Political Science 231(1): Introduction to World Politics
Wilfrid Laurier University
Fall 2014
Instructor: Dr. J.A. Sandy Irvine
Lecture: Monday & Wednesday 4:00-5:20pm
Email: sirvine@wlu.ca
Classroom: BA101
Office Hours: Wednesdays @ 10:45am – 12:15pm (or by appointment)
Office: DAWB 4-103D
Wilfrid Laurier University uses software that can check for plagiarism. Students may be required to submit their written work in
electronic form and have it checked for plagiarism.
Students with disabilities or special needs are advised to contact Laurier's Accessible Learning Office for information regarding its
services and resources. Students are encouraged to review the Calendar for information regarding all services available on campus.
The Political Science Department’s policy on deferred midterm and final examinations can be found at
http://www.wlu.ca/arts/politicalscience
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this course students will be introduced to the central concepts in, and theoretical approaches to, the
study of world politics both in historical and contemporary contexts. The first five weeks will focus on
the evolution of world politics as well as the concepts and predominant theoretical approaches used by
students of international relations to understand and explain the field. The course then builds on this
foundation as it turns in the remaining weeks to explore specific issues in, and forms of, international
relations. These include: the study of foreign policy and decision-making; international ethics; causes of
conflict, war and peace; new security issues; and issues of global governance. Throughout the course
1
students will be challenged to think critically about world politics and hone specific academic skills. The
course provides a foundation for further study of global politics.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course students should:
1. Have a strong understanding of the core concepts and traditional/critical approaches used
to understand and explain global politics. They should understand origins, foundations and
the weaknesses/strengths of these approaches as well as the debates between them.
2. Be able to use these concepts and theories as they apply to historical and contemporary
international relations.
3. Understand how international relations and global politics have evolved over time.
4. Have a firm foundation for further study in international relations.
5. Have been challenged to think critically about global politics
6. Have further developed core academic skills.
REQUIRED TEXTS
1. John Baylis, Steve Smith and Patricia Owens (eds), The Globalization of World Politics: An
Introduction to International Relations, 6th edition (Oxford University Press: 2014).
2. All other readings are available online. Most are available through the WLU library webpage.
Other Useful Sources of Information: Particularly useful sources for current events in world politics
include: Public TV & Radio; Newspapers and Magazines; e-papers from both Canadian and international
sources. While sources that deal with political events are especially useful, also consider sources that
look at economics; business; ethics; culture; science and technology and other subject matters.
Useful Journals: Global Governance, Global Social Policy, International Organization; Millennium:
Journal of International Studies; Canadian Journal of Political Science; Review of International Political
Economy; International Journal; International Affairs; European Journal of International Relation;
Alternatives; Review of International Studies; International Security; World Politics; Ethics and
International Affairs; American Political Science Review; International Studies Quarterly
COURSE EVALUATION
A. Mid-term Test (In Lecture, Oct. 8th)
B. Tutorial Participation
C. Research Essay (Due: In Tutorial, Nov. 7th)
D. Final Exam (In the University exam period – Dec. 2014)
20%
10%
35%
35%
A. Mid-term Test (1hr 20mins)
This is an in-class test. The test covers material discussed in lectures and readings from Weeks 1-5. A
multiple choice and short answer format will be used. Date: October 8th. Further details will be
provided in lecture.
2
B. Tutorial Participation
A key component of this course is the participation of students in tutorial. Students are required to
attend and make regular quality contributions to each tutorial. Students’ participation is expected to
demonstrate a high standard of critical engagement with the readings as well as high quality
communication skills. Communication skills include, but are not limited to, the ability to convey
complicated ideas in an organized manner; the use of appropriate professional language; the ability to
listen and respond to other participants effectively. Students will need to complete a short task in
preparation for each tutorial. Further details will be given in class and posted on the course webpage.
The task will not be graded. However, the completion will go towards your final participation grade.
50% of your tutorial grade will be given for attendance and completion of any homework tasks. The
other 50% will be given based on participation. Accommodation for absences will only be considered in
serious cases and must be discussed directly with Dr. Irvine, not your TA. Absences in tutorial cannot be
made up in any way. Please ensure that you have consulted the tutorial schedule and have read and
prepared the material from the appropriate lectures.
Tutorials will start in the second week of class (September 19th). Please make sure you are aware of
which weeks have tutorials.
C. Research Essay
This essay will respond to one of a selection of questions set by the Professor. The goal of the paper is to
make strong links between the major themes of the course and a specific case study. Good scholarly
work will, amongst other things, engage the existing literature critically (based on at least 8 academic
sources); provide an original argument; use convincing evidence to support that argument; and use
proper citation and bibliography styles. This paper should be between 2000-2400 words in length. Due:
In Tutorial, November 7th. Further details will be provided in class. Papers not received in tutorial on
November 7th will receive an initial 1% late penalty – thereafter normal late penalties will apply.
D. Final Exam
This exam is cumulative, covering all topics from across the course. It will use a short answer and essay
format. To be held in the University scheduled examination period – Dec, 2014. Further details will be
provided in class.
