POLS 160-01 International Politics
| Pablo Toral |
| Spring 2008, MW 2:00-3:50PM |
| Room: Richardson Auditorium |
| Phone: x2166 |
| Email: toralp@beloit.edu |
| Office hours: MWF: 3:00-5:00PM; T: 9:00-11:00AM |
| by appointment and when you catch me on campus |
This course may be used to fulfill requirements for the following majors and minors
Majors: international relations, political science, environmental studies, health and society.
Minors: international economics and peace and justice studies.
Course Content and Objectives
This course examines the workings of the international political and economic systems from both a practical and a theoretical perspective. The first part of the course offers an analysis of the fields of international relations and security, including the main theoretical debates. We also explore the mechanisms for conflict management and cooperation. The next section includes an overview of the discipline of international political economy, with an emphasis on issues of sustainable development. To help understand all of these issues and approaches, we will study the role of the United States, the European Union and China in the world political and economic systems.
Aims and purposes
This course helps students develop the skills needed to study international relations, with an emphasis on IR methods, theoretical analysis, the use of case studies, and policy-making. It also provides an analysis of the main actors in international relations, such as states, international organizations, non governmental organizations (NGOs), social movements, multinational enterprises and the role of individuals. Finally, the course reviews some important issues and concepts such as structures, systems, globalization, power politics, hegemony/hegemon, internationalism, nations, international law, foreign policy, diplomacy, international trade and investment, the international monetary system, mercantilism, nationalism, liberalism, protectionism, regional integration, and sustainable development.
Course goals/objectives/outcomes
Students receive the methodological, theoretical and conceptual knowledge they need to analyze the conflicts and events reported in the media. The concepts and issues discussed affect social, economic, cultural and political areas, so the course is not geared towards social sciences majors only. For those students wishing to major in international relations, this course allows them to develop the methodological and theoretical tools they will use in their upper division courses.
Course readings
The five texts are on reserve in the library.
- Foreign Affairs (2002), America and the World. Debating the New Shape of International Politics. New York, Council on Foreign Relations (0876093152).
- Goldstein, Joshua S., John C. Pevenhouse (2006), International Relations, 7th ed. New York, Pearson/Longman, (0321-35474-5).
- Kagan, Robert (2004), Of Paradise and Power: America and Europe in the New World Order. New York, Vintage, (978-1400-3418-5 / 1-4000-3418-3).
- Leonard,Mark (2005), Why Europe Will Run the 21st Century. London,Fourth Estate. (1586483641).
- Shenkar, Oded (2006), The Chinese Century: The Rising Chinese Economy and Its Impact on the Global Economy, the Balance of Power, and Your Job, Philadelphia, Wharton School Publishing (0131877313).
There are also some articles on reserve in the library.
Course Requirements
4 Map quizes (10%)
I will ask you to find 20 countries or capital cities in the Americas, Africa, Europe and Asia and Oceania.
Book review (20%)
Of Paradise and Power and Why Europe Will Run the 21st Century. After reading both books, write a review in which you analyze (1) the theoretical perspective they are based on; (2) the main ideas behind the theories used by the authors (use the articles by Scott Burchill to provide their theoretical context); (3) how the evidence in each book supports the theory they are based on; (4) critique them, by pointing out their strengths and weaknesses (critique the theories on which they are based, as well as the way the authors bring together theory and analysis of current affairs); (5) evaluate which one provides a more accurate analysis of the state of international relations today; (6) and suggest additional areas that the authors need to consider in order to strengthen their argument (3-5 pages, double spaced).
1st research essay (20%)
This is your opportunity to develop your own argument. After reading about the US, the EU and China, write your own analysis of the future of international politics. Is there a world hegemon? Will there be one? Which one? Do you see a multipolar world? When you develop your own perspective, you need to evaluate the arguments provided by Kagan, Leonard and Shenkar and explain why you agree/disagree with them. You also need to address the role of these three political actors (as well as others, if you think they are relevant) in the areas of international politics, security and the economy. It is very important that you illustrate your arguments with evidence, taken from the three books and from additional sources (5 pages, double spaced).
2nd research essay (30%)
write a review essay on a topic you are interested in. Give me an abstract with your research question, thesis, some of the evidence you will use to support your argument, and a bibliography (at least 5 articles and 5 books).
Group project (20%)
you are part of a group of consultants advising a government on foreign policy (10 pages). Be very clear on the policy goals and the policies that you recommend to achieve those goals. You will be given a group grade for the first draft and a group grade for the final draft. You will also receive an individual grade for your section in the final draft, as well as your role in the group, as evaluated by your peers. Your final grade will be based on these three.
Extra credit
You can help boost your grade by turning in up to three assignments for extra credit. These assignments are just a one-page critique of a talk you attend at the college (it could be one of the student presentations at student symposium.) In your assignments, you need to address the following: summarize the main arguments provided by the speaker, relate them to our class readings, and provide your own critique (strengths and weaknesses of the presenter’s argument and suggestions to make the presentation stronger).
Class attendance and participation (+-30%)
Your involvement in class will make your
final grade go up or down by as much as +-30%. This offers a great opportunity for those who feel you have not done as well as you could in your assignments. If you work hard in class, you can make up! I expect you to participate in class discussions actively. Learning is not a passive exercise, in which you listen to your professor lecture on a particular topic. I expect you to participate in class discussions by asking questions about the readings, by analyzing the topics critically and by questioning the views of the authors, the professor, and those of your own peers. Critical thinking is an ongoing process of continuous assessment and reassessment of the dominant views in a field of study. My goal of is to engage everybody in a permanent dialogue with the readings and with each other. I value the quality of your comments. Do not just repeat what has been said in class. Provide an analysis of the readings. I will also ask you to give presentations in class, in which you will analyze the readings critically. I will also expect you to participate in online debates. We will be using Moodle on a regular basis for submissions and debates. Take some time to familiarize yourself with it.
