PLSC 212
Introduction to International Politics
Eastern Michigan University
Winter 2015
CRN: 20333
T & Th, 9:30-10:45 p.m., 420 Pray-Harrold
Dr. Judith Kullberg
Office: 601-S Pray-Harrold
Telephone: (734) 487-1405 or (734) 487-3113
Office hours: T & Th. 1-3 p.m. and by appointment
Email: judith.kullberg@emich.edu
Course Description
We live in an increasingly interdependent world, in which events and trends in any
country or region directly or indirectly affect people around the globe. Much of
this interdependence is the result of economic globalization, the merging of
separate national economies into a single integrated global economy in which
multinational corporations (MNCs) freely move capital, operations, and goods across
national borders. The effects of economic globalization have been mixed:
considerable dislocation of workers and low rates of economic growth in Europe and
the U.S., increased income inequality within and between countries, but also rapid
technological innovation and rising standards of living in newly industrialized
countries such as China and India. The emergence of new middles classes in once
poor nations has increased demand for natural resources and commodities such as
oil, natural gas and food, driving prices higher and increasing the cost of living
around the world. As traditional cultures and ways of life in less developed nations
are disrupted by the advancing global economy, millions of people migrate each year
in search of opportunities. The massive movements of capital, goods, and people
around the planet are supported by a communications network that allows for
instantaneous transmission of enormous amounts of data.
Against this backdrop of increasing global integration, humanity is facing serious,
even existential threats. Some of these threats arise from the current pattern of
economic development, which is clearly unsustainable. Population growth, rising
standards of living, and constantly increasing consumption are straining the earth's
natural resources and ecosystems, causing widespread environmental degradation
and global climate change. Other threats, such as ethnic conflict and war, are
ancient; however, the lethality of the weaponry used in modern warfare is
tremendous. 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, and are likely to
be soon acquired by Iran as well. It is also conceivable that nuclear weapons, as
well as chemical and biological weapons (all of which are referred to as "weapons of
mass destruction," WMD), could fall into the hands of terrorist organizations.
Whether or not humanity can successfully respond to the threats and challenges of
the 21st century will largely depend on the ability of the nations of the world to
cooperate and collaborate. Although there is no world government, there is an
international system that allows for some degree of governance. The primary
elements of this system are 194 separate states. The primary structure bringing
them together is the United Nations, an international organization established in
1945 to enhance international security, facilitate cooperation, further economic
development, and strengthen human rights. The United Nations, its agencies, and
courts have increased international cooperation in many areas, and a growing body
of international law has stabilized the contemporary world. In addition to the UN,
there are thousands of other international non-governmental and governmental
organizations, each established for particular purposes. These organizations
collaborate with other organizations and states to achieve their goals. Despite the
high level of organization of the contemporary international system, individual
states often act unilaterally to enhance their security and pursue their particular
national interests. Many still seek to constantly expand their power and to
dominate other states. In sum, contemporary international politics is characterized
by both cooperation and competition.
This course will provide you with theories and concepts that will help you
to understand and analyze the complex mosaic of contemporary world politics. It
will introduce you to the major approaches in the study of international relations, a
field within the discipline of political science. We will explore the changing nature
of the international system, the causes of war and interstate conflict, the factors
that influence foreign policy decision-making, and the determinants of economic
development. In addition, we will examine a range of problems and controversial
issues, such the desirability of free trade and economic globalization, the wars in
Iraq and Afghanistan, the response to international terrorism, the role of
international law and institutions in protecting fundamental human rights, and the
causes and consequences of global poverty.
Course Objectives
The primary objective of the course is that you deepen your understanding of
international relations (IR). You will acquire a good grasp of basic concepts used in
the study of IR. You will also become familiar with the major theoretical
perspectives used in the study of IR. You will be able to identify and discuss major
historical events that shaped the contemporary international system. You will also
acquire a good understanding of that system and the structure and role of
international institutions, particularly the United Nations. You will use all of this
knowledge to analyze current international issues and events and to develop your
own perspectives. Finally, you will be encouraged to consider your own role and
responsibilities as a member of the global community.
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 research designs and 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 not only
giving them basic factual knowledge of international relations and global processes,
but also by providing them with 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 in
the systematic study of international politics as well as interactions between
societies and cultures.
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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.
Readings
The required reading for the course will primarily come from the textbook below.
