University of North Georgia
Department of Political Science and International Affairs
POLS 2401 Global Issues
Fall 2015
Dr. Christopher Kroh
Office: DOB 117, Dahlonega
Office Phone: 470-239- (Cumming)
706-867-4526 (Dahlonega)
Office Hours: 2:00pm-4:00pm Tuesday/Thursday (Cumming Campus)
11:00am-12:00pm, 2:30-3:30pm Monday/Wednesday/Friday (Dahlonega)
Email: christopher.kroh@ung.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to introduce students to the scholarly approaches, actors, issues, and
processes associated with an ever-changing international political system. Accordingly, the goal
of the course is to ensure that students come away not only with a greater understanding of the
challenges associated with global politics but also to develop the analytical skills necessary to
effectively assess decision-making at all levels. This will be accomplished by a review and
discussion of the course material, but also through completion of current event reports, research
papers, exams, discussion and group exercises.
REQUIRED READINGS
Joshua Goldstein and Jon C. Pevehouse. (2013) International Relations, 2013-2014 Update, 10th
Edition. 0205971369.
Paul Collier. (2008) The Bottom Billion: Why the Poorest Countries are Failing and What Can
Be Done About It. 0195373383
Note: Students are encouraged to follow current events via the BBC, NPR, Washington Post, and
other news outlets. I may refer to events in my lectures which you may utilize in exam responses.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
This course will provide students with a basic introduction to important themes, concepts, and
theories of international relations. At the end of this course, students will be able to:
 Conceptually evaluate and critically analyze fundamental processes in the international
system such as competition, conflict, and cooperation;
 Understand both the past and present functioning of the world system and the emergence
of the nation-state as the key actor in international relations;
 Identify the contributions of non-state actors to an evolving international system
 Apply different perspectives and insights from political science, history, economics,
sociology, psychology, and philosophy to their understanding of international phenomena;
 Develop a global perspective through the study of world political phenomena;
 Understand and appreciate other peoples, cultures, and societies.
GRADE BREAKDOWN
Midterm Exam: 25%
Final Exam: 25%
Research Paper: 20%
Participation 10%
Common Writing Assignment: 10%
Current Event Report: 10%
GRADING SCALE
89.5 – 100 = A
69.5 – 79.4 = C
79.5 – 89.4 = B
59.5 – 69.4 = D
≤59.4 = F
EXAM FORMAT
The exam format will consist of two sections: short ids and an essay with each contributing
toward fifty percent of the exam grade. The id section will consist of twelve terms of which five
or more must be answered (best five answers are counted toward the grade) with each answer
worth ten points. Answers should be approximately five to seven sentences in length and should
describe the id in full detail while also providing relevant analysis. Finally, students will select
one essay from among two options which will be worth fifty points or half of the exam grade.
Answers should be approximately the front and back of one page in length and should entail a
broader application of the approach to answering ids but with a greater emphasis placed upon
analysis. A study guide will be posted on D2L approximately one week prior to the exam. It will
contain 3 potential essay questions and roughly 20-30 potential short ids. Exam material will be
drawn from the course texts and lectures (the outlines of which will be posted on D2L prior to
each class), as well as from class discussions, video clips, and group projects.
RESEARCH PAPER
Students may select any topic related to international politics. The U.S. does not need to be
referenced in the paper though American foreign policy topics are welcomed. Topics must be
approved by the instructor (please refer to due dates below). Papers should be 7-9 (numbered)
pages in length, double-spaced, in Times New Roman 12 inch font, and with one inch margins.
Students should identify and properly cite a minimum of 4 sources. Non-traditional sources such
as interviews and volunteering may be permitted. For example, a student may decide to volunteer
for a community organization with an international focus, while yet another may interview a
person who is an expert or has first-hand familiarity with the selected topic.
In addition to the 7-9 pages, a separate title page and works cited page must accompany the
paper. Students must submit the paper in the drop box on D2L which will then be uploaded
onto to Turnitin.com. I will review rough drafts as time permits. The paper assignment will be
worth 100 points or 20% of the semester grade. Papers will be assessed according to the
following criteria: Coherent Writing/Sentence Structure, Proper Grammar & Spelling,
Organization, Accuracy of Content, Quality of Analysis, and Proper Use of Citation.
PAPER DUE DATES: Research Topic: November 2
Final Draft: December 2
POTENTIAL PAPER TOPICS
Combating Terrorism
Drug or Human Trafficking
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Nuclear Proliferation
Impact of Multi-National Corporations
International Banking and Finance
Global Environment
International Trade
Role of the UN
Impact of an NGO or Transnational Advocacy Networks
INSERT YOUR IDEA HERE!
