by Approved University Studies Sub-committee. A2C2 action pending. University Studies Flagged Course Proposal 1. Department or Program: Political Science and Public Administration 2. Course Number: 488 3. Semester Hours: 3 4. Frequency of Offering: Once every two years 5. Course Title: Issues in International Politics 6. Catalog Description: The purpose of the course is to enable students to have an opportunity to discuss a variety of contemporary issues in international politics, which may not be covered in a regular course, e.g. terrorism, religious fundamentalism, human rights, state sovereignty, and ethno-nationalism. Topics vary from year to year, depending upon their prominence or the instructors judgment that they should receive consideration. Offered every two years. Prerequisite: Political Science 130 or the instructors permission. 7. This is an existing course previously approved by A2C2: Yes 8. This is a new course proposal: No 9. University Studies Requirement this course would satisfy: Oral Communications Flag 10. Department Contact Person for this course: Gaspare M. Genna 457-5379 [e-mail] 11. General Course Outcomes: Overall, the aim of the course is to get students to think critically, yet constructively about the issues facing our world. It will help students learn about and discuss important contemporary issues in international politics in an intelligent and informed manner. They will learn the difference between rhetorical opinion and positions on issues based upon facts and reasoning. In order to do this, we will review international relations theory to give us the necessary tools to understand the issues before us. After this review, we will deal with the issues on a case by case basis. 12. University Studies Course Outcomes a) Earn significant course credit through extemporaneous oral presentations Each student is required to present three issues of their choice. It would be wise to use the
same three issues that the student will use in writing the position papers. Students present on the last day of our review of the issue-topic and are limited to four 10 minute presentations. Since it is possible that more than four students may want to present on any one issue-topic, a sign-up sheet will be available on a first-come basis. This will comprise 30% of the course grade. Another 10% is granted as a result of participation, which will be evaluated on its contribution to the learning process. b) Understand the features and types of speaking in their disciplines Each presentation will include the elements of the position paper, but the grade of the assignment is mainly based on the organization of the students thoughts on the subject, which will include an understanding of the features and types of speaking in this discipline and adaptation of students speaking style to field-specific audiences. To this end, students need to organize thoughts bases upon the following: 1) clear, yet concise, description of the issue, 2) hypothesis as to why the problem exists, 3) evidence to support the hypothesis, and 4) policy recommendation. c) Adapt their speaking to field-specific audiences See b above. d) Receive appropriate feedback from teachers and peers, including suggestions for improvement In addition to the usual oral and written feedback by me, each presentation will conclude with a short Q&A session in order to follow up on any missing items or confusion. The student presenter will field questions and respond to questions. While I will participate in asking questions, the expectation is that students take on the bulk of the time in asking questions. The purpose of this feedback is to improve the students ability to think on their feet. It is expected that the same level of constructive engagement be applied during this feedback portion as in the actual presentation. e) Make use of the technologies used for research and speaking in the fields Students are expected to use computer aided technology (such as Power Point) in order to improve speaking effectiveness. Students likely will use the internet in order to obtain upto-the-minute facts regarding their issue. f) Learn the conventions of evidence, format, usage, and documentation in their fields Through this oral presentation, students will gain a greater appreciation for the types of arguments that are persuasive in this field. Students will be instructed to include citations for sources as they present facts to support their arguments. The conventions used in political science require the use of objective and general evidence, leaving anecdotal stories to be used only for the purpose of arousing interest among the audience and not as 2
a substitute to empirical rigor. The convention for citation requires the presenter to name the source of evidence. For example, saying a study by researchers indicates that 30% of all famine in Africa can be attributed to ethnic conflict would not be acceptable. However, stating that a report published by Project in Ethnic Relations indicates that 30% of all famine in Africa can be attributed to ethnic conflict would be acceptable. See also b above.
