PS102: Intro IR (Spring 2016)
POLITICAL SCIENCE 102 (01:790:102:01-10)
INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Spring 2016
TF 11:30am – 12:50pm
Scott Hall, Room 123 (SC-123 CAC)
Professor: Geoffrey Wallace
Office: 403 Hickman Hall (Douglass Campus)
Phone: 848-932-9380
Email: geoffrey.wallace@rutgers.edu (also, see http://www.wikihow.com/Email-a-Professor)
Office Hours: Tuesday 1:00pm-2:00pm OBA
Course Website: On Sakai (https://sakai.rutgers.edu)
Teaching Assistants (TAs):
Wei-Chih Chen
Office: 602 Hickman Hall
Email: wc326@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
Tatsiana Kulakevich
Office: 402 Hickman Hall
Email: tatsiana.kulakevich@rutgers.edu
Course Description
When are countries most likely to go to war? Why do tariffs and other barriers endure in spite of the
seemingly universal benefits of free trade proclaimed by economists? Given the value often placed
on having a clean environment, why do countries struggle so much to cooperate over its protection?
What can governments do to stop non-state threats, such as terrorist organizations? These and
related questions are becoming more and more difficult to ignore in an increasingly globalized
world.
This course serves as an introduction to the scientific study of international relations. The primary
purpose is to provide the historical and theoretical foundations necessary for analyzing and
understanding international politics. Students will be encouraged to develop analytical skills in order
to formulate their own views concerning issues and policy options facing the international
community. Inevitably, every single topic of international importance cannot be covered.
Nevertheless, this course will prepare students for more advanced topics in international relations,
and help them to think critically about a wide range of international events. The ultimate aim is for
students to leave the course as more informed and engaged citizens of the world.
All information in the syllabus, as well as readings, assignments, and announcements can be found
on the Sakai course website at https://sakai.rutgers.edu. It is the student’s responsibility to check the
website on a frequent basis, since this is where all course-related information and developments
(including grades) will be posted.
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PS102: Intro IR (Spring 2016)
Readings
There is one required textbook for the course. The book is available for purchase at the Rutgers
bookstore (http://www.rutgers.bncollege.com/), or from many online retailers. An e-book version
is also available at a less expensive price directly from the publisher
(https://digital.wwnorton.com/worldpol3). Additional readings will be posted on the Sakai course
website.
• (FLS) Frieden, Jeffry A., David A. Lake, and Kenneth A. Schultz. 2015. World Politics: Interests,
Interactions, Institutions (Third Edition). New York: W.W. Norton & Company. ISBN: 978-0-39393809-8.
Course Requirements
You are expected to attend all lectures and each meeting of your recitation section.
Final grades for the course are determined by the following components:
• Midterm Exam #1 (20%)
• Midterm Exam #2 (20%)
• Final Exam (30%)
• Recitation Section (30%)
o 70% of this component is based on several short paper assignments; 30% from
attendance and participation.
Recitation Section (30%)
Because this is a large introductory course, recitation sections provide the best opportunity to engage
with your peers and discuss the course material and issues related to world politics. In the aim of
making this experience rewarding for everyone involved, full and thoughtful participation is
necessary. As a result, attending all recitation sections is required. Section activities will include
analyzing the readings and lecture material, policy debates, and applying course themes to current
events.
There are two components that make up the recitation section of the course.
• Section Participation: 30% of the grade is based on participation during recitation sections.
Teaching assistants will take attendance at each section and evaluate students based on the
quantity and quality of their participation.
• Short Paper Assignments: The remaining 70% of the grade is based on a series of short
paper assignments where students will apply specific concepts and/or arguments from the
course to recent real-world events. Late assignments will not be accepted, but assignments
can be handed in early.
Further details on the structure and expectations for the recitation section and assignments will be
provided separately by your TA.
Recitation sections meet every other week starting in the second week of class (weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10,
12, and 14). Generally in the week when recitation sections meet, only one lecture is given unless
noted otherwise. Please check your schedule for the time and location of your section. The
following is the list of recitation sections for the course:
01
02
W 9:50am - 11:10am SC-106 CAC (Kulakevich)
W 11:30am - 12:50pm SC-105 CAC (Chen)
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PS102: Intro IR (Spring 2016)
03
05
06
10
W 11:30am - 12:50pm SC-121 CAC (Kulakevich)
W 1:40pm - 3:00pm TIL-105 LIV (Kulakevich)
F 1:10pm - 2:30pm SC-105 CAC (Chen)
W 9:15am - 10:35am HCK-113 D/C (Chen)
Midterm Exam #1 (20%)
The first midterm will be held during regular class hours on Friday, February 19. The exam will
cover all material (lectures, readings, recitation sections, current events, etc.) up to that point in the
course. The exam will comprise a combination of multiple choice and short answer questions.
Midterm Exam #2 (20%)
The second midterm will be held during regular class hours on Friday, April 1. The exam will cover
all material after the first midterm up to that point in the course. The exam will comprise a
combination of multiple choice and short answer questions.
Final Exam (30%)
The final exam will take place during regular class hours on Friday, April 29. The exam is cumulative
and will cover all course material, but will be weighted towards material after the second midterm
and onward. The exam will comprise a combination of multiple choice and short answer questions.
Make up exams for either the midterm or final exams will be permitted only under the gravest of
circumstances and with appropriate documentation. Students are required to notify their TA before
the exam takes place of any reason why they are unable to take the exam at the designated time. Any
make up exam must be taken prior to the exam being returned to the class. It is the student’s
responsibility to contact their TA so that an appropriate time can be scheduled for the make up.