PAPER SOURCES
ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox, and MSNBC are acceptable media sources, but national papers like the
Washington Post, Washington Times, The New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street
Journal may also prove useful as might NPR. The Economist, CSM, BBC, Foreign Policy, and
Financial Times are excellent resources for this course. Google Scholar, Jstor and other search
engines should be consulted for academic journals or books. Finally, students may consult IO
(World Bank) or NGO (Doctors without Borders) websites or publications for additional
information. You may cite the text, dictionaries and encyclopedias but they do not count as
sources. WIKEPEDIA IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE SOURCE!
CURRENT EVENT REPORT
Current event reports provide students with an opportunity to monitor and reflect upon key issues
and actors associated with global politics. Students will be required to submit a 2-page (see
above for format guidelines) summary (what, who, etc.) and analysis (why important and
opinion) of key issues relevant to this course. The report should be turned in through the drop
box on D2L. Reports will be worth 100 points or 10% of the course grade. A minimum of 1-2
sources are required, but a title page is not required. Reports are due on the date selected by the
student on the sign-up sheet passed around the first day of class.
CLASS PARTICIPATION
Classroom discussion plays an important part in this course, both as a component of your final
grade and as a way of learning the material (and, hopefully, learning it in a way that has enduring
value for you). I expect you to take an active role in the learning process. Be ready to discuss the
readings, recent events, and carefully prepare your arguments before class meetings. We will
also have some group projects where you will work with classmates in proposing solutions to
some of the problems we address in this course. There is no grade for attendance. However,
students who fail to attend 3 or more class meetings without providing proper documentation of
extenuating circumstances may be administratively withdrawn at the instructor’s discretion.
COMMON WRITING ASSIGNMENT
Students are expected to write a 1200-1500 word paper on articles to be assigned through D2L.
This paper should be typed in Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-space, page-numbered
and one-inch margins. Citation must be in MLA, APA, or Chicago Manual format. It must
include a separate title and works cited page which are not included in the word count.
Assignments will be worth 100 points or 10% of the course grade. Students must submit the
assignment in the drop box on D2L which will then be uploaded onto to Turnitin.com. No
late papers will be accepted, no exceptions!
You must answer the following questions in your paper:
Question #1: What is the global issue raised in this article? Provide specific examples from the
article to support your answer.
Question #2: What is the main argument put forth by the author(s) in discussing this global
issue? What theoretical perspective (i.e., realist, liberal, radical, etc.) and/or empirical evidence
do the authors use to support their argument(s)? Are they successful in effectively demonstrating
their points? Provide specific examples from the article to support your answer.
Question #3: Identify the main actors in the international system affected by this global issue
and at which particular level of analysis that actor operates (individual, state/domestic, and
systemic/global). How does this global issue affect the different actors in the international
system, for example individuals, states, intergovernmental organizations, nongovernmental
organizations, etc.? Provide specific examples to illustrate your points.
Question #4: Considering the relevance of this issue today, what should be done in the future?
What actors should respond and how? In your answer address the impact on and/or response by
individuals, states, and transnational actors (IGOs, NGOs, etc.).
LATE WORK AND WITHDRAWALS
Unless a prior arrangement has been worked out with the instructor, five points will be deducted
for each day the Research Paper or the Current Event Report is late in addition to overall
assessment of the work. Make up opportunities and incomplete grades will be given at my
discretion and in accordance with UNG policy. You should make every effort to contact me
before the time of the scheduled assignment or exam to arrange a make-up. I will require proof
of suitable and valid documentation (medical, legal, or administrative) to make up the missed
assignment. My phone number and e-mail address are printed on this syllabus. I reserve the right
to change the exam questions or format on any make up exam offered. Ultimately it is your
responsibility to withdraw from the class without academic penalty. Do not assume I will
automatically drop you if you stop attending class.
SYLLABUS CHANGES
I reserve the right to make changes as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated
during the term of the course, I will immediately notify you of such changes both by announcing
it in class and sending an email to your UNG student account.
STUDENT DISCIPLINARY POLICY
Students who exhibit behaviors that are considered to obstruct or disrupt the class are subject to
sanctions under the Board of Regents Policy on Disruptive Behavior. Behaviors which may be
considered inappropriate in the classroom includes, but is not limited to, sleeping, coming in late,
talking out of turn, inappropriate use of laptops or mobile devices, verbal behavior that is
disrespectful of other students or the faculty member, or other behaviors that may be disruptive.
Students who exhibit such behavior may be temporarily dismissed from the class by the
instructor and will be subject to disciplinary procedures outlined in the Student Handbook. Do
NOT consult your electronic devices during lectures. If you expect an important call or text
please stand up and make use of your telephone in the hallway. You must take notes. You are
welcome to use a computer etc. yet, if I observe that you make use of the computer to browse the
internet or you use it in any other way that is not related to note taking you forfeit the right to use
it in this class. If students continue to use electronic devices once class is in session the instructor
has the right to hold such devices at the front of the room until the end of the class session.
Repeated violations will fall under the disciplinary procedures written in the student handbook.
