Political Science 212
Introduction to International Politics
CRN 17298
EMU Online Course
Professor Judith Kullberg
jkullber@emich.edu
734-487-1405
Office hours T & Th 10-12 and by appointment
We live in an increasingly interdependent world, in which events and trends
in any country or region directly or indirectly affect the rest of the globe.
For example, rapidly rising standards of living in China and India over the
last decade have increased the global demand for natural resources and
commodities such as oil and steel, driving the global market prices for such
goods higher and increasing the cost of living around the globe. Another
example is the phenomenon of migration. Millions of people migrate (move
from one country to another) each year in search of a better life. It is
estimated that approximately 200 million people (3% of the world's
population) are living, legally or illegally, outside of their country of origin,
often far from their homeland. Some perform unskilled labor that is
avoided by citizens of the host country, typically receiving low wages;
others bring technical knowledge and skills that are highly valued and well
compensated.
Perhaps the most powerful example of the contemporary interdependence
of the world's peoples is environmental degradation. Population growth
and constantly increasing human consumption of natural resources are
wreaking havoc on the earth's natural environment and altering the global
climate. Finally, the security of all people living today is threatened by the
existence of weapons with tremendous destructive capacity. Nuclear
weapons that originated in the most scientifically and technologically
advanced nations (the United States and the former Soviet Union) during
the Cold War era are now also in the possession of several less developed
and politically unstable nations, such as North Korea and Pakistan. It is thus
quite conceivable that nuclear weapons, and possibly also chemical and
biological weapons (all of which are referred to collectively as "weapons of
mass destruction" or WMD), could conceivably fall into the hands of
terrorist organizations. This proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
has considerably complicated the international balance of power and poses
a serious and continuing threat to international security.
This course will provide you with theories and concepts that will help you
to understand and analyze these and other phenomena that comprise the
complex mosaic of contemporary world politics. It will also introduce you to
the major approaches to the study of international relations. We will
explore the topics mentioned above along with more general questions
such as the changing nature of the international system, the causes of war
and interstate conflict, the factors that influence foreign policy decisionmaking, and the determinants of economic development. In addition, we
will examine a range of problems and controversial issues, such the U.S.
invasion and occupation of Iraq, the response to international terrorism,
the role of international law and institutions in protecting fundamental
human rights, and the desirability of free trade and economic globalization.
Course Objectives
In this course you will:
Acquire knowledge of the major theories used in the study of
international relations.
Acquire an ability to identify and discuss the major historical events
that have shaped the internatinal system.
Understand the character of the international system and the role of
international institutions, particularly the United Nations.
Use theories and concepts to identify the likely causes of
contemporary problems and conflicts as well as possible solutions to
those problems.
Consider your own role and responsibilities as a member of the
global community.
Develop an awareness of major contemporary international issues as
well as your own perspectives on them.
General Education Rationale
PLSC 212 satisfies the "Knowledge of the Disciplines: Social Science"
requirement of the EMU General Education curriculum because it
emphasizes how political scientists acquire and share knowledge about the
world. The course requires students to use the theoretical frameworks of
the study of International Relations (IR) -- including realism, neo-realism,
liberalism, and feminism -- to pose and address questions about
contemporary issues and problems, including interstate disputes and wars,
economic globalization, the increasing inequality among rich and poor
nations, protection of human rights, threats to environmental quality and
population growth. Through examination of research on such topics,
students become familiar with the process of social science research and
acquire the ability to critically evaluate the design of research as well as the
results from research. The course also provides students an opportunity to
gather, examine, and interpret data, and to report the findings of their
research, thus contributing to their understanding of how inquiry is
conducted and knowledge is disseminated in political science. In sum, the
course prepares students for citizenship in a global community by providing
them with basic factual knowledge of international relations and global
processes, as well as the tools necessary to understand and explain
international events and global patterns of change.
General Education Social Science Objectives
In this course, you will:
Acquire an understanding of social science methods and how they
are used to engage in the systematic study of international politics as
well as interactions between societies and cultures.
Understand and compare the formal and informal social and political
structures, organizations and institutions that comprise the world
system.
Explore power relationships among states and the ways in which
changes in the global system across history have affected the
developmental trajectories of nations and the life experiences of
their citizens.