It can be purchased at the bookstore in the EMU Student Center or online
booksellers such as Amazon.com. Another option is to purchase access to the
digital format at less than half the publisher’s retail price
(http://www.coursesmart.com ).
Joshua S. Goldstein and John C. Pevehouse, International Relations (Pearson),
Brief 6th edition, 2013-14 update (ISBN:978-0-205-07143-5).
All other required readings listed on the syllabus can be found on the course
eCollege companion website (http://www.emuonline.edu), either under “Docsharing”
or “Webliography.” In addition, I will occasionally assign short news articles that
are directly related to the themes of the course. I will distribute these articles in
class and/or post them on eCollege.
Course Requirements
Students are expected to:
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 before the class for which
it is assigned. 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 activities in class will reinforce the
knowledge you acquire through reading, but they are not a substitute for
reading. Your mastery of the course concepts and factual information provided
in the readings and lectures will be assessed through quizzes, in-class
activities, and exams (see below).
Attend Class and Participate
Class attendance and participation are strongly correlated with learning and
performance. You should attend regularly and when present, pay attention and
participation in discussion. To help maintain focus and enhance retention of
course concepts, you should also take notes during lecture. To encourage you to
attend class, I will award up to 100 points for attendance and participation,
depending on the percentage of class sessions you've attended and the quality
of your participation. Not including exam days, there will be 28 class sessions
in the term, which means that attendance at each class is worth approximately
3.57 points. Occasionally, points will be based on an in-class quiz, activity, or
your notes on that day’s lecture, which I will occasionally collect at the end of
class.
Use the course eCollege site and check your email
I have created a companion eCollege webpage at www.emuonline.edu . All
information necessary for class (except for the textbook), including the
syllabus, assignments, lecture powerpoints, relevant videos and supplemental
readings will be available on the eCollege site. The companion site also has links
to ancillary materials from the textbook publisher, including downloadable
podcasts and practice tests. In addition, you will submit assignments using the
dropbox on the site and I will return them to you through the companion
site. Scores will also be posted in the online course gradebook. Finally, all
course announcements will not only be emailed to you (you should check your
email regularly), but also posted on the companion site.
Follow world affairs
To achieve the greatest benefit from this course, you should follow the
international news. Recommended news sources include The New York
Times andThe Washington Post (available online); periodicals such as The
Economist or The Nation; and radio news broadcasts such as the noncommercial Free Speech Radio News (online at http://www.fsrn.org or
broadcast on WCBN, 88.3 FM, 5:30-6:00 p.m. Mon.-Fri.); National Public Radio
(online athttp://news.npr.org or on the hour at WEMU, 89.1 FM or WUOM, 91.7
FM); and BBC news (online at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world or broadcast on
WUOM, 91.7 FM, 9:00-10:00 am, Mon.-Fri.). As noted above, I will occasionally
distribute news articles and these will be considered part of the required
reading.
Research
Over the course of the term, you will complete and submit two short, 3-5 page
research papers. These will involve analysis of some aspect of international
relations using various kinds of information, including simple statistics. Each
research assignment will be worth 100 points. The first paper will be due
January 27 and the second March 26. Both assignments will be distributed two
weeks before the due date.
Debate
During the semester, we will hold four informal debates on current issues in
international affairs. Each student will participate in two debates as a member
of a 3-person team. These debates will require considerable preparation in the
form of research and acquisition of firm knowledge of the topic under
consideration. Teammates, the audience, and I will assess the quality of each
participant’s contribution to the debate. Debate participation will be worth 50
points each (100 points total), which is approximately 17% of the final course
grade. Guidelines and rubrics for the debates will be distributed in class and
posted on the course reserves web site early in the semester. The makeup
assignment for those unable to participate in the debate (with an excused
absence) will be a 4-5 page paper that succinctly presents your team’s
argument.
Take Exams
Mastery of course concepts will be primarily assessed by means of a midterm
exam (February 19) and a comprehensive final exam (April 23). The midterm
will be worth 100 points and the final 150. Exams will be composed of a mix of
short answer and essay questions. A study guide will be posted on the eCollege
site a week prior to each exam.