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY ISSUES IN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS Political Science 488 Semester Year Professor Gaspare M. Genna, Ph. D. Lecture Times: XXX Office: Minn 138 Hours: XXX Phone: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail] Catalog Description The purpose of the course is to enable students to have an opportunity to discuss a variety of contemporary issues in international politics, which may not be covered in a regular course, e.g. terrorism, religious fundamentalism, human rights, state sovereignty, and ethno-nationalism. Topics vary from year to year, depending upon their prominence or the instructors judgment that they should receive consideration. Offered every two years. Prerequisite: Political Science 130 or the instructors permission. Course Content Overall, the aim of the course is to get students to think critically, yet constructively about the issues facing our world. This course will help you learn about and discuss important contemporary issues in international politics in an intelligent and informed manner (ORAL A-F). We will learn the difference between rhetorical opinion and positions on issues based upon facts and reasoning (ORAL B, C, F). In order to do this, we will review international relations theory to give us the necessary tools to understand the issues before us (ORAL F). After this review, we will deal with the issues on a case by case basis. Why do countries fight each other? Why does terrorism exist? Why are some countries rogues while others are part of the international community? Why does famine still exist in the 21st century? How will globalization manifest itself in the next 25 or so years? Will there ever be a comprehensive treaty on resolving global climate change? This is by no means an exhaustive list of questions we will be addressing in the course. Theory coupled with facts will help us understand how to best resolve these issues. 3
However, we will discover that there are many possible solutions, but which is the more realistic one to take? University Studies Course Designation This course has a University Studies Oral Communications designation. It is designed to better students by helping them develop the principles of oral communications. This is done through the following mechanisms: a) earn significant course credit through extemporaneous oral presentation, b) understand the features and types of speaking in this discipline, c) adapt your speaking to field-specific audiences, d) receive appropriate feedback from teachers and peers, including suggestions for improvement, e) make use of the technologies used for research and speaking in the fields, and f) learn the conventions of evidence, format, usage, and documentation in this field. (Italicized letters through-out the syllabus help designate where these occur) To accomplish these objectives, students will orally present their position on three different issues found in international politics as well as provide in-put during class discussion. More detail found in the sections that outline these assignments. Course Texts Congressional Quarterly Researcher, The. 2001. Global Issues: Selections from the CQ Researcher. Washington, DC: CQ Press. Nicholson, Michael. 1998. International Relations: A Concise Introduction. New York: New York University Press. ISBN 0-8147-5806-1. Purkitt, Helen E. (ed.). 2002. Annual Editions: World Politics 02/03 (23rd Edition). Guilford, CT: McGraw-Hill/Dushkin Publishers. ISBN 0-07-250660-1. Snarr, Michael T. and D. Neil Snarr (eds.). 2002. Introducing Global Issues (2nd Edition). Boulder, CO: Lynee Rienner Publishers. ISBN 1-58826-011-9. Tammen, Ronald L. et al. 2000. Power Transitions: Strategies for the 21st Century. New York: Chatham House Publishers. ISBN 0-889119-1. Course Obligations There is a mix of obligations the student must meet to fulfill the requirements of the course. This includes 1) study and discussion of assigned reading materials (ORAL B-F), 2) one quiz 3) three short position papers, 4) three oral presentations(ORAL A-F), and 5) a final exam. All assignments that are completed outside the classroom are to be typed using the following format: 4
1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7)
double spaced, new times roman font (12 point), one and a half inch margins, title page (title, course, name, and date), page numbers (page one is the first page of text), stapled with no plastic cover of any type, and citations and a bibliography when necessary.