Use social science methods to conduct research on topics in
international relations and to make informed decisions regarding
international issues.
Learn the differences between qualitative and quantitative data.
Clearly and concisely present the results of research, using both
qualitative and quantitative data.
Textbook(s)
The textbooks below contain most of the required reading for the course.
They can be purchased at campus area bookstores or through amazon.com
or similar online booksellers.
Title: International Relations
Author: Joshua Goldstein and Jon C. Pevehouse
Publisher: Pearson
Edition/Year: 10th edition, 2012-13 update
ISBN: 978-0-205-87526-9
Title: Annual Editions World Politics 12/13
Author: Robert Weiner
Publisher: McGraw-Hill
Edition/Year: 33rd edition, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-078-05125-8
You can also acquire online access to a digital version of the text at
CourseSmart.com for less than 1/2 the publisher's suggested retail
price. Click the link below to sample the online version:
Goldstein and Pevehouse, 10th edition, 2012-13 update
Annual Editions: World Politics 12/13
Course Policies and Procedures
Expectations.
Keep up with the course schedule
The main advantage of an online course is that you can work at
your own pace. However, this does not mean that there is no
structure or deadlines. All work for each unit of the course
must be finished by the unit deadline. You can find the
deadlines for each unit at the bottom of the syllabus. They are
also posted in the course calendar. Since the Summer 2 term is
only 7.5 weeks long, we will be moving fast, covering the same
amount of material in a regular 15 week term in half the
time. There are 14 units in the course, so you will need to
complete approximately two units per week. As described
more fully below, completion of a unit means doing the
assigned reading for that unit, completing the lecture,
watching a short video or two, participating in online
discussion, occasionally completing a short assignment, and
taking a test. You may also wish to listen to the optional unit
podcasts.
Read and think!
The surest route to a good grade in this class (or any class) is to
complete the assigned reading. You should complete the
reading for each unit before reading the unit lecture. The
reading will introduce you to basic concepts and theories of
international relations, challenge you to think critically about
current issues, and encourage you to develop your own
reasoned judgments on these issues. Lectures, discussions,
films, and assignments will reinforce the knowledge you
acquire through reading, but they are not a substitute for
reading.
"Attend" Lectures
Since this is an online course, the unit lectures are delivered in
the form of Powerpoint presentations. These presentations are
designed to direct your attention to central theories, concepts,
and arguments contained in each unit. You can review the
lectures online, or download them (you can find them under
"Doc Sharing" at the top of the course home page), read them
on your computer, print them out, and even use them as
outlines for notes that can be used during the exams.
Follow world affairs
To benefit fully from this course, I encourage you to follow
current events. Listening to or reading world news will
reinforce what you are learning and allow you to actively used
theories and concepts. Recommended news sources
include The New York Times and The Washington
Post (available online); periodicals such as The
Economist or The Nation; and radio news broadcasts such as
the non-commercial Free Speech Radio News (online
at http://www.fsrn.org or broadcast on WCBN, 88.3 FM, 5:306:00 p.m. Mon.-Fri.); National Public Radio (online
at http://news.npr.orgor on the hour at WEMU, 89.1 FM or
WUOM, 91.7 FM); and BBC news (online
athttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world or broadcast on WUOM,
91.7 FM, 9:00-10:00 am and 10-12 p.m., Mon.-Fri.).
Watch Unit Videos
Almost all units have at least one video. You should watch
these videos at least once, and perhaps twice, taking notes to
help you to remember key points or arguments in the video.
Many of the unit discussions will be connected to issues
explored in the videos.
Participate in Discussions
In each unit, there will be at least one, and occasionally two,
discussion topics. Participation in the online discussions will
help you to develop your understanding of international
relations and strengthen your ability to think critically and
express your ideas. To receive the full number of points
possible (20 or 40, depending on the complexity of the given
topic), your contribution should demonstrate a good
understanding of the topic. You should also follow the
discussions and respond to what others have posted so that a
genuine conversation about the topic can take place. I will also
participate in discussions, usually by asking questions. If
someone directs a question specifically to you, you should
respond before the discussion has ended.
Complete Assignments
Four units have short assignments that should be completed
after the readings, lectures, and discussions, but before exams.