COURSE POLICIES
Academic Misconduct and the Need for Academic Integrity: Academic integrity is greatly valued in this
course. Academic misconduct occurs in a variety of forms. Students are required to familiarise
themselves with the University policies on Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty as well as the associated
penalties which can be severe. Plagiarism: According to the student calendar (2006-2007) plagiarism “is
the unacknowledged presentation, in whole or in part, of the work of others as one's own, whether in
written, oral or other form, in an examination, report, assignment, thesis or dissertation...” Further
information can be found at www.wlu.ca/academicintegrity. Should you have any questions about these
issues please feel free to discuss them with me. Collaboration: all of the work produced by students
needs to be the product of their own individual efforts. Although discussion of topics is to be expected
this work needs to reflect original and individual ideas and be written independently.
3
Submission: Written work should be presented in a scholarly fashion, double spaced with one inch
margins using a 12pt. Times New Roman font or equivalent. A hardcopy of papers should be submitted
in tutorial on the due date. Please submit these papers directly to your TAs. If a paper is late you may email it to me (not your TA). This is particularly important for weekend submissions. I will assign late
penalties based on the time the paper was received – not sent. A hardcopy, identical to the one
submitted by e-mail, must be submitted at the following class. Please keep a copy of all papers
submitted for the course.
Succinct and lucid writing is a skill. Papers that substantially exceed the page limit will be subject to
penalty.
Late penalties: Papers not received in tutorial on November 7th will receive an initial 1% late penalty. All
other late penalties for essays will be assigned at 2% (of the 100% value of the paper) per day, including
weekend days, with a midnight cut-off for each day. To stop late penalties on the weekends you may
submit papers to me (not your TA) by e-mail. A hard copy must be submitted in the next lecture. On the
cover of your hard copy you must state that you submitted the paper by e-mail and note the date of the
e-mail submission.
Communication: An active WLU e-mail account is required as a means of communication. Please ensure
that your account is active and check it regularly. I encourage students to come and see me in office
hours with specific questions or more general issues. If you require clarification on any aspect of the
course please arrange to see me. Please also feel free to set up a meeting outside of regular office
hours.
Accommodations: Accommodations for emergencies, serious illness or religious observances will be
made for both class attendance and written work. Documentation may be required. Where possible –
such as in the case of religious observances - it is expected that I be notified in advance. Should you feel
uncomfortable discussing the need for accommodation with me directly please feel free to contact
accessible learning to discuss your situation.
University Resources: The University provides a large selection of professional, academic and personal
support services to assist students to succeed in their academic careers. Please consult the University
website for available resources.
LECTURE OUTLINE AND REQUIRED READINGS
Lectures: Lectures are a vital part of this course. Many concepts and ideas introduced in the lecture are
not found in the course readings. In order to succeed in the course students must attend lectures
regularly. If you miss a lecture ask a reliable colleague to provide you with course notes.
Required Readings: It is important that students read and think critically about the course readings.
These readings have been selected to supplement lectures and provide the basis for the discussion held
in class. They also assist in meeting a number of the key objectives of the course. These include
providing: an overview of each topic; discussion of relevant approaches and critiques of those
approaches; an introduction to key readings and authors in a particular field; and examples of the
application of these approaches to key issues raised in the course. In addition to these readings students
are encouraged to explore other material on the topics covered in the course and to keep up-to-date on
relevant current affairs.
4
Week 1. Critical Concepts World Politics in Historical Context (Sept. 8th & 10th)
◙ Textbook Introduction - Steve Smith, Patricia Owens & John Baylis
◙ Textbook Chap. 2 - David Armstrong, “The evolution of international society.” Please only read
“The emergence of the modern international society” pp.40-44
◙ Textbook Chap. 3 - Len Scott, “International History 1900-99”
◙ Textbook Chap. 25 – John Breuilly, “Nationalism.” Please only read “Introduction: concepts
and debates” pp. 388-389
Week 2. Realism and Liberalism (Sept. 15th & 17th)
◙ Textbook Chap. 6 - Tim Dunne and Brian C. Schmidt, “Realism”
◙ Textbook Chap. 7 – Tim Dunne “Liberalism”
◙ Textbook Chap. 4 - Michael Cox, “From the cold war to a new global era”
Week 3. Neo-Realism, Neo-Liberalism and Marxism (Sept. 22nd & 24th)
◙ Textbook Chap. 8 – Steven L. Lamy, “Contemporary mainstream approaches: neo-realism and
neo-liberalism”
◙ Textbook Chap. 19 – Richard Little, “International Regimes”
◙ Textbook Chap. 9 – Stephen Hobden and Richard Wyn Jones, “Marxist theories of
international relations”
Week 4. Constructivism and Critical Theories (Sept. 29th & Oct.1st)
◙ Textbook Chap. 10 – Michael Barnett, “Social Constructivism”
◙ Textbook Chap. 12 – Christine Sylvester, “Post-colonialism”
◙ Textbook Chap. 17 – J. Ann Tickner, “Gender in world politics”
Additional Reading:
◙ Textbook Chap. 11 - Lene Hansen, “Post-structuralism”
Week 5. Review & Mid-term Test (Oct. 6th & 8th)
October 6th – Review Lecture:
◙ Please review material and readings from September 5th to October 3rd.
