POLS 180-02: Introduction to International Relations
Class: TuTh 8:45 – 10:10
Room: 303 Stern Hall
Office: 110 Stern Hall
Course Description
The objective of this course is to introduce students to the fundamental concepts, questions, and analytical frameworks necessary for the study of international relations. This is a survey course and it assumes no prior knowledge of the sub-field of international relations. Nevertheless, the course is demanding and it is designed to challenge students to think critically.
The study of international relations cannot be abstracted from an in-depth understanding of history and current events. We will study the causes and consequences of major international wars, the rise of great powers, inter-governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, dominant economic trends, global financial crises, and transnational social movements. Knowledge of the assigned readings, key concepts, and current events will be tested through class discussion, periodic quizzes and exams.
This course is organized around a series of fundamental questions rather than a straight-forward discussion of different authors and theories.
Course Format
Evaluation of student learning will be based on the following instruments:
02% World Map Test (must achieve a passing grade to pass the course)
28% 7 Bi-weekly Quizzes
10% Active Class Participation
25% Mid-term examination
35% Final examination
Exams and quizzes ask students to apply concepts and frameworks from their readings to current events. Students need not memorize definitions. The map test may be taken at any time during the semester during my office hours. The exam may be retaken as many times as necessary until the student achieves a passing grade.
Attendance and Participation Policy
Students are required to come to each and every class prepared to discuss the assigned readings and current events in an intelligent and critical manner. Thoughtful participation is the lifeblood of the learning process. Students who do not participate voluntarily will be called on. Students are expected to take notes at each class session. Students may not bring a laptop computer or other electronic device to class.
Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class session. Students who come to class late will be counted as absent. There are no excused absences in this course and students need not explain the reasons for their absences to the professor. On the fourth marked absence from class (i.e. the equivalent of two weeks of class time), the student will automatically fail the course. The only exception to this rule is for NCAA athletes participating in post-season games (these students will be required to write a four page paper for each class session missed). Students are strongly cautioned to take this attendance policy seriously and to manage their time accordingly. Exceptions for illnesses and family emergencies beyond the allotted absences will not be granted.
Required Books
There are four required texts for this course:
- Edkins, Jenny M., and Maja Zehfuss. Global Politics: A New Introduction. New York: Routledge, 2009.
- Khanna, Parag. The Second World: How Emerging Powers Are Redefining Global Competition in the Twenty-first Century. New York: Random House Trade Paperbacks, 2009.
- Mahbubani, Kishore. The New Asian Hemisphere: The Irresistible Shift of Global Power to the East. New York: PublicAffairs, 2008.
- Zakaria, Fareed. From Wealth to Power: The Unusual Origins of America's World Role. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1999.
The books are available for purchase from The Campus Bookstore and a copy of each book has been ordered for the reserve desk at the library. Students are strongly encouraged to purchase a copy of the books. Students must bring the assigned readings or a photocopy to each class session as class discussions will be based on a close re-reading of the text.
Students should allot time to read and take notes on approximately 40 to 60 pages per class session. Students are also expected to remain apprised of major current events as discussed in the international section New York Times. Copies of the NY Times are available for free at the student center and on-line (registration required, http://www.nytimes.com). Watching television or scanning headlines is insufficient preparation for the quizzes.
Office Hours
My walk-in office hours are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30 pm at 110 Stern Hall. If that time is not convenient, students may schedule an appointment (Tu-Th 9-5) by calling me at my office (315-781-3176). I also check my e-mail frequently, so feel free to drop a note if you prefer.
Honor Code
Students are expected to adhere to the HWS Principles of Academic Integrity at all times. If students are aware of a violation of the Principles, they must report the violation to the professor directly. Violations of the Principles may result in failure of the assignment or failure of the class, depending on the severity of the infraction.
Center for Teaching and Learning
Hobart and William Smith Colleges encourage students to seek the academic collaboration and resources that will enable them to demonstrate their best work. Students who would like to enhance their study skills, writing skills, or have other academic inquiries should contact the CTL. You may visit the CTL web site to learn more about the services and programs that are available. http://www.hws.edu/academics/ctl/index.aspx
Students with Learning Disabilities
If you are a student with a disability for which you may need accommodations, you are required to register with the Coordinator of Disability Services at the CTL and provide documentation of the disability. Services and accommodations will not be provided until this process is complete. The web site for information pertaining to registration with the CTL and documenting disabilities is: http://www.hws.edu/studentlife/stuaffairs_disabilities.aspx
Students with learning disabilities should contact the professor to discuss appropriate accommodations before 9/11/09 (please bring the appropriate forms from the Coordinator of Disability Services at the CTL).