Grading Scale
The total number of possible points that you can earn on the assignments, the
debate, quizzes/activities, and exams is 650. The course grade will be based on the
percentage of the points earned, according to the following scale:
605-650 A
585-604 A566-584 B+
540-565 B
520-539 B500-519 C+
475-499 C
455-474 C434-454 D+
410-433 D
390-409 D0-408 F
Late Assignments and Makeup Exams
Except in cases of serious illness or family emergency, late assignments will not be
accepted. When requesting an extension on an assignment, you must document the
illness or emergency. Similarly, if you cannot participate in a debate or take an
exam at the scheduled time due to a university-excused absence, illness, or
emergency, you must contact me prior to the debate or exam to reschedule, along
with an official excuse or evidence of the situation. Makeup exams will be in allessay format.
Classroom Etiquette
We will be considering many controversial issues during the semester and much
class time will be devoted to discussion of these issues. In order to have an open
and interesting exchange of ideas, we all must respect the right of others to
express their views. Interruption when another person is speaking, disparagement
of the ideas or views of others, and any other behavior that disrupts the class or
interferes with the exchange of ideas will not be tolerated.
Electronic Devices
During class, cellphones should be turned off or muted and placed in book bags or
pockets. Laptops can be used in class, but only for the purpose of taking notes.
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. Any assignment
that is plagiarized, even in part, will receive a score of zero. Similarly, cheating on
an exam is forbidden and will also result in a zero score on the exam. Any form of
academic misconduct will also be reported to the Office of Student Conduct and
Community Standards. A handout on plagiarism will be distributed in class with the
first research paper assignment and posted on the course eCollege site.
Schedule of Topics & Readings
January 6
Overview of the Course
January 8
Problems and Concepts in the Study of International Relations
Goldstein & Pevehouse, Ch. 1, pp. 1-19 (up to “Global Geography”)
January 13
Geography, History, and the Changing International System
Goldstein & Pevehouse, Ch. 1, pp. 19-33.
Elbridge Colby and Paul Lettow, “Have We Hit Peak America?: The Sources of
U.S. Power and the Path to National Renaissance,” Foreign Policy, JulyAugust 2014, 54-63.
January 15
Realism
Goldstein & Pevehouse, Ch. 2, "Realist Theories," pp. 35-49 (up to “Alliances”)
John J. Mearsheimer, “Why the Ukraine Crisis is the West’s Fault: The Liberal
Delusions that Provoked Putin,” Foreign Affairs (September-October
2014), 77-89.
January 20
Realism: Alliances, Strategy, and Game Theory
Goldstein & Pevehouse, Ch. 2, pp. 49-60
Robert M. Citino, “The War that Wasn’t,” Military History (January 2015), 3443.
January 22
The Critique of Realism, Part I: Liberalism and Social Theories
Goldstein & Pevehouse, Ch. 3, pp. 63-71 (up to “Domestic Influences”)
Miriam Gomes Saraiva, “The Brazilian Soft Power Tradition,” Current
History (February 2014), 64-69.
January 27
The Critique of Realism, Part II: Marxism, Peace Studies, Feminism
Goldstein & Pevehouse, Ch. 3, pp. 86-104
James Whitehead, “Peace Studies: An Alternative Perspective on International
Security,” E-International Relations, (August 30, 2013).
January 29 & February 3
Domestic Influences and Foreign Policy
Goldstein & Pevehouse, Chapter 3, pp. 71-86
David Rothkopf, “National Insecurity: Can Obama’s Foreign Policy Be
Saved?,” Foreign Policy, September-October 2014.
Film: Bush’s War
February 5
War: Causes and Consequences
Goldstein & Pevehouse, Ch. 4, pp. 107-113
Jean-Marie Guehenno, “10 Wars to Watch in 2015,” Foreign Policy (January 2,
2015).
Yochi Dreazen, “Tour of Duty,” Foreign Policy (September-October 2014), 5259.
February 10
Conflicts of Ideas and Interests
Goldstein & Pevehouse, Ch. 4, p. 113-136 (up to “Conventional Military Forces”)
James Traub, “The Lighthouse Dims,” Foreign Policy (November-December
2014).
Thomas de Waal, “The G-Word: The Armenian Massacre and the Politics of
Genocide,” Foreign Affairs (January-February 2015), 136-148.
February 12
Military Force and Terrorism
Goldstein & Pevehouse, Ch. 4, pp. 136-149
Shamila N. Chaudhary, “In Pakistan, a New Focus for
Counterterrorism,” Current History (April 2013), 152-54.
February 17
Weapons of Mass Destruction
Goldstein & Pevehouse, Ch. 4, pp. 149-157
Scott D. Sagan, “The Future of the Nuclear Order,” Current History (January
2014), 23-25.
