World Politics

Prof. Kurt Mills

Politics 116
Mount Holyoke College

Spring 2002

Office Hours: MW 1:30-2:30 and by appointment
Office: 223 Ciruti
Phone: x3083
E-mail: ngorongoro@mac.com

Over the past few years, the global political environment has undergone vast change. The end of the Cold War has made new kinds of interactions possible. Old empires have crumbled, and enemies have been transformed into allies. At the same time, new threats and opportunities are emerging, and the world is increasingly becoming a “global village.” Individual states are realizing that there are many issues that they can no longer handle alone, including threats to the environment and security. Increasingly, states are turning towards global organizations, such as the United Nations, to cooperate on these issues. Paradoxically, concurrent with increasing globalization we can see increasing localization, with the spread of communal conflict, which also has significant international consequences. We will all be affected by the dramatic events taking place within, beyond, and across borders, and it is important that we try to understand the way the world works and the impact we can have on it.

This course is an introduction to international relations, the wide variety of interactions and political relationships that occur across borders. It is both theoretical and issues-based. It is theoretical in that it will introduce you to the major theoretical approaches to the study of world politics. During the course of the semester we will revisit these theoretical perspectives to apply them to the real world and to provide critiques of the theories. It is issues-based in that we will look at some of the major current issues facing the international community today. Throughout the course you will acquire the tools necessary to analyze and think critically about world politics. It is not intended to provide you with answers, but rather to help you develop the ability to ask questions and investigate them in a rigorous and critical manner. It is an introduction to continuing debates in international relations and will provide you with a solid foundation for further study of world politics.

I start with the assumption that you will learn more the greater you are involved with the material covered in class.  Thus, there will be elements of class discussion as well as lectures, writing, exams, and interactive activities.

1) Do the Reading.  To gain an adequate understanding of the basic concepts and to be able to participate in class discussion, you must do all of the assigned reading. Unless otherwise noted, the readings on the syllabus can be found in the course reading packet, available in the International relations office. I may also distribute short readings via e-mail or handouts. One book is required and is available at the Odyssey Bookstore:

            • Maryann K. Cusimano, ed., Beyond Sovereignty: Issues for a Global Agenda

2) Follow the News.  Throughout the semester, we will tie the concepts and ideas covered in the course to current international political events.  During many, if not most, class meetings we will start with a brief discussion of some of the most important international developments, and following the international news regularly will help provide a common base from which all of us can work. The best paper for international news is the New York Times, which is also available on the Internet (www.nytimes.com). You should be prepared with questions and comments on the international news.

3) Class Participation And Attendance.   Class attendance is crucial since much of the class is based on what goes on in the classroom, and you will be unable to fully engage with the material in the course if you do not attend class on a regular basis. Nonattendance will also inevitably be reflected in your exam and other grades, since you will miss crucial information and discussion by not showing up for class. Beyond attendance, however, one of the best ways for me to ensure that you have mastered the course material is to evaluate your participation in class.  Thus, you are expected to take an active part in the general discussion in the class. This includes the regular news discussions mentioned above.  Quality of comments and questions is valued more than quantity. While participation is not a fixed portion of your grade, it can help to boost your grade. That is, if your final grade is between two grades and you have participated well in class and attended class on a regular basis, then you will get the higher grade.

4) Lecture Reaction Paper. Attend one lecture in the fall lecture series sponsored by the Five College Program in Peace and World Security Studies and write a short (2-3 page) reaction paper. You should give your reaction to the topic of the lecture and tie it in to theories and issues we have covered in class. I will dictribute a list of lectures, and may also announce other possible lectures throughout the semester. Your paper is due the Monday after the lecture. 10% of the final course grade.

