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Syllabus: International Relations
International Relations
Course hours: MWF 09.00-09.50 SRL 213
MWF 10.00-10.50 SRL 212
Office hours: M 13.00-14.30
T 14.00-15.30
or by appointment
Professor: Cohn
Office: Sabin 354
Office phone: 319 273 2647
Email: lindsay.cohn@uni.edu
Overview of the Course
This course aims to help you understand events in the world outside of your home country (for
most of us, the United States) and how your government interacts with other governments and
actors on the world scene. It provides some historical background and the conceptual tools you
will need to understand contemporary international relations. It also aims to help you think
critically and analytically about the claims people make about politics and human behavior,
improve the clarity of your written communication, and evaluate arguments and evidence.
This course is designed to give students a brief introduction to areas of international relations
they may wish to pursue in more depth in other courses, such as security, international political
economy, international law, American foreign policy, and so on. This course will also touch on
some of the hot-button issues in today’s news and politics: terrorism, environmental issues, and
the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Plagiarism and Cheating
You are here in order to learn, grow, and expand your minds. Any action on your part which is in
essence an attempt to get a grade better than the one that your current levels of effort and
understanding deserve, is an act of cheating and will be punished as such. Plagiarism is when
you take someone else’s words or ideas and submit them as your own without giving the other
person due credit. This is an act of dishonesty and will not be tolerated. Cheating and plagiarism
are both ways to avoid learning. Since you are paying to learn something here, you should
probably give it a shot. Should I catch you doing either of these things, you will receive a zero on
that assignment, and potentially more serious punishment including recommendation for
suspension. It’s not worth it. Don’t do it.
Requirements and Grading
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Three analysis papers worth 10% each (30% total)
Two essays worth 10% each (20% total)
One midterm exam worth 15%
One final exam worth 15%
The remaining 20% consists of class participation, quizzes, homework, and strategy
games.
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Syllabus: International Relations
Analysis papers are short papers. Their purpose is to help you understand what you are reading
and get into the habit of asking essential questions of every text you read. In these papers you are
to answer The 5 Qs about the chosen reading:
1. What is the author’s central question (in other words, what is the primary question the
author is trying to answer with this text? Why did the author write this text)?
2. What is the author’s central argument (what is his answer to the central question)?
3. What is at least one plausible alternative argument (in other words, what is an alternative
answer to the central question)?
4. What evidence does the author present in support of his argument?
5. Is the evidence convincing (why/why not)?
Please pick three readings, from three different days, and turn in your analysis of those readings
on the days the readings are due (e.g. if you do an analysis of Jesse Helms’s article “What
Sanctions Epidemic?” you must turn it in no later than the beginning of class on that day (13
Feb)). In order to spread these out over the semester, I have divided the semester into segments,
and ask that you do at least one analysis paper per segment. You may certainly do them early,
but if you turn them in late the grade will reflect that.
You are required to answer the five Qs for only one text, but I will expect you to use the texts
from the same day to help you understand and answer the questions. For example, I frequently
assign two texts that pose two alternative arguments on the same question. You should therefore
note as your answer to Q3 the alternative argument posed in the other text for the day. These
should be turned in online through eLearning.
Essays will be assigned in class as homework. Their purpose is for you to learn how to
understand and argue both sides of an issue, so you will be given a question with at least two
plausible answers and expected to
1. Identify those answers,
2. Discuss their strengths and weaknesses, and
3. Determine which you find more compelling on the basis of the evidence you are able to
muster.
The mid-term and final exams will consist of multiple choice, short answer, and/or short essay
questions.
Class participation will be evaluated on your presence in class, your performance on any
geography, readings, or current events quizzes I may give, and your participation in discussion
and group activities. This does not mean how much you talk, but how thoughtfully you
contribute. I do not expect you to understand everything you read right away, and asking
questions and suggesting possible answers – even ones that may be incorrect – are both
thoughtful contributions. I may occasionally call on specific people, so it is important that you do
the reading and be prepared.
