UNIVERSITY OF NORTH GEORGIA
POLS 2401
Introduction to Global Issues
3 Credit Hours
College of Arts and Letters
Department of Political Science & International Affairs
I.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Instructor: Dr. Kathleen Woodward
Office Location: Strickland Building, Room 147, Gainesville Campus
Office Hours: Monday and Wednesdays: 10am-1pm. Available other days by
appointment.
Contact Information: Please contact via email at kathleen.woodward@ung.edu
II.
TEXT AND OTHER MATERIALS
Shiraev, Eric B. and Vladislav M. Zubok. (2015). International Relations: Brief
Edition. Oxford University Press: New York.
Online textbook supplemental resources (optional): www.oup.com/us/shiraev.
No login code is needed.
Additional readings, audio-visual, and websites may be provided and assigned.
III.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
An analysis of the basic forces that govern the behavior of states in their relations
with one another and with global institutions. This study of world power conflicts,
diplomacy, and international cooperation is designed to acquaint the student with
the basic issues and areas of conflict and cooperation among the main actors of
the contemporary world.
This course can be used in either Area B or E in the core curriculum.
This course fulfills the Global Perspectives learning outcome.
IV.
COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the time students have finished this course, they should be able to:
1. Demonstrate the use of prominent international relations (IR) theories to
analyze interactions among states, non-governmental organizations
(NGOs), and inter-governmental organizations (IGOs).
2. Analyze the role of economics, religion, culture, and history in
international relations.
3. Analyze differences in states’ perspectives of and approaches to
international relations.
4. Analyze the role of non-state actors, including IGOs and NGOs in
international relations.
5. Students will analyze political, cultural, or socioeconomic interactions
among people or organizations of the world (Area B Learning Outcome
for the UNG)
Assignment meeting Area B Learning Objective: Students will
analyze, discuss, and write an essay about a current international
relations event, including interactions of states, peoples, IGOs,
NGOs, and/or other non-state actors, using relevant international
relations’ theories.
V.
COURSE CALENDAR
Classes begin at noon Jan. 5
Holiday, no class: Jan. 19
Last day to withdraw from course: Feb. 27
Spring Break: March 16-21
Class Will Not Meet - Professor’s Conference: Thurs. April 16th
Classes End: April 24
Final Exam:
11am class’ final exam time: Tuesday April 28th 10:20-12:20
12:30 class’ final exam time: Thursday April 30th 12:40-2:40.
VI.
COURSE POLICIES
Attendance:
Attendance and participation may be considered in calculating your final grade if
you are close to the borderline of a grade. Announcements are made and
explained in class and it is difficult to do well in the class if you are not connected
through regular attendance. Attentiveness, in addition to participation, in class is
considered when adjusting borderline grades.
Make-up information:
Students need to inform me via email if they will miss a test, quiz, or assignment
deadline prior to the due date and time. The reason must be a verifiable medical
or emergency situation that is more serious than a cold, headache, etc. Students
are not automatically entitled, as they were in high school, to make up exams,
quizzes, and assignments, unless the absence is excused for a verifiable medical
reason. You need to be present for all tests, etc. I understand situations do arise
that prevent presence, even family and childcare issues, but please follow the
above guidelines and email me. Do not just assume you can make up the test or
assignment. This is a major difference between college and high school of which
you need to be aware.
General Classroom Policies
Please refer to the below link (Student Handbook) for information regarding UNG
policies for attendance, disruptive behavior, withdrawals, etc.:
http://ung.edu/student-involvement/_uploads/files/studenthandbook/UNG_Handbook.swf
VII.
COURSE GRADING
Test I: 25% of final grade. Tentative test date: Feb. 12th
Simulation Essay: 5% of final grade. Due day of Test I.
Test II: 30% of final grade. Tentative test date. March 12th.
Test III: 25% of final grade. Tentative test date: April 14th
“Terrorism Essay:” 5% of final grade. Due day of Test III.
Common Assignment Essay: 10% of final grade. Due day/time of final exam
(see above for date and time)
This “common Assignment” is mandated by the Department of Political Science &
International Affairs for all sections of POLS 2401 on all UNG campuses. Students will
read a short academic journal article chosen by the department and answer assigned
questions. This essay is required by the department to be submitted to Turnitin.com for
the purpose of reducing plagiarism across POLS 2401 sections/campuses. You also need
to turn in a hard copy to me for grading purposes.
VIII.
SUPPLEMENTAL COURSE INFORMATION
Student Disability Services
Please see the following link for information:
http://ung.edu/academic-affairs/policies-andguidelines/supplemental-syllabus.php
Academic Integrity Policy:
University of North Georgia’s honor policy is below:
“On my honor, I will not lie, cheat, steal, plagiarize, evade the truth,
conspire to deceive, or tolerate those who do.”
See the link below to the student handbook, beginning on page 33, for
information and policies regarding plagiarism.
http://ung.edu/student-involvement/_uploads/files/studenthandbook/UNG_Handbook.swf
The below link also outlines student code of conduct violations’ procedures and is
found on the Dean of Students website:
http://ung.edu/dean-of-students/student-code-of-conduct/index.php
Early Alert/Early Intervention Program:
“I am committed to your success in this course and at this university. I may,
therefore, refer you to other persons and/or services available to help you achieve
academic success. In turn, if you are referred, you will be expected to comply
with the referrals. Please understand that such referrals are not a form of
punishment, rather, they are intended to help you.
UNG has implemented an Early Alert/Early Intervention program. I am a
participating faculty member in the program. I may, then, refer you to other
persons and/or services at the university designed to help you achieve your
academic goals. You, in turn, will be expected to take advantage of the help
offered to you.
As your teacher I am committed to your academic success, not only in this class,
but at this university. If I feel you would benefit from some of the special
services available to students, I will make the appropriate referral. I will, further,
expect you to comply with the referral and take advantage of the services
offered.”
Statement Composed by the Recruit Back, Early/Alert Intervention Team, 2006
* (Specific details of this syllabus may be subject to change.)