5) Web Country Journal. You will choose a country from a list I will provide and do initial background research on your country, answering the following questions: What kind of government does it have? What are the major challenges—both domestic and international—it faces? Who are the major players in the national security bureacracy (i.e. foreign minister, defense minister)? What are its major foreign policy objectives? What are its relationships with its neighbors? What role does it play internationally? Then, over the course of the semester you will follow your country in the news, making note in at least one journal entry a week of news items relevant to the topics raised in class. You should consider how your country is dealing with various issues we talk about in class, such as the environment, refugees, and conflict. You should also consider whether and how events associated with your country are reflected in the various theories of international relations we have discussed. All of of this will be uploaded on a regular basis to a web page which will be available to the entire class. It is hoped that you will also bring the information and insights about your country into regular class discussion. The last journal entry will be a short essay (approximately 750-1000 words) in which you reflect on how your country fits in with the issues and theories we have discussed in class during the course of the semester. This final essay will be due on your web page on the last day of class. While you are constructing your Web page, feel free to add other resources, such as maps and links to other sources of information about your country. There will be a Web consultant available to help you with the technical aspects of your Web country journal. 20% of the final course grade.

7) Debates on a Current International Issue. About four times during the semester members of the class will participate in formal debates on current international topics. Each person will participate in one debate, on a team with 4 or 5 people. Debate topics and dates will be distributed in the first couple weeks of class. You will have an opportunity to express your preference on which issue you would like to debate, and I will try as much as possible to contruct teams based on those preferences. You will not get to choose which side of the debate you will be on. A resource person from SAW will be available to work with you on your debating skills and you will be required to meet with her at least twice. You will also meet with me to discuss your debate preparation. On the day of the debate you will hand in a list of sources you consulted during your research. 10% of final course grade.

8) Essay on Kosovo. As part of our discussion on the issue of humanitarian intervention, we will read a case study on the NATO intervention in Kosovo. You will write a 3-4 page paper on this case. More information will be provided in class. 10% of final course grade.

8) Midterm And Final Exams. These will be a combination of essay, short answer and identification. They may be completely in-class, or there may be a take-home essay component to them. The Midterm will be given on March 25, and the Final will be given during the exam period. The Midterm exam will count for 20%, and the Final exam for 30%, for a total of 50% of the final course grade.

9) Extra Credit. You may earn up to 5 extra points on your final grade by attending up to more PAWSS lectures (or other related lectures) and writing reaction papers (2% for the first paper, 3% for the second).

Other Policies:

The policies in this syllabus will be strictly adhered to. If you are unable to follow these policies at any time during the semester, please consult with me in person as you become aware of any difficulty. Do not wait until the end of the semester to raise your concerns.

You are encouraged to come talk with me about questions you may have regarding the material in the class. Further, since a significant portion of your grade comes at the end of the semester, I will be happy to discuss your performance in the class with you at any time.

E-mail: All class members must have an e-mail address that they check regularly. I will distribute announcements and other materials via e-mail.

Plagiarism:  Plagiarism is a very serious offense within the college community, and will not be tolerated under any circumstances in this class. Suspected plagiarism will be dealt with according to College policy.

Papers:  All papers are to be typed, double-spaced, in a 12 point font. You are responsible for all errors in your papers, including grammatical and spelling mistakes.

Late Papers:  Late papers will be significantly penalized.

Failure to complete an assignment is grounds for failure in the course.

I reserve the right to modify this syllabus during the course of the semester.

Participation in this course implies acceptance of all of the policies and requirements stated in this syllabus.

Week 1:      Introduction
(Jan. 28, 30)

Week 2:      Theories of International Relations: An Overview
(Feb. 4, 6)

Week 3:      Theories of International Relations: The Global System
(Feb. 11, 13)  

Week 4:      How Did We Get Here?: The Cold War and Beyond
(Feb. 18, 20)  

Week 5:      National Security
(Feb. 25, 27)  

Week 6:      International Security
(March 4, 6)

Week 7:      International Organization
(March 11, 13)

Week 8:      Professor Out of Town/Midterm Exam
(March 25, 27)

Week 9:      International Political Economy
(April 1, 3)

Week 10:    Globalization
(April 8, 10)

Week 11:    Transborder Problems
(April 15, 17)

Week 12:    Human Rights and Refugees
(April 22, 24)

Week 13:    Humanitarian Intervention
(April 29, May 1)

Week 14:    The Future: International Relations or Global Politics?
(May 6)