POLS 2401 Global Issues
11:00-12:15 Tuesday/Thursday
Spring 2014
Cumming Campus
Dr. Dlynn Armstrong-Williams
Office: 266A Cumming Campus
328 Hansford Hall, Dahlonega
Office Phone: 470-239-3135 (Cumming)
706-864-1869 (Dahlonega)
Office Hours: 8:30am-9:30am Tuesday/Thursday (Cumming Campus)
1:00pm-2:00pm Tuesday/Thursday (Cumming Campus)
9:00am-11:00am Monday/Wednesday (Dahlonega Campus) or by appointment
Cumming classes: Global Issues 9:30am-10:45am Room 136
Global Issues 11:00am-12:15pm Room 104
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to international politics. In this course, students will become acquainted
with approaches used by scholars who study world politics, as well as learn about the main issues that
shape the present international system. As we examine world politics it will become evident that
culture, tradition, economic power, and geographical location all play a part in the political drama that
we see played out every day in our newspapers. It is the focus of this course to use the tools of
international relations to make sense of the international political information that we are presented
each day.
This course is designed to not only further your knowledge of international politics but also to promote
critical thinking and understanding of contexts. Critical thinking will be encouraged in this course
through classroom participation, exams and a written assignment.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1- This course will provide students with a basic introduction to important themes, concepts, and
theories of international relations;
2- At the end of this course, students will be able to conceptually evaluate and critically analyze
fundamental processes in the international system such as competition, conflict, and cooperation;
3- This course will provide students with the conceptual tools necessary to understand both the past
and present functioning of the world system and the emergence of the nation-state as the key actor
in international relations;
4- Students will be encouraged to apply different perspectives and insights from political science,
history, economics, sociology, psychology, and philosophy to their understanding of international
phenomena;
5- Students will be encouraged to develop a global perspective through the study of world political
phenomena;
6- This course will promote students’ understanding and appreciation of other peoples, cultures, and
societies.
Course Requirements:
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Class attendance
Active class participation
Completion and understanding of all assigned readings
Two in-class multiple choice exams and a final exam
Four map quizzes
Common writing assignment
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Grade Breakdown:
Exam 1: 20%
Exam 2: 20%
Final Exam: 25%
Map Quizzes 10%
Participation 15%
Common Writing Assignment 10%
Exams
All exams for this course will be multiplication choice tests. Questions for these exams will come both
from the assigned text book as well as classroom notes.
Map Quizzes
There will be four map quizzes accounting for 10% of your overall grade.
Class Participation (10% of your grade):
Classroom discussion plays an important part in this course, both as a component of your final grade
and as a way of learning the material (and, hopefully, learning it in a way that has enduring value for
you). I expect you to take an active role in the learning process. Be ready to discuss the readings, recent
events, and carefully prepare your arguments before class meetings. Quizzes are a possibility if students
are not completing readings prior to class. Quizzes will be calculated as part of the class participation
grade.
Common Writing Assignment (10% of your grade)
You are expected to write a 1200-1500 word paper. This paper should be typed in Times New Roman,
12-point font, double-space, page-numbered and one-inch margins. This assignment is due on MARCH
26, 2015 during the first 15 minutes of the class meeting. You must be in class to turn in a hard copy
of the paper as well as having it submitted to Turnitin.com. No late papers will be accepted, no
exceptions! If you choose not to turn your paper in to turnitin.com, there will be an automatic 30%
reduction in your overall grade. You must submit it through Turnitin.com.
You will need the following information to create an account with Turnitin.com. Please remember that
all Turnitin.com information is case sensitive.
Class ID: 9203805
Password: IheartIR!
You must answer the following questions in your paper:
Question #1: What is the global issue raised in this article? Provide specific examples from the
article to support your answer.
Question #2: What is the main argument put forth by the author(s) in discussing this global
issue? What theoretical perspective (i.e., realist, liberal, radical, etc.) and/or empirical evidence
do the authors use to support their argument(s)? Are they successful in effectively
demonstrating their points? Provide specific examples from the article to support your answer.
Question #3: Identify the main actors in the international system affected by this global issue
and at which particular level of analysis that actor operates (individual, state/domestic, and
systemic/global). How does this global issue affect the different actors in the international
system, for example individuals, states, intergovernmental organizations, nongovernmental
organizations, etc.? Provide specific examples to illustrate your points.
Question #4: Considering the relevance of this issue today, what should be done in the future?
What actors should respond and how? In your answer address the impact on and/or response
by individuals, states, and transnational actors (IGOs, NGOs, etc.).
Your paper must be cited in APA or Chicago Manual format. Information on bibliographical styles:
http://www2.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/library/workshop/citation.htm
You papers format needs to consist of:
- Title page (paper title, your name, course number and title, date)
- Page numbering
- Citations
- Bibliography
Syllabus Changes:
I reserve the right to make changes as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated during the
term of the course, I will immediately notify you of such changes both by announcing it in class and
sending an email to your UNG student account.
