Introduction to World Politics
Dr. David Lorenzo
Office: 271305
Office hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 4-5 or by appointment
Email:lorenzo@nccu.edu.tw; lorenzodav@gmail.com
Course description and objectives:
This course will introduce students to the study of world politics. That is, it will provide an initial
survey of political activities, institutions, norms and relations that are characteristic of the world
as a political unit.
By the end of the term, students will be expected to have mastered an initial understanding of the
following subjects:
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The history of world politics
An understanding Interests, Interactions, and Institutions
Why Are There Wars?
Domestic Politics and War
International Institutions and War
Violence by Nonstate Actors
International Law and Norms
Human Rights
Textbook and Lectures:
The textbook for this course is Jeffrey Frieden, et. al., World Politics: Interests, Interactions,
Institutions
This course will be taught in English, with lectures and powerpoints available on my class
website: http://www3.nccu.edu.tw/~lorenzo/
Tests and other assignments:
There will be two tests in this course, a midterm and final. Both will ask questions in a variety of
formats: multiple choice, true/false, short answer and short essay.
In addition to tests, students will also be graded on the following:
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In-class quizzes and discussions
A short report on an international event. This report is to be at least 2 pages long, typed
and in English. It is to be submitted to me either electronically or in paper form by the
last week of class. It is to be a discussion of a contemporary event in world politics that
interests the student from the viewpoint of what has been covered in class in terms of
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theories, conceptions and descriptions. It should answer the following questions: Why is
the event important? For what part of the study of world politics does it have relevance?
How should we understand the importance of the event in terms of theories? What might
be the impact of the event on particular nations or on global politics as a whole?
Grades:
Midterm: 30%
Final: 40%
Report: 15%
In-class activities: 15%
Grading Scale:
A 100-90
Outstanding work. In written assignments, cogent, original and illuminating arguments, and texts
free from grammatical and spelling errors. Near perfect attendance and useful participation in
classroom assignments and discussions.
B 89-80
Very good work. In written assignments, cogent and useful arguments, and texts largely free
from grammatical and spelling errors. Very good attendance and good participation.
C 79-70
Average work. In written assignments, arguments that at the least capture the themes and
arguments of the discussions under review, but lack originality and insight. Needs work in
spelling and grammar. Attendance and participation only average.
D 69-60
Below average work. In written assignments, indication that required readings have been done
and an effort made to understand and analyze the readings under review, but failure to
communicate these understandings clearly or to articulate critiques. Spelling and grammar badly
impaired. Attendance and participation below average.
F 0-59
Unacceptable work
Academic Honesty
In all their classwork, students are to abide by the University’s Honor Code.
Course Schedule (subject to revision):
Week of September 16: Introduction
Weeks of September 23: Frieden et al., Chapter 1
Weeks of September 30 and Oct. 7: Frieden et al, Chapter 2
Weeks of October 14 and 21: Frieden et al, Chapter 3
Week of Oct. 28 and Nov. 5 Frieden et al, Chapter 4
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Week of Nov. 12: Frieden et al, chapter 5
Week of Nov. 19: midterm
Weeks of Nov. 26: Frieden et al, Chapter 5
Weeks of December 3 and 10: Frieden et al, Chapter 6
Weeks of December 17 and 24: Frieden et al, Chapter 11
Weeks of December 31 and January 7: Frieden et al, Chapter 12
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