October 8th – Mid-term Test held in class. Covers material from September 8th to October 6th
-----
Thanks-giving and Reading Week – No Classes Oct 13th – Oct. 17th -----
5
Week 6. Foreign Policy, Ethics and Human Rights in World Politics (Oct. 20th & 22nd)
October 20th – Foreign Policy Decision-making
◙ Steve Kettell, “The Curious Incident of the Dog that Didn’t Bark in the Night-Time:
Structure and Agency in Britain’s War with Iraq,” Politics and Policy 37:2 (2009)
October 22nd – Ethics and Human Rights in World Politics
◙ Textbook Chap. 13 – Richard Shapcott, “International ethics”
◙ Textbook Chap. 30 – Jack Donnelly, “Human rights”
Week 7. Human Security and Humanitarian Intervention (Oct. 27th & 29th)
◙ Textbook Chap. 29 – Amitav Acharya, “Human security”
◙ Textbook Chap. 28 –Tony Evans & Caroline Thomas, “Poverty, development, and hunger”
◙ Textbook Chap. 31 – Alex J. Bellamy & Nicholas J. Wheeler, “Humanitarian intervention in
world politics”
Week 8. War and Peace (Nov. 3rd and 5th)
◙ Textbook Chap. 15 – John Baylis, “International and global security”
◙ Textbook Chap. 24 – , Sheena Chestnut Greitens, “Nuclear proliferation”
◙ Textbook Chap. 14 - Michael Sheehan, “The chancing character of war”
Week 9. New Focuses of Security (Nov. 10th and 12th)
◙ Textbook Chap. 23 – James D. Kiras, “Terrorism and globalization”
◙ Mark B. Salter and Geneviève Piché, “The Securitization of the US-Canada Border in American
Political Discourse, Canadian Journal of Political Science 44:4 (December 2011)
◙ Peter Andreas, “Illicit Globalization: Myths, Misconceptions, and Historical Lessons,” Political
Science Quarterly 126:3 (Fall, 2011)
Week 10. Globalization and Global Governance (Nov. 17th & 19th)
◙ Textbook Chap. 1 – In Anthony McGrew “Globalization and global politics”
◙ Textbook Chap. 32 - Andrew Linklater, Globalization and the transformation of political
community”
◙ Textbook Chap. 33 – Ian Clark, “Globalization and the post-cold-war order”
Week 11. UN, International Organization and the Case of the Environment (Nov. 24th & 26th)
◙ Textbook Chap. 20 – Paul Taylor and Devon Curtis, “The United Nations”
◙ Textbook Chap. 21 – Peter Willetts, “Transnational actors and international organizations in
global politics”
◙ Textbook Chap. 22 – John Vogler, “Environmental issues”
◙ Thomas Weiss “Intensive Care for the United Nations” Current History 109:730
(November, 2010)
6
Week 12. World Politics in the Future & Review (Dec. 1st & 3rd)
◙ Please review readings and lecture materials
TUTORIAL SCHEDULE
Tutorials are a very important component of the course. They offer an ideal time for students to discuss
material covered in lecture. Indeed, successful tutorial participation should result in much better
understanding of the course material leading to better outcomes in the course. Tutorials will be led by
individual Teaching Assistants. However, TAs will not lecture in tutorials. Instead, the majority of
discussion that takes place will be by students. Students will be encouraged to work through ideas in
conversation with fellow students and assisted by the TA. This conversation should be balanced amongst
all students and should be conducted in a professional manner. Tutorials also represent a substantial
part of your grade (10%). The criteria for successful tutorial participation are discussed above and will be
elaborated on in class. The tutorial schedule below outlines the general topic for each week’s tutorial.
More details and specific questions related to tutorial discussion will be given in lecture. Please note
there will be no tutorials held in weeks 1 and 12. If at any point you have concerns, questions or positive
feedback about your tutorial experience contact me directly.
Week 2 (Sept.19) - First Tutorial - Introduction: What is Global politics? Why do I care?
Week 3 (Sept.26) - Second Tutorial – How does Global Politics Work? Traditional Perspectives.
Week 4 (Oct.3) - Third Tutorial – How does Global Politics Work? Critical Perspectives & Review.
Week 5 (Oct.10) - Fourth Tutorial – Global Politics and Perspectives in Practice.
October 17th – Reading Week – No Tutorial.
Week 6 (Oct.24) - Fifth Tutorial – Who decides how states act in Global Politics? Is there
an ethical way for global actors to behave?
Week 7 (Oct.31) - Sixth Tutorial – Individuals and Intervention in Global Politics.
Week 8 (Nov.7) - Seventh Tutorial – War and Peace.
Week 9 (Nov.14) - Eighth Tutorial – What’s new to fear in the 21st Century.
Week 10 (Nov.21) - Ninth Tutorial – Global problems, Global solutions.
Week 11 (Nov.28) – Tenth Tutorial – Exam Review.
Specific topics for discussion in tutorial as well as a short task to prepare for tutorial will be given in
lecture and posted on avenue.
7