Note: personal travel plans are not a legitimate reason for requesting to take an exam at a different time.
Grading Policy and Appeals
Final grades will be assigned according to the following scale:
90 and higher = A; 87 – 89 = B+; 80 – 86 = B; 77 – 79 = C+; 70 – 76 = C; 60 – 69 = D; 59 and
below = F
A student wishing to appeal any grade must submit a typed memo clearly explaining the reasons why
they feel the grade they received was inappropriate. Appeals must be made within two weeks of
when the exam or assignment was originally returned to the class. Appeals simply asking for more
points will not be considered. The student must submit the memo along with the original graded
assignment to the relevant TA, who will re-grade the assignment. If the student is still not satisfied,
they may then submit their written appeal to the instructor, who will issue a final grade for the
assignment. Please note, however, that both the TA and the instructor reserve the right to re-grade
the entire assignment once an appeal is made, which may result in an increase or decrease from the
original grade.
Plagiarism and Cheating
Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses and are treated as such by both the university and the
instructor. Be aware that the instructor is apt to impose the most severe penalty allowed by
university rules, which includes but is not limited to issuing an automatic grade of 0.0 for the course.
If students have any questions about what constitutes plagiarism, or other matters of academic
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PS102: Intro IR (Spring 2016)
integrity, the following link may be helpful https://slwordpress.rutgers.edu/academicintegrity/wpcontent/uploads/sites/41/2014/11/AI_Policy_2013.pdf.
Section II specifically discusses the definitions of cheating and plagiarism. If you are having trouble
assimilating outside information into your own ideas or have any other questions concerning
academic writing, see the Rutgers Learning Center (http://lrc.rutgers.edu/), or come to the office
hours of your TA or the instructor.
Special Needs
If you have a documented disability that requires academic accommodations, please see me as soon
as possible during scheduled office hours or before/after lecture. In order to receive
accommodations in this course, you must provide me with a Letter of Accommodation from the
Office of Disabilities Services, Lucy Stone Hall, Livingston Campus, 54 Joyce Kilmer Ave., Suite
A145, (848) 445-6800. Further information is available at https://ods.rutgers.edu/.
Classroom Expectations
Some of the material covered in this course may be controversial. While debate is expected and in
fact encouraged, students are required to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.
Students are expected to arrive on time and ready to start class and recitation sections. We have a
very short period of time for each meeting, and it is disrespectful to the instructor/TA and your
fellow classmates to show up late. All disruptive behavior is not permitted during class, including but
by no means limited to sleeping, talking outside of regular discussion, using cell phones, and
insulting classmates and/or the instructor. Laptops are permitted, but should be used solely for
course work (e.g. taking notes, accessing course readings, etc.) – the time for checking surfing the
internet, checking email and social media should be reserved for outside of class.
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PS102: Intro IR (Spring 2016)
Course Schedule
The following is a preliminary schedule of topics and readings for the course. The schedule is
subject to change based on the pace of the class. The instructor will clearly announce any changes.
Week 1
Lecture 1 (T, Jan 19): Introduction and Overview – What is International Relations Anyway?
• FLS Introduction
Week 2 (Recitation Sections)
Lecture 2 (T, Jan 26): Evolution of Sovereignty Part. I
• FLS Ch.1
Lecture 3 (F, Jan 29): Evolution of Sovereignty Part. II
• FLS Ch.2 Excerpt pg.42-50
Week 3
Lecture 4 (T, Feb 2): International Security I – The Puzzle of War
• FLS Ch.3
Lecture 5 (F, Feb 5): International Security II – War as a Concept & Crisis Bargaining
• FLS Ch.2 Excerpt pg.51-67
Week 4 (Recitation Sections)
Lecture 6 (T, Feb 9): International Security III – Why Bargaining Can Fail…and Wars Begin
Lecture 7 (F, Feb 12): International Security IV – Domestic Politics and the Democratic Peace
• FLS Ch.4
Week 5
Lecture 8 (T, Feb 16): International Political Economy I – Introduction to IPE and Trade Part. I
(F, Feb 19): MIDTERM #1
Week 6 (Recitation Sections)
Lecture 9 (T, Feb 23): International Political Economy II – Trade Part. II
• FLS Ch.7
Week 7
Lecture 10 (T, March 1): International Political Economy III – International Finance
• FLS Ch.8
Lecture 11 (F, March4): International Political Economy IV – International Monetary Relations
• FLS Ch.9
Week 8 (Recitation Sections)
Lecture 12 (T, March 8): International Political Economy V – Development
• FLS Ch.10
Lecture 13 (F, March 11): Global Governance I – Introduction to Global Governance
• FLS Excerpt pg.67-79
***WEEK 9 SPRING BREAK – NO CLASSES***
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PS102: Intro IR (Spring 2016)
Week 10 (Recitation Sections)
Lecture 14 (T, March 22): Global Governance II – International Law
• FLS Ch.11
Week 11
Lecture 15 (T, March 29): Global Governance III – International Organizations (IOs)
(F, April 1): MIDTERM #2
Week 12 (Recitation Sections)
Lecture 16 (T, April 5): Global Governance IV – Alliances and Collective Security
• FLS Ch.5
Week 13
Lecture 17 (T, April 12): Transnational Politics I – Human Rights
• FLS Ch.12
Lecture 18 (F, April 15): Transnational Politics II – Environmental Politics
• FLS Ch.13
Week 14 (Recitation Sections)
Lecture 19 (T, April 19): Transnational Politics III – Terrorism
• FLS Ch.6
Week 15
Lecture 20 (T, April 26): Transnational Politics IV and Wrapping Up – The International Politics of
Sports
(F, April 29): FINAL EXAM
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