International Security & Conflict Resolution (ISCOR)
ISCOR 200: Introduction to ISCOR
Allen Greb
Fall 2014
Phone: 619-594-3768
Classroom: WC-201
Office: SH-223B
Tu/Th: 9:30-10:45am
Email: iscor@mail.sdsu.edu
Office Hours: Tu/Th 11:00am – 4:00pm; Wed Noon – 2:00pm; 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 2030: Alternative Worlds Dec 2012
Roger Fisher and William Ury, Getting to Yes. Penguin, 1991.
Additional readings put on BLACKBOARD.
Course Grading:
Two examinations:
ADR module and projects:
Simulation:
20% each
30%
30%
Regular class participation (during the ADR module and simulation) will also be
important, and will 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 and Simulation:
The group/role playing projects and simulation exercise 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.
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
Students with Disabilities
If you are a student with a disability and believe that you will need accommodations
for this class, it is your responsibility to contact Student Disability Services at 619594-6473. To avoid any delay in the receipt of your accommodations, you should
contact Student Disability Services as soon as possible. Please note that
accommodations are not retroactive, and that accommodations based upon disability
cannot be provided until you have presented your instructor with an accommodation
letter from Student Disability Services. Your cooperation is appreciated.
International Security & Conflict Resolution (ISCOR)
ISCOR 200: Introduction to ISCOR
Tu/Th 9:30 – 10:45am West Commons WC-201
Dr. G. Allen Greb, Faculty Coordinator Email: iscor@mail.sdsu.edu
Office: Storm Hall SH-223B; Phone 619-594-3768; Home 760-751-9343
Office Hours: Tu/Th 11:00am-4:00pm; Wednesday Noon-2:00pm; by appointment
CLASS SCHEDULE
Fall 2014
Week 1: Introduction to ISCOR: What Is It? Why This Major?
Blackboard Assignments
Week 2: ISCOR in Practice: Issues in International Security
Global Trends 2030, pp. i-xiv (Executive Summary)
Week 3: Global Governance: Power Diffusion
Global Trends 2030, pp. 1-37; Blackboard Assignments
Week 4: Global Governance: Power Transition
Global Trends 2030, pp. 38-58, 98-106
Week 5: Global Governance: Power Transition (cont.)
Blackboard Assignments
25 Sept
FIRST EXAM (20% of course grade)
Week 6: A World of Conflict: The Arab Awakening and Democracy
Global Trends 2030, pp. 59-82; Blackboard Assignments
Week 7: A World of Conflict: Syria, Iraq, and ISIS
Global Trends 2030, pp. 107-133; Blackboard Assignments
Week 8: A World of Conflict: Russia, Illiberal Democracy, and Putinism
Blackboard Assignments
Week 9: A World of Conflict: The Ukrainian Crisis
Blackboard Assignments
23 Oct
SECOND EXAM (20% of course grade)
Week 10: Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Why Study ADR?
Getting to Yes
Week 11: ADR: Negotiation, Arbitration, and the Mediation Process
Getting to Yes
Week 12: Simulation Exercise
Introduction to the Simulation; Assignment to Delegations
Informal Intra and Inter Delegation Negotiations
Week 13: Simulation Exercise
Informal Delegation Negotiations
Week 14: Simulation Exercise: Plenary Session
Formal Delegation PowerPoint Presentations
Week 15: Simulation Exercise: Plenary Session (cont.)
Formal Debate and Discussion