Grading – the exams will be graded on a 100-point scale based on points per question. The
response papers and essays will receive letter grades based on qualitative criteria (see below). All
grades will be transposed into the 4 point scale, which will be tallied for a final course grade.
Grades are also partially at my discretion, meaning that I may choose to give a student a slightly
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Syllabus: International Relations
higher or lower final grade than the exact score, based on e.g. quality of class participation or of
response papers.
Letter
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
100pt
(93-100)
(90-92)
(87-89)
(83-86)
(80-82)
(77-79)
(73-76)
(70-72)
(67-69)
(63-66)
(60-62)
(0-59)
4pt
4.0
3.67
3.33
3.0
2.67
2.33
2.0
1.67
1.33
1.0
0.67
0
A – you will receive an A if you go above and beyond addressing all the aspects of the
question/assignment and meeting the requirements by introducing novel ideas or perspectives or
by addressing an additional aspect of the topic which seems relevant; if you successfully
integrate course materials in a way that shows you understand and are not simply repeating back
what someone else has said; if you give proper credit wherever credit is due in a way that anyone
reading your work could follow the academic conversation; and if your work is written in good
English with good style, grammar, and spelling (the Above and Beyond response).
B – you will receive a B if you address all the aspects of the assignment and meet the
requirements; if you integrate course materials correctly in a way that shows you understood
them; if you give proper credit most of the time; and if your work is written in decent English
with no major flaws of style, grammar, or spelling (the Unobjectionably Decent response).
C – you will receive a C if you address most of the aspects of the question/assignment but either
fail to address important parts of the assignment, fail to integrate much course material, or
include course material in a way that indicates you have not understood it; if you fail to give
proper credit at least most of the time; and/or if your writing contains flaws of style, grammar, or
spelling which detract from its readability and clarity (the Bare Minimum Required response).
D – you will receive a D if you address few or no aspects of the assignment; integrate little or no
course material (or have failed to understand the material); include little or no citation; and/or
write so poorly that I have trouble reading the paper. The main criterion for getting a D rather
than an F is that you appear to have made an honest effort to do the assignment and have simply
failed (the You Just Did Not Get This response).
F – you will receive an F if you fail to turn in the assignment, if you turn in something that is
plagiarized, or if you turn in something into which you clearly put absolutely no effort (e.g. one
short paragraph for a response paper) (the You Clearly Don’t Care response).
A grade of I will be given only if a student has completed most of the work for the semester and
is prevented from completing assignments before the end of the semester by sudden and/or
traumatic events, such as a sudden illness or injury, or the death of a loved one. In order to
receive an I, the student must commit (in writing) to complete the work by a time agreed upon
between the student and the professor.
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Syllabus: International Relations
Readings
You can look on Amazon or other sites for used (much cheaper) copies of these texts, but please
make sure you get the correct edition.
Textbook: Joshua S. Goldstein and Jon C. Pevehouse, International Relations, Ninth Edition
(listed below as GP IR)
Bundled with this book is a license for Tophat Monocle software. If you buy the book either new
or used through the University bookstore, the license should come with it automatically. If you
buy the book online, please go to the bookstore and ask for the license to go with it.
Reader: Richard K. Betts, Conflict After the Cold War: Arguments on Causes of War and Peace,
Third Edition (listed below as Betts CACW)
Readings not included in one of the texts can be found through the electronic databases available
to you through the library website (or occasionally simply through google or e-reserve). I
expect that every student will do all the readings. I have tried to keep the reading load
manageable, and you will not be able to participate fully or answer questions well if you have not
done the reading.
In addition, I expect students to look regularly at news sources such as the New York Times, the
Washington Post, CNN.com, the International Herald Tribune, BBC News, etc. Most of these
news sources are available for free online.
Help with Reading, Writing, and Study Skills
I encourage you to use the Academic Learning Center’s free assistance with writing, reading, and
learning strategies:
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The Writing Center offers one-on-one writing feedback for all UNI undergraduate and
graduate students. Writing Coaches offer strategies for getting started, citing and
documenting, and editing your work. Schedule appointments at 008 ITTC or 319-2732361. The Writing Center also offers the Online Writing Guide at
http://www.uni.edu/unialc/writingcenter/.
