PS 203 – International Relations

 

Spring Semester: 2009

PS 203 CRN 32694 and PS 203HM CRN 33665

Room: HU 202

Time: TR 2 – 3:15

3 credits

 

Professor: Dr. Zook

Office: HU 263

Office Hours: MW (12:10-12:55); TR (1:10-1:55); and by appointment.

Office Phone: 240-567-7286

E-mail: Nathan.Zook@montgomerycollege.edu

 

Important Dates

Paper due – T, February 24

1st exam – R, March 5

Survey forms due – R, March 12

Simulation position papers due – T, March 24

2nd exam – R, April 2

Simulation reports (oral and written) – R, May 7

3rd exam – T, May 12 (2:45-4:45)

 

Course Description

Critical analysis of international problems. A survey of the concepts and problems of sovereignty and nationalism as well as the successes and failures of international institutions and organizations. Special attention given to the role of the United Nations in today's world and to contemporary situations that affect world politics.

 

Introduction to Course

“How to Escape from a Mountain Lion: Do not run.  Try to make yourself appear bigger by opening your coat wide.  Do not crouch down.  If you have small children with you, pick them up – do all you can to appear larger.  Back away slowly or wait until the animal moves away.  If the lion still behaves aggressively, throw stones.  Fight back if you are attacked.” – The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook

 

When countries are under attack or facing global problems, they may respond in various ways.  They may fight back.  They may bluff their way out of the situation by trying to appear larger or more powerful.  Do they have other options available?  Perhaps more peaceable options?  What are the pros and cons of various types of responses given the context of the situation?

 

Office Hours

Office hours are open-door, first-come, first-served.  If my hours are inconvenient for you, please don’t hesitate to schedule another appointment time with me.

 

 

Course Objectives

This course will lay the theoretical and conceptual groundwork for analyzing global issues.  Students will have the opportunity to debate these issues using analysis of theories derived from researching the goals and positions of various international actors.  In addition, students will differentiate between potential solutions to international issues based on the cultural, social, religious, economic, and historical contexts of these phenomena.

 

Study Helps

A review study-guide will be distributed in class during the week before each exam.  In addition, if the class so desires, I would be willing to schedule an extra “last-minute” review session in the week prior to each exam.

 

Readings

The readings for this course are necessary in order to participate in class discussions, incorporate concepts into written assignments, and achieve success on exams.  Readings should be completed prior to the date where they are listed at the end of this syllabus.  The following books are required for this course:

  • Bok, Francis. Escape From Slavery. St. Martin’s Griffin, 2003.
  • Rourke, John T. International Politics on the World Stage, Brief. 7th edition. McGraw-Hill, 2008.

·        Rourke, John T. Taking Sides: Clashing Views in World Politics. 13th edition. McGraw-Hill, 2008.

 

Grading

Grading will be as follows:

·        Map quizzes                       100 points

·        First exam                          100 points

·        Simulation                           125 points

·        Second exam                      100 points

·        Paper                                   75 points

·        Third exam             100 points

·        Participation                         50 points       

Total                                 650 points

 

Letter grades will be distributed as follows:

586-650           A

521-585           B

456-520           C

391-455           D

0-390           F

 

 

 

 

Policies

·        Cell phones and lap-tops.  Please seek authorization from the professor prior to use.  Unauthorized usage of these devices is not permitted in the classroom and will result in a reduction in your final participation grade.

·        Academic dishonesty.  Cheating or plagiarism on a paper, project, or exam will result in an F for that exercise.  Cheating and plagiarism consist of helping or receiving help from another student during an exam, having someone else write any part of your papers or exam, using any form of notes during an exam, or failing to acknowledge statements or quotes from another author.  In addition, you should cite a source whenever using a paraphrase, fact, or statistic, that is not common knowledge.  When in doubt, it’s always best to include a citation. 

·        Lateness.  Although late assignments will be accepted, be aware that your grade on the late paper will decrease by 5 points for every 24-hour period after the class in which it is due.  If you miss an exam for a valid reason, you will have the opportunity to make it up at another time.  The make-up exam will be more difficult, however.  Be sure to e-mail me in advance.

·        Disability. Any student who may need an accommodation due to a disability, please make an appointment to see the professor during office hours.  A letter from Disability Support Services authorizing your accommodations will be needed.

 

Participation and attendance

General class participation counts for 50 points of your grade.  This segment of the grade provides the instructor with the opportunity to reward those students who exhibit effort and a strong interest in the course by attending class, participating in class, coming to office hours, etc.  Lack of attendance and late arrivals to class will be taken into consideration when determining this participation grade.  In order to do well on the exams, attendance is strongly urged.  Participation in class discussions should involve respectful consideration of the views of others.  Showing respect for the professor and other students will prevent significant reduction of the participation grade.

 

Exams

There are three exams.  Each exam counts for 100 points.  The exams may include a combination of multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions.

 

Map quizzes

At the beginning of each class, a map quiz will be conducted on 10 countries assigned during the previous class.  If you miss the class in which the 10 countries are assigned, please check with a classmate for the list.  Map quizzes cannot be taken at a later time.  Map quizzes will constitute 100 points of your total grade.

