POLITICAL SCIENCE 010
Spring 2016
Introduction to International Relations (3) UC:CSU
Syllabus
El Camino College
Section 2776: Friday, 09:30a – 12:40p
Social Science Building, Room 203
Instructor: Van P. Chaney, MPA
E-mail: vchaney@elcamino.edu
Phone: 310-233-4064
Website: www.vchaney.com
Required Text: How the World Works, 2nd edition, Russell Bova ISBN: 978-0-205-08240-7
Course Description:
In this course students will examine the factors that determine the relations between nations
and the problems that result from the interplay of these factors. The conditions that can lead to
both conflict and cooperation among nations will be examined. Major topics include
international security, issues of international political economy, and international
organizations. International law and diplomacy are examined as alternative means of resolving
conflict.
Course Objectives:
1. Identify and discuss the major approaches to the understanding and practice of international
politics.
2. Describe and examine the principal historical elements that established the framework within
which nations now interact with one another.
3. Evaluate the major elements of national power.
4. Assess the components of power in selected countries.
5. Analyze the causes of war.
6. Compare the strengths and weaknesses of the principal approaches to maintaining and/or
restoring peace among nations.
7. Define and assess significant reasons for conflict.
8. Explain and discuss the role of economic issues in international relations, their impact on
diplomacy, war and peace, and their centrality in relations between developed and developing
nations.
Student Learning Outcomes:
SLO#1: Major Theoretical Approaches- In a written assignment, students will demonstrate
knowledge of intergovernmental relations between the various levels of government through an
analysis of our federal system.
SLO#2: Causes of War- In a written assignment, students will discuss and critically analyze the
causes of war within the international system of states.
SLO#3: International Political Economy- In a written assignment, students will discuss and
compare and contrast the major theoretical approaches as they pertain to international Political
Economy.
TENTATIVE CALENDAR
Week of
Week 1
World Politics: Realism and Its Critics – Chapter 1
Week 2
Historical Perspectives – Chapter 2
Week 3
Cold War Lecture
Week 4
Review - Test #1
Week 5
Levels of Analysis – Chapter 3
Weeks 6 & 7
War and Violence in World Politics – Chapter 4
Week 8
Review – Test #2
Week 9
International Law and Organization – Chapter 5
Week 10
The Human Rights Revolution – Chapter 6
Week 11
Review – Test #3
Week 12
Economic Globalization – Chapter 7
Week 13
Transnational Challenges – Chapter 8
Week 14
Global Futures – Chapter 9
Week 15
Class Presentations and Final Review
Week 16
Final/Research Paper
Grading Policy
All exams and the final are multiple choice and essay questions.
Grading will be distributed in the following manner:



Three Exams,
50 pts. each (150 pts. Total)
Essay Paper/Class Presentation,
80 pts. (60 pts. paper & 20 pts. presentation)
Final Exam,
75 pts.
_______________________________________________________
(305 pts. possible)
Percentage/Point Grading Scale
90% and above
274 - 305
A
80 – 89
244 - 273
B
70 – 79
213 - 243
C
60 – 69
183 - 212
D
182 and below
F
Make-Up Exams
If good cause can be shown why an exam was missed, a “make-up exam” may be permitted. If
permitted, the instructor will decide the time, format, and increased difficulty of the exam.
Research Paper/Presentation
For your research paper you have the choice on writing on one of two subjects. The first choice
will center in the issue of terrorism, its historical perspective and how has it been utilized in the
current global world. You will choose one particular group or event; describe its agenda, mission
and historical foundations. Afterwards write on the global and/or nation –state response or
actions against the particular group. A second choice would be on the activities of a particular
nation and their foreign policy decision making process. More information will be presented
during the term. Your paper should be between 7 to 10 pages and will be due at the end of the
term and submitted through TURNITIN. Access to the site will be provided during the term.
Extra Credit
You will be notified in advance of extra credit opportunities throughout the semester.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a form of cheating. Any time a student uses someone else’s work and does not give
that person credit, it is plagiarism. Anyone who plagiarizes or cheats on an exam will receive an
“F” and possible expulsion from the class and college. If you are suspected of plagiarism or
cheating, you will bear the burden of proof and present rough drafts or related materials to prove
otherwise.
Attendance and Exclusion Policy
Attendance is expected and you must be present for class on time. If a student misses three
classes they may be dropped from the course; however, the student is responsible for officially
filing a drop card request. Any student who has unexcused absences prior to the census date
may be excluded. Students may drop the class in the Admissions and Records office, on-line, or
by phone (check drop policies in the student handbook for the criteria and dates).
All students should be familiar with the attendance regulations printed in both the college catalog
and the schedule of classes. Students are expected to remain for the entire class period. Medical
appointments, work, job interviews, childcare responsibilities, etc. should be arraigned so as not
to occur during class time. Please do not make requests for exceptions. Cell phones and pagers
are to be turned off or on vibrate during class. If a student must respond to a call, be considerate
and leave the class through the back door to take care of the situation.
Lastly, students are responsible to inform the instructor of any anticipated absences due to travel
or observance of major religious holidays so that alternative with other students to acquire notes
or other pertinent information regarding the class.
Special Resource Center
1. If you have a documented disability and wish to discuss academic accommodations, please
contact me as soon as possible.
2. If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, you are
encouraged to contact both your instructor and the Special Resource Center as early as possible
in the term.
3. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the instructor during office hours to
discuss their disability related accommodations. Use of SRC services including testing
accommodations, requires prior authorization by SRC and compliance with approved
procedures.
4. It is the college’s policy to provide, on an individual basis, reasonable accommodations to
student who have disabilities that may affect their ability to participate in course activities or
meet course requirements. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact their instructor to
discuss their individual needs for accommodations.
Americans with Disabilities Act
ADA Statement: Students with disabilities who believe they may need accommodations in this
class are encouraged to contact the Special Resource Center on campus as soon as possible to
better ensure such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. As well, please contact
me privately to discuss your specific needs.
Student Code of Conduct
http://www.elcamino.edu/administration/board/boarddocs/5500%20%20Academic%20Honesty.
pdf
Student Rights and Grievances Procedure 5530
http://www.elcamino.edu/administration/board/policies.asp