POLITICAL SCIENCE 375: International Relations
Professor Allen Greb
Fall 2013
Phone: 619-594-3768
Classroom: WC-230
Office: Adams Humanities AH-4122
Thursday: 4:00 - 6:40pm
Email: iscor@mail.sdsu.edu
Office hours: Mon 2:00-5:00pm; Tu 2:00-5:00pm; Wed 1:00-3:00pm; and by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION: POL S 375 is an introduction to International Relations (IR), generally an
academic and public policy field associated with Political Science. But in its modern expression, the
concept is much broader. It includes not only relations between and among states but also between states
and non-state actors in civil society such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), multinational
corporations (MNCs), and other associations; and between states and international institutions such as the
UN or World Bank. The major purpose of the course is to gain an understanding of BOTH the theory
and practice of international relations. It will address issues prominent in today’s news, but will
approach these issues in a systematic manner that considers competing theoretical and normative views
on international affairs.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES:
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Ability to organize and analyze information and data relating to issues of international relations
Understand the competing viewpoints of IR theory and form your own critical views on the state
of the world
Understand and critically analyze the nature of the international community and how it is
organized
Identify the great variety of IR issues facing the United States and the international community;
recognize there are multiple perspectives on these issues
Ability to think and write clearly and critically
Ability to collaborate and work effectively in groups to address problems and achieve common
solutions
TEXTS/READINGS:
Daniel W. Drezner, Theories of International Politics and Zombies. Princeton U Press, 2011.
Joseph S. Nye, Jr., The Future of Power. Public Affairs, 2011.
Additional readings put on Blackboard.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Exams (two)
Simulation/Role Playing Exercise
30% each
40%
Regular class participation will also be important, and will be factored into your final grade.
EXAMS: There will be two semester exams. Each will count 30% 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.
SIMULATION EXERCISE: The simulation will allow the opportunity for students to pro-actively
engage in addressing in depth particular problems of international relations. It will involve role playing,
written papers and proposals, and oral presentations, negotiations, and mock debates. DETAILS TO BE
PROVIDED LATER IN THE SEMESTER. Obviously, REGULAR ATTENDANCE will be necessary
for this exercise.
USING SIMULTION IN THE CLASSROOM
Especially at a time when the world situation is changing rapidly, a simulation exercise can be an
effective technique to allow you to research and learn about key issues, and draw conclusions about
how to approach them. One of the best ways to understand an issue more fully is to see it from
multiple points of view. The simulation will ask you to “inhabit” the perspectives of one of the actors
involved, and in so doing, enable you to more fully address some of the problems we have raised and
discussed in class.
The simulation will make you active participants in learning. By reading and analyzing materials and
drawing conclusions that are translated into action, your critical thinking skills will be honed.
Moreover, the simulation encourages and demands group work that will develop your interpersonal
and negotiation skills.
Some caveats, however. It is important to remember that a simulation cannot begin to capture the full
texture and complexity of the issues, nor does it try to. You will not emerge from the exercise being
able to think like Chinese or Russian or American officials, nor will you emerge from the experience
as trained negotiators. You will, however, begin to get an understanding of the complexities of the
contemporary international situation, become more sensitive to other countries’ positions (and those of
international organizations and non-governmental organizations as well), and be exposed to the
intricacies of international negotiations.
As the instructor for this exercise, my (and the Teaching Assistants) primary role will be that of
“facilitator,” encouraging students to do the work involved, and to ask appropriate questions to guide
you when necessary. Ultimately, however, this is your exercise; it is up to you to take on the
responsibility for the simulation.
Because of the rapidity with which current events evolve, newspapers, journals, and magazines are
some of the best sources of information for a simulation of this sort. You should follow real-world
events in sources such as the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, The Economist,
Foreign Affairs, and Foreign Policy.
SIMULATION GRADING BREAKDOWN:
Plenary Presentations/Debate
TA/Instructor Evaluations
Peer Evaluations
10%
15%
15%