Assignments will be accepted no later than two weeks after they are due. Students cannot receive full credit on late assignments. Being one week late will result in obtaining 80% of the possible points earned and two weeks late will result in obtaining 70% of the possible points earned. The Academic Integrity Policy (pages 28-29 of the University Catalog) will be in full force in this course. Any violations of the policy will result in a failing grade for the assignment, quiz, or exam and a possible failing grade in the course (ORAL A & F). If you do not understand of the meaning of the word plagiarism, please see me or someone at the Academic Skills Center. Class Discussion of Reading Assignments: The principal reading obligation is to keep up with the assigned chapters within the course study outline contained in this syllabus. To maximize the learning experience, the reading should be done before the beginning of class. Class attendance is expected and participation will be evaluated on its contribution to the learning process (ORAL A-D, F). In addition, students are expected to follow all issues in international politics as they develop during the semester in the media. Some suggested periodicals include the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, or Christian Science Monitor. Students with knowledge of foreign languages are encouraged to read international newspapers on the WWW (Le Monde, die Zeit, etc.). This reading will be important for developing ideas for your position papers/presentations. Position Papers: Analysis of Issues in International Relations: Students are required to provide a written position on three issues after we complete their related topic discussion in class and their oral presentations. These papers should not be more than four pages in length and are due one week after we complete reviewing the issue. The decision of which issues to write on is up to each individual student. Each paper must be written in a narrative essay format that introduces the issue to the reader, uses a theory reviewed in the beginning of the semester to help understand why the issue exists, and finally a realistic method to solve the issue. Students are also expected to integrate the constructive critique discussed in the post-presentation Q&A (Oral A and D). All of this requires the student to provide evidence for her/his position. This evidence may be come from the course readings and/or from outside sources. Presentations 5
Each student is required to present three issues of their (ORAL choice A-F). It would be wise to use the same three issues that the student will use in writing the position papers. Students present on the last day of our review of the issue-topic and are limited to four 10 minute presentations. Since it is possible that more than four students may want to present on any one issue-topic, a sign-up sheet will be available on a first-come basis. Each presentation will be evaluated based on the organization of the students thoughts on the subject, which will include an understanding of the features and types of speaking found in political science and adaptation of your speaking style to field-specific audiences (ORAL A-F). To this end, students need to organize thoughts bases upon the following: 1) clear, yet concise, description of the issue (ORAL A-D, F), 2) hypothesis as to why the problem exists (ORAL A-D, F), 3) evidence to support the hypothesis (ORAL A-D, F), and 4) policy recommendation (ORAL A-D, F). Also, students are expected to use computer aided technology (such as Power Point) in order to improve speaking effectiveness (ORAL E). After each presentation, a short (10 min.) Q&A session will take place in order to follow up on any missing items or confusion (ORAL D & E). This should be viewed as a time to improve your ability to think on your feet (ORAL B-D, F). It is expected that the same level of constructive engagement be applied during this feedback portion as in the actual presentation (ORAL A- F). Exams There are two exams for the course (a quiz and a final), both of which are closed book. The quiz will assess students knowledge of the theories we will review in the beginning of the course. This will be a mix of multiple choice and short answers. The final will require you to answer one essay question that will cover one of the issue-topics reviewed in class. The professor will provide a list of possible questions one week before the final. However, he will choose which question will be answered by the students. The quiz will be given on XX and the final is on XX. Grade Weights Each assignment and examination will be given a score out of a total 100 points and will be given the following weights in determining students' final grades for the course: Course Requirement Quiz Position Papers Issue Presentations (Oral A) Final Examination Class Participation (Oral A) Due XX Students Choice Students Choice XX All Meetings Weight 10 percent 30 percent (10 percent each) 30 percent (10 percent each) (Oral A) 20 percent 10 percent (Oral A)
