event and then assess
what the theories prediction would be. This technique has been popular and effective in other
courses.
Students will also conduct a research project to demonstrate their ability to apply the concepts. The
project is discussed below.
Course Outline:
Lesson
Causality and Theory
What causes what?
From observation to decision
Cause and theory construction
Liberalism
Realism
Structuralism
Critical Theory
Postmodernism
Social constructivism
Feminist perspectives
Ecological perspectives
Conclusion
Reading (Book and chapter
number)
Module I
CM 1 & 2
CM 3 & 4
CM 5 & 6
CM 7, 9, & 10
Module II
IRT 1
IRT 2
IRT 3
Module III
IRT 4
IRT 5
IRT 7
IRT 6
IRT 8
IRT, Conclusions; CM 13
Suggested Completion Date
Sep. 15
Sep. 22
Sep. 29
Oct. 6
Oct. 13
Oct. 20
Oct. 27
Nov. 3
Nov. 10
Nov. 17
Nov. 24
Dec. 1
Dec. 8
All work must be done no later than 11:59 on Dec. 8, 2013
CM
IRT
Causal Models: How People Think about the World and Its Alternatives.
An Introduction to International Relations Theory: Perspectives and Themes.
Required Texts:
Sloman, Steven. 2005. Causal Models: How People Think about the World and Its Alternatives. New
York: Oxford University Press.
Steans, Jill; Lloyd Pettiford, Thomas Diez and Imad El-Anis. 2010. An Introduction to International
Relations Theory: Perspectives and Themes. New York: Longman.
Student Responsibilities:
Students are expected to do all of the assigned readings. In cases where additional readings or
videos are part of a discussion question, students are expected to read or view before posting their
response.
In addition to doing the assigned readings, students will participate in the on-line discussions.
Participation consists of posting their responses and their reaction to the postings o other students.
When a posting has resulted in a question from Dr. Kanner, they need to respond that that question
as well.
Each module is followed by an exam on that section. These exams will consist of short essays about
the major questions within the module.
Students will write a literature review to demonstrate their ability to apply the theories and develop
a forecast based on the tenets of the theory. Studies will be 5 to 8 pages.
Grading Criteria:
Grades are based on a scale of 100 points. Your final grade will be a function of the number of points
that you achieve.
A
A-
94-100
90-93
B+
B
B-
87-89
83-86
80-82
Points are allocated based on the following:
Module I Exam
Module II Exam
Module III Exam
Critical Insight Paper
On-line participation
Total
C+
C
C-
77-79
73-76
70-72
D+
D
D-
67-69
63-66
60-62
F
0-59
20 points
20 points
30 points
15 points
15 points
100 points
Module exams. There is an exam at the end of each module. The exam will consist of 1200 to 1500
(4 to 6 pages) word paper on one of two posted questions. Specific instructions and questions will be
posted at the end of the module. Completed essays will be posted to the appropriate folder in D2L.
Critical Insight Paper. This paper will involve taking a in depth view of one of the theories in An
Introduction to International Relations Theory: Perspectives and Themes.
1. Choose one of the theories (numbered chapters) that interests you.
2. Choose an article from a journal or periodical that represents the concepts of this theory.
3. Explain how the concepts are expressed or evident in the article.
4. Write 800 to 1000 word essay on why this chapter and article were significant to you and
how you think the theory helps you think about the future
5. Write one question that came to mind while you were completing the assignment.
On-Line Participation. Discussions on the DESIRE2LEARN (D2L) Forum List are in lieu of classroom
discussions. You should post your thoughts on the questions and comments of other students. If I
respond to your posting with a question, you should answer the question.
Just as you need to be on time for classes, you should participate in the discussions in a timely
manner. That is why grades for each post will only be given full credit (1 points) if they are prior to
the suggested completion date for the module. You will be given partial credit (1/2 point) for a week
after that. POSTINGS AFTER THAT WEEK WILL NOT BE GIVEN ANY CREDIT.
Submission Policies:
Module exams are available on D2L. You should make sure that you have a good internet connection
before starting the exam because dropped service can result in losing your work.
