International Security & Conflict Resolution (ISCOR)
ISCOR 200: Introduction to ISCOR
Allen Greb
Fall 2012
Phone: 619-594-3768
Classroom: HH-221
Office: AH-4122
T/Th: 11:00am-12:15pm
Email: iscor@mail.sdsu.edu
Office Hours: Mon/Wed Noon – 3:00pm; Tues 1:00 – 4:00pm; and by appointment
General Course Description:
This course is designed to serve as the lower division introduction to the
multidisciplinary program of International Security & Conflict Resolution (ISCOR).
ISCOR has three areas of emphasis: Cooperation, Conflict, and Conflict Resolution;
the new Justice in the Global System; and Environment and Security. This course will
allow incoming students to have a comprehensive picture of the three branches of
study within this program.
Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes:
The course aims to create global citizens. Students are encouraged to think critically
about the problems of conflict and security issues by learning about other cultures,
traditions, and political-economic institutions. Specifically, at the end of the course,
the students should be able to identify the primary causes of some of the major
political conflicts around the world, understand the issues, and know the parties in
conflict. They are also expected to know the important global social, economic, and
environmental concerns and understand policies toward sustainable growth. In the
process, they will learn about the history, geography, and culture of a number of
different countries around the world. The objective of the course also includes
developing good skills for oral and written communication, which will help prepare
the students for global citizenship.
Texts/Readings:
National Intelligence Council, Global Trends 2025: A Transformed World Nov 2008
Roger Fisher and William Ury, Getting to Yes. Penguin, 1991.
Additional reading put on BLACKBOARD.
Course Grading:
Two examinations:
Simulation/role playing projects:
A final reflection paper:
20% each
30%
30%
Regular class participation will also be important, and may be factored into your
final grade.
Exams:
There will be two semester exams. Each will count 20% of the grade and will consist
of essay-type identifications. They will cover material in the required reading,
videos, and class discussions. They will NOT be cumulative, but will deal with issues
discussed in each particular section of the class. If you miss an exam, it will be
averaged into your grade as a ZERO. If you have a confirmed excuse, a make-up may
be taken.
Group/Role Playing Projects:
The simulation projects and exercises will focus on Alternative Dispute Resolution
(ADR) and will allow the students to proactively engage in addressing particular
problems of international security and/or global governance. Role playing will
involve research, oral presentations, mediation, negotiations, and mock debates. It
will enable students to better appreciate the juncture between theory and practice,
develop an understanding of global systems at work, and understand that there are
many different perspectives on similar issues. Students will be required, if only for a
short time, to view the world through the eyes of others. The exercises of course will
also hone students' interpersonal skills, and their research and writing skills.
Final Reflection Paper:
This 5-7 page paper should address the student’s understanding of ISCOR in general,
the three specializations, and the reasons for his/her choice of one of these areas in
relation to professional development goals.
Academic dishonesty
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. All written work must be your original
work (i.e., not previously submitted for credit in any course, either at SDSU or at any
other academic institution). Please familiarize yourself with the University Policy
regarding cheating and plagiarism at:
http://csrr.sdsu.edu/academics1.html
And also be aware of the Student Grievance procedures, available on-line at:
http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/ombuds/grievanceprocedures.html