COURSE SYLLABUS

Introduction to International Relations: GOVT 161-1

Spring 2004 Instructor: Mrs. Gail Miller

Holy Cross College email: gmiller@hcc-nd.edu

Notre Dame, IN 45665 Office Number: 126V

Credit: 3.00 Office Hours: M&W 4:45-5:45

Time: 3:30-4:45 M W or by appointment

Classroom: 141V Office Phone: 239-8311

PREREQUISITES: None

TEXTBOOKS: International Relations by Joshua S. Goldstein; Allyn and Bacon (2003- Fifth Edition) and Great Decisions from the Foreign Policy Association (2004 edition)

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course introduces students to the basic principles and institutions of international relations that remain constant despite the challenges of current international conflict. One focus of the course will be international security, examining both power politics and alternatives to power. International conflict will be examined and the work of international organizations analyzed. Enforcement of international law and the use of conflict resolution will be proposed. Students will examine the international economy and discuss problems arising from the North-South gap. Course requirements include research, class discussion and presentation.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:

CONTENT: Students should be able to:

Describe International Relations as a field of study.

Discuss the nature of the international system in which sovereign states and non state actors, such as IGOs, exert influence on the conduct of international relations.

Explore the history of international relations from the emergence of ancient city-states to the modern war on terrorism.

Discuss America’s response to the September 11, 2001 attacks, and chart its impact on U. S. foreign policy.

Compare and contrast idealists and realists in their assumptions about power, human nature, international order and peace.

Analyze the components of international power from GDP to military capabilities.

Describe hegemony and discuss its drawbacks, as well as its role in promoting stability.

Examine some major alliances and describe why states form collective security agreements.

Identify and analyze alternatives to power po9litics, such as liberalism, feminism, and conflict resolution.

Analyze the making of foreign policy and the role of substate actors in the process.

Examine the causes and types of war.

Discuss the roles of international organizations and international law.

Examine global patterns of trade and trade strategies.

Explore integration theory and the development of the European Union.

Discuss international development and the North-South gap.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS: Students should be able to:

Generate ideas and synthesize results.

Distinguish among fact, opinion and judgment.

Analyze and interpret the thoughts and works of others.

Evaluate and use available sources of information.

Prepare and deliver effective oral presentations.

Defend a position, a point of view, or an interpretation.

Demonstrate proficiency in reading competently and analytically.

Articulate how Catholic teaching provides a foundation for understanding contemporary issues.

Interact cooperatively with others.

Write effectively (completely, coherently and critically.)

GRADING CRITERIA AND REQUIREMENTS:

The grade for the course will be based on:

1. the grades on three unit tests: 60%

2. the grades on assignments & presentation: 20%

3. the final exam: 20%

GRADING SCALE:

94-100% = A 78-80% = C+

91-93% = A- 74-77% = C

88-90% = B+ 70-73% = C-

84-87% = B 69-60% = D

81-83% = B- below 60% = F

MAKE-UP POLICY: It is the responsibility of each student to attend and to be prepared for each class. In the event of severe illness or an emergency, it is the student’s responsibility to talk to the instructor about missed work, which must be made up in a timely manner. If a test is missed, the student should email or phone the instructor with the reason. If the absence is excused, the student should be prepared to make up the test at the next class session or at a time convenient to the instructor.

ATTENDANCE POLICY: Students are expected to attend all class sessions, especially any session in which he/she is part of a group presentation. The assignment and presentation grade will be lowered for those with more than one class absence.

ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE:

DATE TOPICS, READINGS, ASSIGNMENTS:

Wed., Jan. 14 Introduction to IR & discussion of current

issues. Handout & written assignment

explained.

Mon., Jan. 19 Written responses due. Discussion of

Assigned reading, responses, & Chapter 1 in Text pages 3-24.

Wed., Jan. 21 Discussion of Chapter 1 p. 24-50 on history of international relations.

Mon., Jan. 26 Groups assigned topics in Great Decisions.

Discuss Chapter 2, p. 70-89.

Wed., Jan 28 Discuss Chapter 2, p. 90-111. Written

Assignment due – ANSWER ANY THREE of the questions on p. 111 “Thinking Critically.”

Mon., Feb. 2 TEST: Unit I (Chapters 1 & 2)

Wed., Feb. 4 Group Discussion Day: “Media and Foreign Policy” from the Great Decisions book. All students are responsible for the reading.*

Mon., Feb. 9 Discuss Chapter 3, p. 155-142 on liberalism and feminism.

Wed., Feb. 11 Finish Chapter 3 to p. 152. Written assignment: Answer questions 1 and 2 on p. 152, due today.

Mon., Feb. 16 Group Discussion Day: “The Philippines” from Great Decisions.*

Wed., Feb. 18 Discuss Chapter 4 on making foreign policy.

Mon., Feb. 23 Group Discussion Day: “U. S. and Europe” from the Great Decisions book.*

Wed. Feb. 25 TEST: Unit II (Chapters 3 & 4 & Great Decisions readings.)

Mon., March 1 Group Discussion Day: “Weapons of Mass Destruction” from the Great Decisions book.*

Wed., March 3 Chapter 5: International Conflict p. 183-198

Causes of war and conflict of interests.

Week of March 6-14 Spring Break

Mon. March 15 Chapter 5: p. 199-218: conflict of ideas & means of leverage.

Wed., March 17 Group Discussion Day: “Diverse Islam” from the Great Decisions book.*

Mon., March 22 Group Discussion Day: “Reform in the Middle East” from Great Decisions book.*

Wed., March 24 Chapter 6: Military force discussion.

Mon. March 29 Finish discussion of Chapter 6 and Written assignment due today: Answer question #5 on p. 257 & be prepared to present and defend your position.

Wed., March 31 Chapter 7 on International Organization & Law – discuss.

Mon., April 5 TEST: Unit III (Chapters 4, 5, 6 & Great Decisions readings.)

Wed. April 7 Group Discussion Day: “Public Diplomacy” from the Great Decisions.*

Mon., April 12 Easter Break

Wed., April 14 Chapter 12 on the North-South gap.

Mon., April 19 Group Discussion Day: “Latin America” from the Great Decisions book.*

Wed., April 21 Written Assignment due: Answer 4 or 5 on p. 490. Finish discussion of North-South gap, Chapter 12.

Mon., April 26 Chapter 13, International Development – discuss.

Wed., April 28 Last class day. Wrap up Chapter 13, and review for final.

Thurs. May 6 Final exam is scheduled.

*Each student will be responsible for presenting information from one

of the readings in Great Decisions 2004. The group should be

prepared to summarize the article, present additional information

found through research of the topic, and to lead the class in discussion

of issues and questions. These assignments will be made in January.

NOTE:

Some additional assignments may be added at the instructor’s discretion, and/or some revisions may be made in the above schedule due as current events or other circumstances warrant.