 

 

 

 

 

Paper

Using the three levels of analysis, write a 5-6 page, double-spaced paper to analyze the problem of slavery discussed in Escape from Slavery.  This paper will be worth 75 points of your grade.

·        How would each level of analysis explain its cause?

·        What solutions would each level of analysis promote?

Use concepts from the textbook International Politics on the World Stage to support your arguments.  Also, use examples from the book Escape from Slavery as data to provide a systematic analysis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Simulation

The class will be divided into groups for collaboration and moral support during the simulation.  Grades of up to 125 points will be assigned according to individual effort, however, and not to group effort.  Each group will try to accurately and creatively represent one particular perspective in international relations.  Seven debates will occur throughout the semester.  The components of the simulation on which the simulation grade will be based are as follows:

  1. SURVEY FORMS (15 points): Each individual should seek to interview (in person, or through phone, mail, or e-mail) three people outside the class who adhere to the group’s perspective.  A survey form for each person interviewed should be submitted to the instructor on the due-date.  Be sure to keep copies for yourself. 
  2. SIMULATION POSITION PAPER (40 points): Each individual will submit a 5-page, double-spaced position paper describing the group's basic worldview.  This paper should include specific goals that the group has for each of the two issues an individual will be debating in class.  These goals should take into account the investigative surveys that were completed.  Each individual should include at least two pages addressing the investigative surveys that were completed and three pages detailing how the group’s goals are informed by theoretical works in political science (see professor for suggestions).  In an appendix to the paper (in addition to the 5 pages), include one formal resolution for each of the two debates in which you will be participating.  Examples and guidelines for these resolutions will be distributed in class.
  3. DEBATE PARTICIPANTS (25 points): The class schedule below lists the chapters from the text, Taking Sides, that will be debated throughout the semester.  On the day a chapter from this text is listed, we will have an in-class debate including a representative from each group.  Each individual should seek to accurately represent his/her group's worldview as outlined in the simulation proposals. 
  4. DEBATE AUDIENCE (15 points): Those not involved in the debate on a particular issue should come to class prepared to ask a question of the debaters based on the readings.  In addition, each member of the audience should submit a half-sheet of paper at the end of each debate contrasting the goals of two perspectives presented in the debate.  Include a statement detailing a point of common ground between the two perspectives.
  5. SIMULATION REPORT (30 points): At the end of the semester, each person should submit a three-page minimum, double-spaced report outlining the results of the debates.  Did other groups agree with the proposals or goals of your group?  Did your goals change during the course of the debates?  Did you find other groups with which you could form coalitions?  What were the reactions of other groups to your formal resolutions.  Were any of these resolutions adopted?  These written reports should be submitted on the due-date.  On the same day, each group will also provide a final 5-8 minute oral presentation with the goal of persuading the audience of the benefits of its perspective.  Please do not simply read your written reports.  Be creative and persuasive by using good PR to convince us of the worthiness of your group’s perspective!

 

Class Schedule: Topics and Assignments

 

T, January 27 – Introduction to course

 

R, January 29 – Importance of International Relations

  • Read International Politics on the World Stage, Chapter 1
  • Begin reading Escape from Slavery

 

T, February 3 – Development of International Relations

  • Read International Politics on the World Stage, Chapter 2
  • Continue reading Escape from Slavery

 

R, February 5 and T, February 10 – International organization and analysis

  • Read International Politics on the World Stage, Chapter 3 (System-Level Analysis)

 

R, February 12 and T, February 17 – State-level analysis

  • Read International Politics on the World Stage, Chapter 3 (State-Level Analysis)

 

R, February 19 – Individual-level analysis

  • Read International Politics on the World Stage, Chapter 3 (Individual-Level Analysis)

 

T, February 24 - Individual-level analysis (cont.)

  • Paper due

 

R, February 26 and T, March 3 – TBA

 

R, March 5 – 1st exam

 

T, March 10 – Nationalism

  • Read International Politics on the World Stage, Chapter 4

 

R, March 12 – Nationalism (cont.)

  • Survey forms due
  • Read Taking Sides, Issue 6: “Would It Be an Error to Establish a Palestinian State?”

 

TR, March 17 and 19 – NO CLASS; SPRING BREAK

 

T, March 24 - Internationalism

  • Read International Politics on the World Stage, Chapter 5
  • Simulation position papers due

 

 

R, March 26 – International morality

  • Read International Politics on the World Stage, Chapter 8 (1st half of chapter)
  • Read Taking Sides, Issue 17: “Is U.S. Refusal to Join the International Criminal Court Wise?”

 

T, March 31 – International morality (cont.)

 

R, April 2 – 2nd exam

 

T, April 7 – War

  • Read International Politics on the World Stage, Chapter 9 (1st half)

 

R, April 9 – War (cont.)

  • Read Taking Sides, Issue 7: “Should All Foreign Troops Soon Leave Iraq?”

 

T, April 14 – Peace

  • Read International Politics on the World Stage, Chapter 9 (2nd half)

 

R, April 16 – Peace (cont.)