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All assignments and exams must be completed in order to pass the course. I cannot pass someone that has not completed the obligations of this course (ORAL A). *************************** Outline of Lecture Topics I. Orientation and Introduction II. Review of International Relations Theory A. Actors and the Organization of the International System B. Realism, Pluralism, and Structuralism C. Feminism, Critical, and Postmodernism D. Power Transition Theory E. International Political Economy F. Review and Discussion Session III. Issue Topics A. Weapons Proliferation B. Peacekeeping C. Ethnic Conflict D. Terrorism/Middle East E. Globalization/Free Trade F. Economic Development in the LDCs G. Immigration H. Human Rights I. The Environment Readings Note: Since it is difficult to determine which issues students will wish to do their presentations, you will note many over lapping dates below. Please consult lecture and Blackboard announcements for more solid dates as the semester progresses. XXXX Orientation; Review of International Relations Theory Required: Nicholson Chpts. 1-3 Recommended: Nicholson Chpts. 4 & 5 What is a theory? Why is it important to look at international relations through the lens of a theory? How would you describe the international system? Who are the major actors and what roles to they play in the system? XXXX Review of International Relations Theory (Continued) 7
Required: Nicholson Chpts. 6 & 7; Tammen et al Chpt. 1 Recommended: Tammen et al Chpts. 2 & 3 What are the components of realist theory? In what areas does pluralism disagree with realism? How can the structure of the system influence international outcomes? What is postmodernism? Do you believe postmodernism to be problematic? How does power transition theory differ from realism? What are the components of feminist and critical theory? What is international political economy? What are some of the approaches to IPE? How are they different from one another? Quiz XXX XXXX Weapons Proliferation and Conflict Required: Nicholson pages 137 - 150; Tammen et al Chpt. 4; Snarr and Snarr Chpt. 2; GI articles #24 & #25; WP articles #9, #29, #30; CQR Chpt. 1 Recommended: Tammen et al pages 153-176 Which types of weapons are growing? Which countries are acquiring them? Why is this problematic? What is meant by nuclear deterrence? Has this method of keeping peace among countries worked? What do our theories say about nuclear deterrence? Who will be fighting the next major war? How can peace be maintained? XXXX Peacekeeping Required: Snarr and Snarr Chpt. 5; WP articles #22 & #39 Where is peacekeeping being conducted today? Who is supply the personnel? Are countries that supply personnel doing so for egalitarian reasons? Why is peacekeeping important? How do peacekeeping efforts fit in our theoretical frameworks? XXXX Ethno-nationalism and Ethnic Conflict Required: Snarr and Snarr Chpt. 3; GI articles #2, #3, & #23; WP articles #27 & #38 What is meant by nationalism? How do individuals become nationalistic? Why do different ethnic groups fight each other? What events of such conflicts have occurred in second half of the 20th century? Which ones are continuing into the 21st? Do our theories deal with such conflicts? Can we adapt them in order to explain ethnic conflict? What are some effects of a prolonged ethnic conflict? XXXX 8
Terrorism/Middle East Required: GI articles #20 #22; WP articles # 11, #12, #16, #34 - #36; CQR Chpt. 14 Why would one connect the September 11th attacks with the Israeli-Arab conflict? Other than religious strife, what is at the heart of the terrorists anger? What do the followers of al-Qaeda want? How realistic are the concerns regarding future terrorist acts in the USA and abroad? What do our theories say about international cooperation on fighting terrorism? XXXX Globalization/Free Trade Required: Tammen et al Chpt. 5; Snarr and Snarr Chpts. 6 & 7; GI articles #12, #14, #16, #18, #35; WP articles #2, #5, #6, #15, #23, #31, #32; CQR Chpt. 6 Recommended: CQR Chpts. 4 & 8 What is meant by globalization? What are some outcomes of globalization? How does it challenge the notion of state sovereignty? Why do countries trade with each other? What is meant by regional integration? Why are free trade treaties important? What makes freer trade successful? Who does freer trade hurt? Who does protectionism hurt? XXXX Economic Development in the LDCs Required: Snarr and Snarr Chpt. 8; GI articles #13 & #32; WP articles #8, #19 - #21; CQR Chpt. 5 Recommended: Snarr and Snarr Chpts. 10 & 11 What explanations are there for underdevelopment? What cyclical outcomes result in poor nations? What efforts are there t...