The Reading and Learning Center helps students transition to college-level reading and
learning expectations at UNI. Students may work with trained Academic Coaches by
signing up for workshops, scheduling appointments, or walking in. While appointments
are not always necessary, contact the Reading and Learning Center at 008 ITTC or 319273-2361 to ensure that an Academic Coach is available at a time convenient for you.
Additionally, students can register for PPST Reading and GRE Verbal preparation
courses or enjoy casual conversations about classes, majors, programs, and life at UNI at
weekly Coffee Chats.
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Syllabus: International Relations
Technology
We will be using Tophat Monocle’s interactive software that goes through your smartphones,
cell phones, or other devices. I will discuss this with you in class. Obviously, you are requested
to be paying attention in class and not using these devices to be chatting, surfing the internet, etc.
If you bring a tablet or laptop, please seat yourselves near the back or edges of the class so as not
to distract others.
Disabilities
If you have a disability of any kind (learning, mental, or physical) for which you need
accommodation in the classroom or with assignments/exams, you MUST contact the Student
Disability Services Office and get certification from them. I am afraid I cannot offer any
accommodations unless you have the paperwork from the SDS. If you have a non-disabilityrelated issue for which you feel you need special consideration (e.g. if English is not your native
language), please come and talk to me about it and I will do what I can.
Illness
If you are sick and believe you may be contagious, please do us all a favor and stay home. Please
let me know (preferably before class) that you will be out because of illness. It will be your
responsibility, NOT MINE, to get notes from a classmate and/or from eLearning. If you are out
frequently for illness and are afraid that this will adversely affect your grades, you may speak to
me about extra credit opportunities.
Confidentiality
I am open to anyone who needs help or guidance, but you must know up front that I am legally
required to inform the Office of Compliance and Equity Management and/or the Dean of
Students if I believe there is harassment, discrimination, violence, abuse, or other prohibited
activity going on. I am not allowed to keep your secrets. In cases of alcohol or substance abuse, I
strongly encourage you to seek advice from the Counseling Center or the Student Health Center,
as they are in a far better position than I am to help.
Course Outline
Week 1
1. Introduction: College, Politics, Science, and Political Science (14 Jan)
2.
Logic and Argument I (16 Jan)
* Robert Wright, “Sharing the Burden of Peace”, New York Times 18 January 2011, Opinionator. Google
it. PLEASE PRINT and BRING TO CLASS
3.
Logic and Argument II (18 Jan)
* Charles Krauthammer, 2002/03, “The Unipolar Moment Revisited” The National Interest Winter 02/03.
Google it. PLEASE PRINT and BRING TO CLASS along with Robert Wright article and 5 Qs exercise.
* Essay assigned
Week 2
4. ***NO CLASS*** MLK Day (21 Jan)
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Syllabus: International Relations
5.
International Relations (23 Jan)
* GP IR, Ch. 1, “The Globalization of International Relations” pp.3-39; “The Wars of the World” pp. 153157; “The International System” pp. 50-63; “Alliances” pp. 63-71
6.
Writing Workshop (25 Jan)
* Essay due
Week 3
7. ***NO CLASS*** (28 Jan)
8.
The Security Dilemma (30 Jan)
* Betts CACW, Thomas Hobbes, “The State of Nature and the State of War” pp. 66-69
* Betts CACW, Robert Jervis, “Cooperation Under the Security Dilemma,” pp. 412-427
9.
Realism (1 Feb)
* GP IR, “Realism” and “Power” pp. 43-49, “The Waning of War”, “Causes of War”, “Conflicts of Ideas”,
and “Conflicts of Interests” pp. 157-189
* Betts CACW, Richard K. Betts and Thomas J. Christensen, “China: Can the Next Superpower Rise
Without War?” pp. 631-642
Week 4
*** NO CLASS THIS WEEK *** (4-8 February)
These classes will be made up with an exercise at the end of the semester
Week 5
10. Power and Force (11 Feb)
* GP IR, “Strategy” pp. 71-77, “Conventional Forces” pp. 195-207, “Weapons of Mass Destruction” pp.
