Political Science 132 - Spring 1998
Introduction to International Relations
Dr. Mark A. Boyer
Office Hours: MWF 10-11
Office: 110 Monteith Phone:486-3156
E-mail: boyer@uconnvm.uconn.edu
This course is an interactive overview of international relations. During the semester, you
will discuss a variety of topics ranging from the history of the international system to the
contemporary problems facing international actors. You will also participate in a variety
of active learning exercises to provide you with a hands-on grasp of the way international
relations works and the choices that you have to make as you participate in the world
political-economic system.
Hopefully, through this interactive process, you will be engaged directly in the material
of the course instead of sitting passively and listening to lecture after lecture about
international relations. As a result, you are required to participate actively in this class if
this class is to be a successful learning experience. You will take part in a week-long inclass simulation exercise dealing with the problems of development in the less-developed
world and a second three week-long computer-assisted, Internet-based international
relations simulation.
If we are successful in our endeavors, you will come away with not only a factual
knowledge of world affairs, but, more importantly, with the ability to analyze the events
that transpire around you. In other words, you will hopefully learn some of the "what's"
of international relations and also be able to provide your own "why's" to explain
international affairs in a rigorous, analytical way.
Readings:
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Rourke, John T. and Mark A. Boyer (1996) International Politics on the World
Stage, Brief Edition. Guilford, CT: Brown and Benchmark.
Hughes, Barry B. International Futures, 2nd ed. Boulder: Westview Press.
Subscription to the Christian Science Monitor - subscription forms handed out in
class.
Other readings will be assigned in class.
Requirements: % of total grade
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Midterm exam 25%
Final exam 30%
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Class Participation 15%
IFs group Projects (4) 15%
Pop Quizzes on Monitor (4) 10%
Baldicer Week Attendance 5%
(1 point each day, 2 bonus points if attend all three days of Baldicer attendance)
NOTE: Each student must complete all assignments to receive a passing grade for the
course.
Topics and Assignments:
Jan. 21 - Introduction and Discussion of Course Requirements
Jan. 23 - Jan. 26 - Studying Your World
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Rourke and Boyer - Chaps. 1, 2
Jan. 28 - CASE DISCUSSION - Melian Dialogue - This case MUST be read prior to
coming to class on the 29th.
Jan. 30 - Why Nations (and others) Act in International Affairs - The Levels of Analysis
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Rourke and Boyer - Chaps. 3
Feb. 2 - The Ebb and Flow of the Forces of Nationalism
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Rourke and Boyer - Chap. 4
Feb 4 - The Impact of Ideology
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Rourke and Boyer - Chap. 5
Feb. 6 - CASE DISCUSSION - A selection of Monitor articles assigned in class.
Feb. 9 - International Law
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Rourke and Boyer - Chap. 6
Feb. 11 - National Power
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Rourke and Boyer - Chap. 7
Feb. 13 and 16 - International Organizations
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Rourke and Boyer - Chaps. 8, 9
Feb. 18 and 20 - The Art and Science of Diplomacy
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Rourke and Boyer - Chap. 10
Feb. 23 - CASE DISCUSSION - A selection of Monitor articles assigned in class.
Feb. 25, 27 - International Conflict and Security
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Rourke and Boyer - Chap. 11
March 2, 4, 6 - Baldicer Week - An International Development Role Playing Simulation
March 9, 11 - International Conflict and Security
March 13 - MID-TERM EXAM
March 14-22 - Spring Break
March 23 and 25 - Economics and the North
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Rourke and Boyer - Chap. 12
March 27, 30 - Economics and the South
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Rourke and Boyer - Chap. 13
April 1 - CASE DISCUSSION - A selection of Monitor articles assigned in class.
April 3, 6 and 8 - Understanding the Future
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Hughes - Chaps. 1-3
April 10, 13, and 15 - Modeling Our World Future
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Hughes - Chaps. 4-8
April 17, 20 and 22 - In-class Group Works Days for Preparation of IFs Projects
April 24, 27, 29 - In-Class IFs Presentations
April 1 and May 4 - The International Environment: Toward Sustainable Development
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Rourke and Boyer - Chap. 14