  • Read Taking Sides, Issue 14: “Is Patient Diplomacy the Best Approach to Iran’s Nuclear Program?”

 

T, April 21 – International political economy

  • Read International Politics on the World Stage, Chapter 10

 

R, April 23 – International political economy (cont.)

  • Read Taking Sides, Issue 8: “Are Strict Sanctions on Cuba Warranted?”

 

T, April 28 – Human rights

  • Read International Politics on the World Stage, Chapter 8 (2nd half)

 

R, April 30 – Human rights (cont.)

  • Read Taking Sides, Issues 16: “Does the United Nations Deserve Support?”

 

T, May 5 – Environment

  • Read Taking Sides, Issue 19: “Can Destructive Impacts from Global Warming Be Confidently Predicted?”

 

R, May 7 – Simulation Reports

 

T, May 12 – Exam (2:45-4:45)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standards of College Behavior (Student Code of Conduct) – 42001CP – p. 4

 

The following statement appears in College offices and labs to remind students of the behavior standards and process adopted by the College.  All full and part-time faculty are strongly encouraged to include the statement in their syllabi.

 

A.                  The College seeks to provide an environment where discussion and expression of all views relevant to the subject matter of the class are recognized as necessary to the educational process.

 

B.                  However, students do not have the right to interfere with the free­dom of the faculty to teach or the rights of other students to learn, nor do they have the right to interfere with the ability of staff to provide services to any student.

 

C.                  Faculty and staff set the standards of  behavior that are within the guidelines and spirit of the Student Code of Conduct or other College policies for classrooms, events, offices, and areas, by announcing or posting these standards early in the semester.

 

D.                  If a student behaves disruptively in the classroom, an event, an office, or an area after the instructor or staff member has explained the unacceptability of such conduct and the consequences that will result; the student may be asked to leave that classroom, event, office, or area for the remainder of the day.  This does not restrict the student’s right to attend other scheduled classes or appointments.

 

E.                  If the student does not leave, the faculty or staff member may request the assistance of Security.

 

F.                  The faculty or staff member and the student are expected to meet to resolve the issue before the next class session.

 

G.                 The Dean of Student Development or designated instructional Dean of Workforce Development and Continuing Education should be informed verbally or via email about any situation that violates the Student Code of Conduct.

 

H.                  If, after a review of the situation and a restatement of the expected behaviors, the student refuses to comply with the stated standards of conduct required, then the faculty or staff member should refer the issue in writing to the dean of student development for action under the Student Code of Conduct.

 

I.                     The faculty or staff member will provide the Dean of Student Development with a written summary of the facts or conduct on which the referral is based, which must include the date, time, place, and a description of the incident.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weather Issue Policies

·         Weather Emergency
Campus Facilities staff and the Office of Safety & Security will monitor media stations for updated storm information and the issuance of a National Weather Service WATCH (severe storm possible in our area) or WARNING (severe storm sighted and may be headed our way). If weather WATCH is issued, a "Code Yellow" alert will be issued. If weather WARNING is issued, a "Code Red" alert will be issued. The Emergency Response Teams will notify the campus community and off-campus locations.

·         Winter Weather Emergency (snow, ice)
Collegewide Weather Manager will monitor conditions that may disrupt College activities. If conditions warrant, the Executive Vice President for Administrative & Fiscal Services will make the final decision on any weather closings. The College Director of Communications will notify the media of any closings.

 

E-Mail Policy

Student e-mail (montgomerycollege.edu) is an official means of communication for the College.  It is expected that you check your student e-mail regularly and frequently, as you are responsible for information and announcements that will be sent to you from the College.  For this class, student e-mail will be used only for situations where timing is essential.  Most information is discussed in class and all assignments will be turned in as hard copy during regular class times.  If you contact the professor through e-mail, you must use your student e-mail account (rather than a yahoo account) so that you can be recognized as a student.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specific addendum for Honors Module section of PS 203

 

Enrollment is limited to students who meet Honors Program eligibility standards:

                ~ 3.2 or higher GPA

                ~ B or A in EN 101 or EN 101A

                ~ 12 or more academic credits at Montgomery College

 

In addition to the regular PS 203 syllabus course requirements, members of the Honors section will be responsible for directing the simulation groups.  This will involve the following:

 

  • Providing leadership to the simulation groups by coordinating the debate schedules and assigning chapters to group members. 

 

  • Editing simulation resolutions proposed by the group members and preparing them for distribution on the class day prior to each scheduled debate.  This will involve becoming familiar with the model template provided by the Organization of American States.  Students will also need to read additional materials related to multilateral diplomacy in preparation for this leadership role.  They will then write a report detailing their findings to be distributed to the class.

 

  • Keeping a journal of the status of your group’s resolutions throughout the semester.  This should include a minimum of a single-spaced, one-page memo for each debate.  This is separate for the simulation report that you will submit regarding your own debate performance.

 

  • Submitting a brief two-page evaluation describing the individual contributions of your group members.

 

  • Organizing the final oral simulation report.

 

  • The Escape From Slavery essay will need to be expanded to 15-20 pages and include a rigorous literature review, bibliography, and expanded analysis on the data/theory connections outlined in class.