210-222, “States and Militaries” pp. 222-227
* Betts CACW, Niccolo Machiavelli, “Doing Evil in order to Do Good” pp. 61-65
11. Power and Economics (13 Feb)
* Jesse Helms, 1999, “What Sanctions Epidemic”, Foreign Affairs 78(1): 2-8
* John and Karl Mueller, 1999, “Sanctions of Mass Destruction,” Foreign Affairs 78(3): 43-53
* Arne Tostensen and Beate Bull, 2002, “Are Smart Sanctions Feasible?” World Politics 54(3): 373-403
12. Continued (15 Feb)
Week 6
13. Rationalism and Bargaining (18 Feb)
* James Fearon, 1995, “Rationalist Explanations for War”, International Organization 49(3): 379-414
14. Religion and Politics (20 Feb)
* Yahya Sadowski, 2006, “Political Islam: Asking the Wrong Questions?” Annual Review of Political
Science 9: 215-240
15. Peace and Justice (22 Feb)
* Betts CACW, Thucydides, “The Melian Dialogue”, pp. 56-60
*** End Segment One – Last Day to turn in first Analysis Paper ***
Week 7
16. Continued (25 Feb)
17. Review (27 Feb)
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Syllabus: International Relations
18. Mid-Term (1 Mar)
Week 8
19. Anarchy and Law (4 Mar)
* GP IR, “International Law” 254-274; “Roles of International Organizations”, “The United Nations”, pp.
233-254
* Charter of the United Nations, (http://www.un.org/aboutun/charter/index.shtml), Preamble, Chapter I
(Purposes and Principles), Chapter VI (Pacific Settlement of Disputes), Chapter VII (Action with Respect
to Threats to the Peace), and Chapter XIV (International Court of Justice)
20. International Crimes and War Crimes (6 Mar)
* Geneva Conventions Common Article 3 (available through http://www.icrc.org)
* Betts CACW, Stanley Milgram, “How Good People Do Bad Things” pp. 184-190
21. War Crimes Continued (8 Mar)
Week 9
22. Liberalism and the Democratic Peace (11 Mar)
* GP IR, “Liberal Theories” and “Domestic Influences” pp. 83-103, “Constructivism” pp. 121-126,
“Marxism” and “Peace Studies” pp. 128-136
* Betts CACW, Immanuel Kant, “Perpetual Peace”, pp. 122-128
23. Liberalism vs. Realism: why it matters (13 Mar)
* Jonathan Caverley, 2007, “US Hegemony and the New Economics of Defense,” Security Studies 16(4):
598-614
24. More Liberalism: The European Union (15 Mar)
* GP IR, “Globalization and Integration”, “Integration Theory”, and “The European Union” pp. 353-369
* Robert Kagan, 2002, “Power and Weakness”, Policy Review 113(June/July)
* Essay assigned
Week 10
*** SPRING BREAK!! NO CLASS THIS WEEK *** (18-22 Mar)
Week 11
25. Writing Workshop
* Essay assignment due
26. International Political Economy (25 Mar)
* GP IR, “Theories of Trade” pp. 281-292; “Globalization and Finance”, “The Currency System” pp. 319328; “State Financial Positions” and “Multinational Business” pp. 331-349
27. Economics and Globalization (27 Mar)
* GP IR, “Trade Regimes” and “Economic Globalization” pp. 293-315; “Central Banks” and “The World
Bank and the IMF” pp. 328-331; “The Power of Information” pp. 370-378
Week 12
28. The Environment (1 Apr)
* GP IR, “Interdependence and the Environment”, “Managing the Environment”, “Natural Resources” pp.