These assignments will involve writing short (2-3 page) essays
on specific topics or require you to analyze and interpret data
about international relations. You should follow the directions
for each assignment carefully. Assignments should be
submitted using the designatedDropbox for each unit.
(The dropbox is located on the right hand side of the course
toolbar at the top of the screen). Assignments will be worth up
to 40 points each.
Take tests
Mastery of unit concepts will be primarily assessed by means
of 60 minute unit tests. These tests will be composed of 20
multiple choice questions worth 2 points each and two short
answer questions, worth 5 points each (10 points each on the
Unit 1 test), for a total of 50 points. The only exception to this
general pattern is the Unit 1 test which has 60 points. There
will also be a final exam worth 150 points. To prepare for unit
tests, you should complete all assigned readings, lectures, and
activities assigned for the unit and make sure you can explain
the key topics and concepts. Multiple choice questions will
primarily cover material in the Goldstein
andPevehouse textbook and lecture. Short answer questions
will largely focus on main unit concepts explored in the
additional readings and lectures. There will also be a short 20minute geography quiz in Unit 1. All tests are open book and
open note.
Participate in optional live Chats
If you have any questions about the readings and assignments,
or would like to discuss what you are learning, you can contact
me by email or make an appointment to meet with me on
campus. You can also log in to the course to participate in
regularly scheduled live chats that I will hold each week. In the
chats you can participate in a general discussion with me and
others or chose to chat privately with me or with any other
student who might be logged in. The first two chats will be on
Thursday, September 12, from 8-10 p.m. and on Monday,
September 16 from 12 -2 p.m. Subsequent chats will be
scheduled at times that are the most optimal for the greatest
number of students.
Late Assignments and Makeup Exams
Except in cases of serious illness or family emergency, all work for each unit
must be completed by the unit deadline specified in the syllabus and in the
course calendar. If you cannot meet the deadline because of illness or
emergency, you should contact me prior to the deadline to reschedule.
When requesting an extension on a unit, you may be asked to provide
documentation of the illness or emergency.
"Classroom" Etiquette
We will be considering many controversial issues during the semester. In
order to have an open and fruitful exchange of ideas, we all must respect
the right of others to express their views in the online discussions. Your
responses to the ideas of other students should be respectful. I will
monitor discussions to ensure they are civil. I reserve the right to remove
statements that are disrespectful or offensive.
Academic Dishonesty
Plagiarism -- the unacknowledged use of the words or ideas of another
person as one's own -- is forbidden by the EMU Code of Student
Conduct. You must use your own words in writing assignments and essays.
Any assignment or exam that is plagiarized, even in part, will receive a
score of zero. You are also on your honor to take the tests individually
and not to collaborate with anyone else on them. The multiple choice
questions are drawn from a test bank and randomized so that no two
tests will be identical.
Schedule
Schedule
Unit deadlines
To receive credit, all work for each unit must be completed and submitted
by 11:59 p.m. on the dates listed below. Note that all unit deadlines for the
semester fall on Tuesdays. After the first unit (which you have 12 days
from the start of the term to complete), we will proceed at a pace of one
unit per week.
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 4
Unit 5
Unit 6
Unit 7
Unit 8
Unit 9
Unit 10
Unit 11
Unit 12
Unit 13
Unit 14
September 17
September 24
October 1
October 8
October 15
October 22
October 29
November 5
November 12
November 19
November 26
December 3
December 10
December 17 (Final exam and extra credit)
Grading Policy
Below is the approximate distribution of points in each unit.
50% - Tests (in 13 units)
20-40% - Discussion (in all units)
40% - Assignments (in 7 units)
Grading Scale
The total number of points that may be earned (not including bonus points
from Unit 14) across the term is 1400. The final course grade will be based
on the percentage of the total number of possible points that you have
earned. To determine course grades, I will follow the regular grading scale,
where 93%-100% of the total course points available is an A, 90%-92% is an
A-, 87-89% is B+, etc. The grading scale with the minimum number of
points needed for each grade is below.
A
1302
A- 1256
B+ 1218
B
1162
B- 1120
C+ 1078
C
1022
C-
980
D+ 938
D
882
D-
840
A grade of F will be given for less than 840 points.