The module exams and critical insight paper will be sent to the appropriate DROPBOX folder on the
D2L website.
Course Plagiarism Policy:
Plagiarism is defined as “portrayal of another’s work or ideas as one’s own”
(http://honorcode.colorado.edu/about-honor-code/definitions) and will not be tolerated in this
course. Violations will result in an F for the course.
Standard Campus Syllabi Requirements
Notice for students with disabilities:
If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please submit a letter from Disability
Services in a timely manner so that your needs may be addressed.
(1) The Boulder Provost's Disability Task Force recommended syllabus statement:
If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please submit to me a letter from Disability
Services in a timely manner so that your needs be addressed. Disability Services determines
accommodations based on documented disabilities. Contact: 303-492-8671, Willard 322, and
www.Colorado.EDU/disabilityservices
Disability Services' letters for students with disabilities indicate legally mandated reasonable
accommodations. The syllabus statements and answers to Frequently Asked Questions can be found
at
www.colorado.edu/disabilityservices
(2) It is the responsibility of every instructor to clearly explain his or her procedures about absences
due to religious observances in the course syllabus so that all students are fully informed, in writing,
near the beginning of each semester's classes. Campus policy regarding religious observances states
that faculty must make reasonable accommodation for them and in so doing, be careful not to inhibit
or penalize those students who are exercising their rights to religious observance. Faculty should be
aware that a given religious holiday may be observed with very different levels of attentiveness by
different members of the same religious group and thus may require careful consideration to the
particulars of each individual case. See http://www.colorado.edu/policies/fac_relig.html
Observance of Religious Holidays
Campus policy regarding religious observances requires that faculty make every effort to deal
reasonably and fairly with all students who, because of religious obligations, have conflicts with
scheduled exams, assignments or required attendance. Because of this being an on-line course, this
should not be an issue, however, please contact me as soon as possible if it will be. See full details at
http://www.colorado.edu/policies/fac_relig.html
A comprehensive calendar of the religious holidays most commonly observed by
CU-Boulder students is at http://www.interfaithcalendar.org/
Online Classroom Behavior Policies
Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining an appropriate learning environment.
Those who fail to adhere to such behavioral standards may be subject to discipline. Professional
courtesy and sensitivity are especially important with respect to individuals and topics dealing with
differences of race, culture, religion, politics, sexual orientation, gender, gender variance, and
nationalities. Class rosters are provided to the instructor with the student's legal name. I will gladly
honor your request to address you by an alternate name or gender pronoun. Please advise me of this
preference early in the semester so that I may make appropriate changes to my records. See policies
at http://www.colorado.edu/policies/classbehavior.html and at
http://www.colorado.edu/studentaffairs/judicialaffairs/code.html#student_code
Discrimination and Harassment Policies
The University of Colorado at Boulder policy on Discrimination and Harassment, the University of
Colorado policy on Sexual Harassment and the University of Colorado policy on Amorous
Relationships apply to all students, staff and faculty. Any student, staff or faculty member who
believes s/he has been the subject of discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, national
origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status should contact the Office of
Discrimination and Harassment (ODH) at 303-492-2127 or the Office of Judicial Affairs at 303-4925550. Information about the ODH, the above referenced policies and the campus resources available
to assist individuals regarding discrimination or harassment can be obtained at
http://www.colorado.edu/odh
Honor Code Policies
All students of the University of Colorado at Boulder are responsible for knowing and adhering to the
academic integrity policy of this institution. Violations of this policy may include: cheating, plagiarism,
aid of academic dishonesty, fabrication, lying, bribery, and threatening behavior. All incidents of
academic misconduct shall be reported to the Honor Code Council (honor@colorado.edu; 303-7352273).
Students who are found to be in violation of the academic integrity policy will be subject to both
academic sanctions from the faculty member and non-academic sanctions (including but
not limited to university probation, suspension, or expulsion). Other information on the Honor Code
can be found at http://www.colorado.edu/policies/honor.html and at
http://www.colorado.edu/academics/honorcode/