Policy Regarding Make-up Exams and Incomplete Grades:
Make up opportunities and incomplete grades will be given at my discretion and in accordance with
UNG policy. You should make every effort to contact me before the time of the scheduled assignment
(mid-term or final exam) to arrange a make-up. I will require proof of suitable and valid documentation
(medical, legal, or administrative) to make up the missed assignment. My phone number and e-mail
address are printed on this syllabus. I reserve the right to change the exam questions or format on any
make up exam offered.
Disruptive Behavior Policy:
Students who exhibit behaviors that are considered to obstruct or disrupt the class or its learning
activities are subject to sanctions under the Board of Regents Policy on Disruptive Behavior. Behaviors
which may be considered inappropriate in the classroom includes, but is not limited to, sleeping, coming
in late, talking out of turn, inappropriate use of laptops or mobile devices, verbal behavior that is
disrespectful of other students or the faculty member, or other behaviors that may be disruptive.
Students who exhibit such behavior may be temporarily dismissed from the class by the instructor and
will be subject to disciplinary procedures outlined in the Student Handbook. Do NOT consult your
electronic devices during lectures. If you expect an important call or text please stand up and make use
of your telephone in the hallway. You must take notes. You are welcome to use a computer etc yet, if I
observe that you make use of the computer to browse the internet or you use it in any other way that is
not related to note taking you forfeit the right to use it in this class.
If students continue to use electronic devices once class is in session the instructor has the right to hold
such devices at the front of the room until the end of the class session. Repeated violations will fall
under the disciplinary procedures written in the student handbook.
Accommodation for Students with Disabilities:
University of North Georgia is committed to equal access to its programs, services, and activities, and
welcomes otherwise qualified students with disabilities. Students who require accommodations and
services must register with Disability Services and submit supporting documentation. Disability Services
provides accommodation memos for eligible students to give to their instructors. Students are
responsible for making arrangements with instructors, and must give reasonable prior notice of the
need for accommodation.
Contact Information for Disability Services:
§ Gainesville Campus: Carolyn Swindle, Assistant Director, carolyn.swindle@ung.edu, DunlapMathis Building, Room 107, 678-717-3855
§ Dahlonega Campus: Thomas McCoy, Assistant Director, thomas.mccoy@ung.edu, Stewart
Student Success Center, Room 313, 706-867-2782
§ Oconee Campus: Erin Williams, Assistant Director, erin.williams@ung.edu, Administration
Building, Room 112, 706-310-6202
§ Cumming Instructional Site: Nicola Dovey, Director, nicola.dovery@ung.edu or Beth Bellamy,
Test Facilitator, beth.bellamy@ung.edu 678-717-3855. (For on-site assistance, contact Rebecca
Rose, Head Librarian, rebecca.rose@ung.edu, Library University Center 400, 470-239-3119.
Academic Integrity Policy:
Student Code of Conduct: Please review the Student Code of Conduct located on the Dean of Students
website.
Plagiarism and Turnitin.com: Students agree that by taking this course all required papers may be
subject to submission for textual similarity review to Turnitin.com for the detection of plagiarism. All
submitted papers will be included as source documents in the Turnitin.com reference database solely
for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of such papers. Use of the Turnitin.com service is subject to the
Terms and Conditions of Use posted on the Turnitin.com site.
Any instance of plagiarism or cheating will result in a zero grade for the assignment and/or a failing
grade for the course (“F”) depending on the severity of the offense and to be determined by the
instructor.
Copyright: Both Federal and State laws forbid the unlawful duplication of copyrighted computer
software or other reproductions of copyrighted material. In accordance with these policies, University of
North Georgia expressly forbids the copying of such materials supplied by or used in the College.
Unlawful duplication of copyrighted materials by a user may result in disciplinary action by the College
under the Student Code of Conduct (Non-Academic Infractions--Prohibitions, Theft), and/or possible
criminal action by the owner of the copyright.
Please review the Supplemental Syllabus for the following information:
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Academic Exchange
Academic Success Plan Program
Class Evaluations
Course Grades and Withdrawal Process
Inclement Weather
Smoking Policy
Required Readings:
Joshua Goldstein and Jon C. Pevehouse, International Relations, 10th Edition. This book will be listed as
International Relations on the course outline that follows:
Course Outline:
Course Topics and Outline:
January 6 Introduction
Read: Chapter 1: The Globalization of International Relations
Globalization, International Relations, and Daily Life
Core Principles
IR as a Field of Study
Actors and Influences
State Actors
Nonstate Actors
Levels of Analysis
Globalization
Global Geography
The Evolving International System
The Two World Wars, 1900—1950
The Cold War, 1945—1990
The Post—Cold War Era, 1990—2012
January 8
The Globalization of International Relations
January 13
The Globalization of International Relations
January 15
Realist Theories (Map Quiz 1)
Read: Chapter 2: Realist Theories
Realism
Power
Defining Power
Estimating Power
Elements of Power
The International System
Anarchy and Sovereignty
Balance of Power
Great Powers and Middle Powers
Power Distribution
Hegemony
The Great Power System, 1500—2000
Alliances
Purposes of Alliances
NATO
Other Alliances
Regional Alignments
Strategy
Statecraft
Rationality in International Relations
The Prisoner’s Dilemma
January 20
Realist Theories
January 22
Realist Theories
January 27
Liberal and Social Theories (Map Quiz 2)
Read: Chapter 3: Liberal and Social Theories
The Waning of War
Liberal Theories
Kant and Peace
Liberal Institutionalism
International Regimes
Collective Security
The Democratic Peace
Social Theories
Identities and Ideas Matter
Postmodernism
Marxism
Peace Studies
Gender Theories
Why Gender Matters
The Masculinity of Realism
Gender in War and Peace
Women in IR
Difference Feminism versus Liberal Feminism?