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
University of North Georgia is committed to equal access to its programs, services, and
activities, and welcomes otherwise qualified students with disabilities. Students who require
accommodations and services must register with Disability Services and submit supporting
documentation. Disability Services provides accommodation memos for eligible students to give
to their instructors. Students are responsible for making arrangements with instructors, and must
give reasonable prior notice of the need for accommodation.
Contact Information for Disability Services:
Dahlonega Campus: Thomas McCoy, Assistant Director, thomas.mccoy@ung.edu, Stewart
Student Success Center, Room 313, 706-867-2782
Cumming Instructional Site: Nicola Dovey, Director, nicola.dovery@ung.edu or Beth Bellamy,
Test Facilitator, beth.bellamy@ung.edu 678-717-3855. (For on-site assistance, contact Rebecca
Rose, Head Librarian, rebecca.rose@ung.edu, Library University Center 400, 470-239-3119.
ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
Student Code of Conduct: Please review the Student Code of Conduct located on the Dean of
Students website. Any instance of plagiarism or cheating will result in a zero grade for the
assignment and/or a failing grade for the course (“F”) depending on the severity of the offense
and to be determined by the instructor.
Copyright: Both Federal and State laws forbid the unlawful duplication of copyrighted computer
software or other reproductions of copyrighted material. In accordance with these policies,
University of North Georgia expressly forbids the copying of such materials supplied by or used
in the College. Unlawful duplication of copyrighted materials by a user may result in disciplinary
action by the College under the Student Code of Conduct (Non-Academic Infractions-Prohibitions, Theft), and/or possible criminal action by the owner of the copyright.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
Please note that in the event of inclement weather that causes a campus closure or delayed
opening, an announcement will be distributed first through the university’s Emergency
Notification System. Should a campus be closed or delay opening due to weather conditions, an
announcement will be published by 6:30 a.m. When campuses return to normal operations,
students, staff and faculty should always use their best judgment about traveling depending upon
road conditions in their area. In addition to the Emergency Notification System, the university
will provide information and updates at www.ung.edu/emergency. The Office of University
Relations will also disseminate information through local media outlets.
COURSE CALENDAR
August 17: Introduction
Read: IR Chapter 1
August 19: Realist Theories
Read: IR Chapter 2
August 24: Liberal Theories
Read: IR Chapter 3, Pgs. 85-96
August 26: Social Theories
Read: IR Chapter 3, Pgs. 96-122
August 31: Foreign Policy Decision-Making
Video: Excerpt from Fog of War (2005)
September 2: International Conflict
Read: IR Chapter 5
Video: Russia vs. NATO (Guardian Animation), Tribunal on Rwanda website, Map of Nuclear
Explosions on the Earth from 1945-1998
September 7: Labor Day-No Class
September 9: In groups, students will propose solutions to a variety of conflicts (issues to be
assigned in advance)
September 14: Military Force and Terrorism
Read: IR Chapter 6:
Youtube: 10 Boko Haram Facts
September 16: Exam Review
September 21: Midterm Part One
September 23: Midterm Part Two
September 28: International Organizations
Read: IR Chapter 7, Pgs. 233-254
September 30: NGOs and TANs
October 5: International Law
Read: IR Chapter 7, Pgs. 254-264
October 7: Human Rights
Read: IR Chapter 7, Pgs. 264-275
Youtube: Videos on ICC and European Court of Human Rights
October 12: International Trade
Read: IR Chapter 8
October 14: International Trade
Youtube: Explaining the WTO with Maps, Trans-Pacific Agreement
October 19: Global Finance and Business
Read: IR Chapter 9
October 21: Global Finance and Business
Youtube: What is the IMF? European debt crisis visualized, More countries announce plans to
join China-led regional development bank
October 26: International Integration
Read: IR Chapter Ten, Pgs. 355-370
Youtube: Assorted EU videos
Common Assignment Due
October 28: International Integration
Online: ASEAN, MERCOSUR, and West African Union
Research Paper Topic Due
November 2: International Development
Read: IR Chapter 13
November 4: International Development
Youtube: India endangered of losing BRIC status, 60 Minutes: Brazil’s Rising Star, China: The
Road to Sustainable Growth
November 9: In groups, students will address a variety of issues as members of the UN Security
Council (roles and issues to be assigned in advance)
November 11: The Bottom Billion
Read: Collier Chapters 1-4
November 16: The Bottom Billion
Read: Collier Chapters 5-8
November 18: The Bottom Billion
Read: Collier Chapters 9-11
November 23-28: Fall Break!!!!!
November 30: Environment and Population
Read: IR Chapter 11
Youtube: Almonds Eating California Dry
December 2: Exam Review
Research Paper Due
December 7: Final Exam, 12:40-2:40pm
If you need this document in another format, please email or call Andrew Eade:
Andrew.eade@ung.edu 706-864-1628