February 19
***Midterm Exam***
WINTER BREAK
February 24 & 26, no class
March 3
International Organization & the UN
Goldstein & Pevehouse, Ch. 6, pp. 207-226 (up to “The European Union”)
James Verini, “Should the United Nations Wage War to Keep Peace?,” National
Geographic (March 2014).
March 5
International Law and Human Rights
Goldstein & Pevehouse, Ch. 6, pp. 240-255
“From Gaza to Ferguson: Exposing the Toolbox of Racist Repression,” Foreign
Policy in Focus (August 2014).
March 10
International Integration & the European Union
Goldstein & Pevehouse, Ch. 6, pp. 226-240
Matthias Matthijs and R. Daniel Kelemen, “Europe Reborn: How to Save the
European Union from Irrelevance,” Foreign Affairs (January-February
2015), 96-107.
March 12
Economic Globalization: Trade
Goldstein & Pevehouse, Ch. 5, pp. 163-181
Essays by Hills, Wilson and Castaneda on NAFTA, Foreign
Affairs (January/February 2014), 122-141.
Martha Burk, “How the TPP Sells Out America’s Women,” Foreign Policy in
Focus (December 2014).
March 17
Economic Globalization: The Monetary System, Finance, and International
Business
Goldstein & Pevehouse, Ch. 5, pp. 187-202.
Mark Blyth and Eric Lonergan, “Print Less but Transfer More: Why Central
Banks Should Give Money Directly to the People,” Foreign
Affairs(September-October 2014), 98-109.
March 19
The North-South Gap
Goldstein & Pevehouse, Ch. 7, pp. 259-271 (to “Theories of Accumulation”)
Angie Ngoc Tran, “The Vietnam Case: Workers versus the Global Supply
Chain,” Harvard International Review (Summer 2011), 60-65.
March 24
Causes of the North-South Gap
Goldstein & Pevehouse, Ch. 7, pp. 271-278 (to “Development Experiences”)
Anirudh Krishna, “The Mixed News on Poverty,” Current History (January
2013), 20-25.
March 26
Economic Development: Paths to Growth
Goldstein & Pevehouse, Ch. 7, pp. 278-289 (to “North-South Capital Flows”)
Uri Dadush, “Converging Economic Destinies,” Current History (January 2014),
26-29.
March 31
International Development: Capital Flows and Foreign Assistance
Goldstein & Pevehouse, Ch. 7, pp. 289-305
“Banker to the Poor: A Conversation with Jim Yong Kim,” Foreign
Affairs (September-October 2014), 70-76.
Maya Kroth, “Under New Management,” Foreign Policy (September-October
2014), 60-65 .
April 2
The State of Planet Earth: Environmental Degradation and Climate Change
Goldstein & Pevehouse, Ch. 8, pp. 308-327 (up to “Pollution”)
Judith Shapiro, “The Evolving Tactics of China’s Green Movement,” Current
History (September 2013), 224-229.
Oscar Reyes, “At the Lima Climate Talks, It Was Groundhog Day All Over
Again,” Foreign Policy in Focus (December 2014).
April 7
The State of Planet Earth: Pollution and Natural Resources
Goldstein & Pevehouse, Ch. 8, pp. 318-327 (to “Population”)
Layne Hartsell and Emanuel Pstreich, “Peer-to-Peer Science: The Century-Long
Challenge to Respond to Fukushima,” Foreign Policy in Focus (September
2013).
April 9
The State of Planet Earth: Population, Disease, and Health
Goldstein & Pevehouse, Ch. 8, pp. 327-334 (up to “The Power of Information”)
Thomas Insel et al, “Darkness Invisible: The Hidden Global Costs of Mental
Illness,” Foreign Affairs (January-February 2015), 127-135.
Laurie Garrett, “Sierra Leone’s Ebola Epidemic is Spiraling out of
Control,” Foreign Policy (December 10, 2014).
April 14
Technology and Globalization
Goldstein & Pevehouse, Ch. 8, pp. 335-342
Shane Harris, “The Social Laboratory,” Foreign Policy, July-August 2014.
April 16
Conclusion: IR and the Global Future
Goldstein and Pevehouse, Ch. 8, pp. 342-344
Sharachchandra Lele, “Rethinking Sustainable Development,” Current
History (November 2013), 311-16.
Thursday, April 23
9-10:30 a.m.
***Final Exam***