This course covers the basic problems and principles, and the major themes, theories, and concepts of political science in the subfield of international politics. Throughout the semester, we shall be concerned with relations among states (or “countries”) and other actors (e.g., international organizations, individuals, transnational corporations) in the international system, mainly in the post World War II period. The course aims to put contemporary international issues and problems into a historical framework or perspective that will help students comprehend future developments in international relations. The readings assignments, class lectures and discussions, and examinations are intended to encourage the development of analytical, research, and writing skills.
1. W. Raymond Duncan, Barbara Jancar-Webster, Bob Switky, World Politics in the 21st Century. Pearson Longman, 2004 (2nd ed.).
Bookmark the World Politics in the 21st Century Web site. Consult and explore the relevant Web Exploration icons noted in the text throughout the semester.
2. Donald M. Snow, Cases in International Relations: Portraits of the Future Pearson Longman, 2006 (2nd ed.).
3. Recommended Web site for Readings and Research: Foreign Affairs Online (http://people.virginia.edu/~rjb3v/rjb.html)
(Class begins promptly at 9:35 a.m. on T and TH. PLEASE BE ON TIME.)
To perform well in this course, students will have to do the assigned readings and attend classes regularly. The examinations will draw upon the readings as well as lecture notes. There will be four examinations (mixed objective and essay) during the semester: one before mid-semester, a mid-semester, one after mid-semester, and a final.
The examinations are each worth 100 points, and the following scale will be applied in assigning grades to them:
93-100 A73-77 C
88-92 A/B68-72 C/D
83-87 B58-67 D
78-82 B/C -57 F
Grades for the course will be determined by applying the following formula: 25% of the scores on each of the examinations.