385-407
* Antony Froggatt and Michael Levi, 2008, “Climate and Energy Security Policies and Measures:
Synergies and Conflicts,” International Affairs 85(6): 1129‐41. http://www.cfr.org/energy-security/climateenergy-security-policies-measures-synergies-conflicts/p20922
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Syllabus: International Relations
29. The Environment and Development (3 Apr)
* Patricia Adams, 1992, “The World Bank and the IMF in Sub-Saharan Africa: Undermining Development
and Environmental Sustainability”, Journal of International Affairs 46(1): 97-117
* Anonymous, 2011, “The Food Crisis: A Look at Short-term Concerns and the Long-term Problems that
Exacerbate Them”, paper for UNI Senior Seminar: Environmental Issues and International Security, 1-23
***on e-reserves***
*** End Segment Two – Last Day to turn in second Analysis Paper ***
30. Continued (5 Apr)
Week 13
31. Civil War and Ethnic Conflict (8 Apr)
* Barbara F. Walter, 1997, “The Critical Barrier to Civil War Settlement,” International Organization
51(3): 335-364
* Carter Johnson, 2008, “Partitioning to Peace: Sovereignty, Demography, and Ethnic Civil Wars,”
International Security 32(4): 140-70
32. Stabilization and Reconstruction (10 Apr)
* Betts CACW, Edward D. Mansfield and Jack Snyder, “Democratization and War”, pp. 347-359
* Michael Barnett, 2006, “Building a Republican Peace: Stabilizing States after War,” International
Security 30(4): 87-112
33. ***No Class Today*** (12 Apr)
Week 14
34. Humanitarian Intervention (15 Apr)
* Jon Western and Joshua S. Goldstein, 2011, “Humanitarian Intervention Comes of Age”, Foreign Affairs
90(6): 48-59
* Benjamin Valentino, 2011, “The True Costs of Humanitarian Intervention”, Foreign Affairs 90(6): 60-73
35. Terrorism (17 Apr)
*GP IR, “Terrorism” pp. 207-210
* Betts CACW, Osama bin Laden, “Speech to the American People” pp. 541-545
* Yossi Klein Halevi, 2001, “The Asymmetry of Pity,” The National Interest 65: 37-44
36. Continued (19 Apr)
***STRATEGY GAME Sunday 21 April, 12pm-4pm (location TBA)***
Week 15
37. Why War in Iraq? (22 Apr)
* Kenneth Pollack, 2002, “Next Stop Baghdad,” Foreign Affairs 81(2): 32-47
* Kevin Woods, James Lacey, and Williamson Murray, 2006, “Saddam’s Delusions: the View from the
Inside” Foreign Affairs 85(3): 2-26
38. Foreign Policy (24 Apr)
* GP IR, “Making Foreign Policy”, pp. 103-117
* Betts CACW, Kahneman and Renshon, “Why Hawks Win,” pp. 191-194
* Elihu Root, 1922, “A Requisite for the Success of Popular Diplomacy,” Foreign Affairs 1(1): 3-10
39. Civil-Military Relations (26 Apr)
* Peter D. Feaver, 1996, “The Civil-Military Problematique: Huntington, Janowitz, and the Question of
Civilian Control,” Armed Forces and Society 23(2): 149-178
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Syllabus: International Relations
* Christopher Gelpi and Peter D. Feaver, 2002, “Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick? Veterans in the
Political Elite and the American Use of Force,” American Political Science Review 96(4): 779-793
Week 16
40. Continued (29 Apr)
41. Global Order (1 May)
* Betts CACW, Ikenberry and Slaughter, “A World of Liberty Under Law,” 625-630
* George F. Kennan, 1985/6, “Morality and Foreign Policy,” Foreign Affairs 64(2): 205-218
*** End Segment Three – Last Day to turn in third Analysis Paper ***
42. Review (3 May)
EXAM WEEK (6-10 May)
Final Exam for 9am section: 10.00-11.50 Wednesday 8 May
Final Exam for 10am section: 10.00-11.50 Monday 6 May