POLS 180-01/180-02: Introduction to International Relations
Class: TuTh 8:45-10:10; 10:20-11:45
Room: 103 Stern Hall
Office: 110 Stern Hall
Office Hours: Th 1:30 – 4:30
Tel: 315-378-3176 (O)
E-mail: vyadav
Course Description
The objective of this course is to introduce students to the fundamental questions, concepts, 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 read carefully and 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 international 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.
Course Format
Evaluation of student learning will be based on the following assessments:
05% Quiz 1
05% Quiz 2
05% Quiz 3
05% Quiz 4
05% Quiz 5
05% Quiz 6
05% First Map Quiz (West Asia, South Asia, SE Asia, NE Asia)
05% Second Map Quiz (Africa, Europe, Central America, S. America)
10% Active Class Participation
10% First Mid-term examination
15% Second Mid-term examination
25% Final examination
Attendance and Participation Policy
Thoughtful participation is the lifeblood of the learning process. 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. 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. Cell phones must be off.
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 three required texts for this course:
- Baylis, John, Steve Smith and Patricia Owens. The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations, 5th edition. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 2011.
- Edkins, Jenny M., and Maja Zehfuss. Global Politics: A New Introduction. New York: Routledge, 2009.
- Griffiths, Martin et al. International Relations: Key Concepts, 2nd edition. New York: Routledge, 2008.
The books are available for purchase from The Campus Store 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 60 to 70 pages per week. The textbooks are dense and the concepts covered are quite abstract – take the time to read carefully. Students who do not complete the readings before class discussions are likely to have difficulty understanding the class lecture and discussions. In addition to reading the assigned texts, students are also expected to remain apprised of major current events. Students are encouraged to sign up for daily updates from Foreign Policy Magazine.
Office Hours
My walk-in office hours are on Thursdays from 1:30 to 4:30 pm at 110 Stern Hall. If that time is not convenient, students may schedule an appointment (Monday-Friday 10:00 - 4:30) by calling me at my office (315-781-3176). I prefer to meet with students face to face if they are having difficulty with the course material. Please bring your texts and class notes to any scheduled meetings.
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: www.hws.edu/studentlife/stuaffairs_disabilities.aspx
Students with learning disabilities should contact the professor to discuss appropriate accommodations by 9/1/11 (please bring the appropriate forms from the Coordinator of Disability Services at the CTL).