International Relations
CLASS SYLLABUS
Mr. Pettit
Telephone: 610-627-6306
E-mail: epettit@rtmsd.org (communication)
epettit@rtmsd.net (some assignment submission)
Room Number: A-215
OBJECTIVE:
This course provides an introduction to some of the major theoretical perspectives for studying
how states and peoples behave and interact. Students will learn new ways of thinking about
international relations, increase their ability to evaluate these competing ideas, and apply different
perspectives to concrete policy issues.
CONTENT:
The textbook, IR: The New World of International Relations, will be our main source for this
class. Numerous videos and articles will be analyzed as well.
COURSE OUTLINE:
3RD MARKING PERIOD
I.
Introduction to International Relations-Cold War to present day
Chapter 1 – Power and international systems
Chapter 4 – Can the U.S. lead the world?
Chapter 2 – America’s changing national interests
Chapters 3,5,6- Selected pages regarding The Cold War
Project: IR Terms Instruction Video
II.
Middle East/ Terrorism
Introduction – The Middle East
Chapter 8 – A history of the Arab-Israeli Conflict
Chapter 9 – Iran, the Gulf Wars, and oil
Chapter 15 – The challenge of terrorism
Films: Why We Fight, The West Wing
III.
United Nations
Chapter 19 – Diplomacy
Chapter 20 – International law
Chapter 21 – The United Nations
Chapter 22 – Preserving, enforcing, and keeping peace
Films: PBS: Darfur
th
*note: Unit III may go into 4 marking period.
IV.
V.
4TH MARKING PERIOD
Globalization/ Rise of India and China
Chapter 18 – The U.S. and globalization
Chapter 17 – The Rise of China
Films: Inside Job
The Nuclear Age
Chapter 13 – National security in the Nuclear Age
Chapter 14 – Dangers of nuclear proliferation
Selected Chapters –
Films: PBS: North Korea, 13 Days
GRADING POLICY:
Student grades will be determined based on a total points system. To track your progress, I urge
you to regularly check your grades online. Any plagiarized assignments will receive no credit and
may result in further disciplinary action. Grades will include:
1. Unit Tests – 2 or 3 per marking period
2. Homework/Graded Classwork – at least twice per week
3. Group Projects
HOMEWORK:
Please note that you will have a homework assignment 1-2 times per week. While some may be
written and graded, others may simply be reading assignments. Regardless, all students are
expected to come prepared having individually completed their assigned homework. Please
check my website for assignments.
***** LATE HOMEWORK WILL BE ACCEPTED 1 DAY LATER FOR ½ CREDIT*****
EXPECTATIONS:
Our classroom will reflect the values of responsibility and respect on the part of both the
instructors and students. Students will be responsible at all times for their own behavior and
assignments and will be respectful of other students and teachers. Students must feel
comfortable to express their own opinions or class discussion will suffer. Students should expect
these qualities of everyone else in the classroom, including teachers, administrators, and guests.
In short, I expect everyone to do his or her best.
In order to accomplish this, students should:
• come to class prepared and on time
• hand in all assignments on time
• participate during class discussions
• follow school and class rules
• remain seated at all times unless specifically permitted
• respect the property, ideas, feelings, and qualities of others
SUPPLIES:
For each class, students are required to bring their textbooks, paper to write on, and a pen or
pencil. Students should keep all of their notes in a single notebook or binder. Students should
also keep all papers that I pass back, as it will serve as evidence should you notice any
discrepancy with your posted online grades.
COMMUNICATION:
Effective communication between students, teachers, parents and administrators is critical for a
successful school year. I will take many steps to ensure open lines of communication.
• The easiest and quickest way to reach me is by email.
• You can also leave me a voice mail at (610) 627-6200 ext. 6306.
• Finally, we will be viewing some film clips during the school year. While most of these films
are purely educational videos, there may also be one or two R-rated movies (or portions of
them) used if I feel that the students would truly benefit and gain a greater understanding of
the time period in question. All students will be given prior notice before we watch these and
alternative assignments will be offered to them upon request. I will also be sure to edit any
parts that I think are unnecessary or excessive for our academic purposes. Please contact
me if you have any concerns about the videos being shown in class.
I have read and acknowledged Mr.
Pettit’s International Relations
syllabus.
Parent/Guardian Signature
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Student's Signature
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