Postmodern Feminism
January 29—Class Cancelled
February 5
February 10
Liberal and Social Theories
Liberal and Social Theories (Map Quiz 3)
Read: Chapter 4: Foreign Policy
Making Foreign Policy
Models of Decision Making
Individual Decision Makers
Group Psychology
Crisis Management
Domestic Influences
Bureaucracies
Interest Groups
The Military-Industrial Complex
Public Opinion
Legislatures
Making Foreign Policy
February 12
Foreign Policy
February 17
Foreign Policy
February 19
Review (and reserve)
February 24
Exam 1
February 26
International Conflict
NOTE: The last day to withdraw from this course with a W is February 27, 2015. Ultimately it is your
responsibility to withdraw from the class without academic penalty. Do not assume I will
automatically drop you if you stop attending class.
Read: Chapter 5: International Conflict
The Wars of the World
Types of War
Theories of the Causes of War
Conflicts of Ideas
Nationalism
Ethnic Conflict
Genocide
Religious Conflict
Ideological Conflict
Conflicts of Interest
Territorial Disputes
Control of Governments
Economic Conflict
March 3
International Conflict
March 5
Military Force and Terrorism (Map Quiz 4)
Read: Chapter 6: Military Force and Terrorism
Conventional Forces
Land Forces: Controlling Territory
Naval Forces: Controlling the Seas
Air Forces: Controlling the Skies
Coordinating Forces: Logistics and Intelligence
Evolving Technologies
Terrorism
Weapons of Mass Destruction
Nuclear Weapons
Ballistic Missiles and Other Delivery Systems
Chemical and Biological Weapons
Proliferation
Nuclear Strategy and Arms Control
States and Militaries
Military Economics
Control of Military Forces
Civil-Military Relations
March 10
Military Force and Terrorism
March 12
International Organization, Law, and Human Rights
Read: Chapter 7: International Organization, Law, and Human Rights
Roles of International Organizations
The United Nations
The UN System
The Security Council
Peacekeeping Forces
The Secretariat
The General Assembly
UN Programs
Autonomous Agencies
International Law
Sources of International Law
Enforcement of International Law
The World Court
International Cases in National Courts
Law and Sovereignty
Laws of Diplomacy
Just War Doctrine
Human Rights
Individual Rights versus Sovereignty
Human Rights Institutions
War Crimes
The Evolution of World Order
March 16-20th Spring Break!!!!!
March 24
International Organization, Law, and Human Rights
March 26
International Trade
Common Assignment Due on March 26, 2014
Read: Chapter 8: International Trade
Theories of Trade
Liberalism and Mercantilism
Comparative Advantage
Political Interference in Markets
Protectionism
Trade Regimes
The World Trade Organization
Bilateral and Regional Agreements
Cartels
Industries and Interest Groups
Enforcement of Trade Rules
Economic Globalization
The Evolving World Economy
Resistance to Trade
March 31
International Trade
April 2
Review (and reserve)
April 7
Exam 2
April 9
Global Finance and Business
Read: Chapter 9: Global Finance and Business
Globalization and Finance
The Currency System
About Money
International Currency Exchange
Why Currencies Rise or Fall
Central Banks
The World Bank and the IMF
State Financial Positions
National Accounts
International Debt
The Position of the United States
The Position of Russia and Eastern Europe
The Position of Asia
Multinational Business
Multinational Corporations
Foreign Direct Investment
Host and Home Government Relations
April 14
Global Finance and Business
Read: Chapter 11: Environment and Population
Interdependence and the Environment
Sustainable Development
Managing the Environment
The Atmosphere
Biodiversity
Forests and Oceans
Pollution
Natural Resources
World Energy
Minerals
Water Disputes
Population
The Demographic Transition
Population Policies
Disease
April 16
Environment and Population
April 21 The North South Gap
Read: Chapter 12: The North-South Gap
The State of the South
Basic Human Needs
World Hunger
Rural and Urban Populations
Women in Development
Migration and Refugees
Theories of Accumulation
Economic Accumulation
The World-System
Imperialism
World Civilizations
History of Imperialism, 1500—2000
Effects of Colonialism
Postcolonial Dependency
Revolutionary Movements
April 23
Review (and reserve)
Final Exam
Tuesday April 28th from 10:20am-12:20am Final Exam