Grading policy
Your grades will be a reflection of your ability to develop original arguments. I expect you to be able to understand the material that we study in class, analyze it critically, and develop original views, by building upon the ideas of the authors discussed in class or by rejecting them.
A - An original essay. The students’ arguments are supported by references to the reading assignments and class discussions, as well as by additional research. The paper has a clear focus, is well written, and has a good structure. It is rooted in one or some of the main debates in the field, provides a new and original approach and has enough evidence to support the student’s claims.
B - The paper addresses an original argument. It shows a good understanding of the main debates in the discipline and is based on a clear understanding of the reading material. It is supported by original research, but fails to make a compelling argument for lack of evidence or poor structure.
C - The student does not develop an original argument but shows a good understanding of the reading assignments and the discussions.
D - The student does not develop original ideas well and only shows a partial understanding of the reading material.
F - No original argument and poor understanding of the reading material. Use of poor or no bibliographic references (this is normally the main reason to fail an assignment). Plagiarism (to appropriate for use as one's own passages or ideas from another).
Late assignments.
I will accept assignments up to a week after the deadline, but the grade will fall by half a letter grade each day.
If you need help with your research in the library, try the “Ask a Librarian” link on the library home page, http://www.beloit.edu/~libhome or contact Chris Nelson at ext. 2544 or via email at nelsoncn@beloit.edu.
If you have a disability and would like to speak to someone about possible accommodations, please visit the LSSC (Learning Support Services Center) located on the first floor of 635 College St. You will need to provide appropriate documentation of your disability to Diane Arnzen, Director of the LSSC (arnzend@beloit.edu). If you wish to receive accommodations in my class please provide me the LSSC Accommodation Verification Letter dated for this semester as soon as possible so your learning needs may be appropriately met.
Free individual peer tutoring is available for most courses through the Learning Supports Services Center, 635 College Street, X 2572. Professors recommend all tutors who are then trained by the LSSC staff. Contact the LSSC to find out more.
Course Outline
| Section I: International Relations and Security |
| Week 1 Introduction: Understanding international relations, Jan. 17 |
| Week 2 Realism, Jan. 22-24 |
| Goldstein, 1-2; Scott Burchill “Realism and Neo-realism” (library reserves)(M) |
| West Point Commencement Speech (W) |
| Map quiz on Monday: the Americas |
| Week 3 Pax Americana, Jan. 29-31 |
| Kagan (M) |
| American Primacy in Perspective (W) |
| Map quiz on Monday: Africa |
| Week 4 Liberalism, Feb.5-7 |
| Scott Burchill “Liberal internationalism” (library reserves), Liberalism and Democracy (M) |
| Goldstein 3 (until page 108), America’s Imperial Ambition (W) |
| Map quiz on Monday: Europe |
| Week 5 Pax Europea, Feb. 12-14 |
| Leonard (M) |
| Life After Pax Americana (W) |
| Book review due on Wednesday @ 9:00AM |
| Week 6 International conflict and military force, Feb. 19-21 |
| The End of History?; No Exit: The Errors of Endism (M) |
| Goldstein 5-6, The New Threat of Mass Destruction (W) |
| Map quiz on Monday: Asia and Oceania |
| Week 7 Foreign policy, Feb. 26-28 |
| Goldstein 4; Beyond Bin Laden (M) |
| Shenkar |
| Work on first research essay (W) |
| First research essay due on Friday at 9:00 AM: Is There a World Hegemon? |
| Spring Break March 5-7 March 12-14 |
| Week 8 International organization and law, March 12-14 |
| Goldstein 7, The Myth of Post-Cold War Chaos, The Rise of Illiberal Democracy (M) |
| Section II: International Political Economy |
| Week 9 Structuralism, March 19-21 |
| Goldstein 3 (from page 108), Lenin, Wallerstein (reserves) (M) |
| The Coming Anarchy, The Clash of Civilizations (W) |
| Week 10 InternationalTrade, March 26-28 |
| Goldstein 8, 10 (until page 393) (M) |
| Group project abstract due on Friday at 9:00AM |
| Week 11 International Monetary System, April 2-4 |
| Goldstein 9(M) |
| Stiglitz (2002), Globalization and its Discontents, chapters 3 and 6 (reserve) (W) |
| Group project first draft due on Friday @ 9:00AM |
| Week 12 Globalization, April 9-11 |
| Goldstein 11 (from page 394) (M) |
| Spreading the Wealth; Sense and Nonsense in the Globalization Debate (W) |
| Group project due on Friday @ 9:00AM |
| Week 13 Sustainable development, April 16 |
| Goldstein 12 |
| Group presentations |
| April 18: Spring day, no class! |
| Week 14 Sustainable Development, April 23-25 |
| Goldstein 13-14 |
| Second research essay: abstract due on Wednesday at 9:00AM |
| Week 15 The future of international relations, April 30-May 2 |
| The Summoning; Why Do They Hate Us?; Somebody Else’s Civil War; Islam, Terror and Democracy (M) |
| Second Research essay due on Wednesday; Presentations (W) |
Congratulations! You made it!
