PSC 231: 01 4:00‐5:15 WRI C301 PSC 231 001 12730 WORLD POLITICS 3 MW 04:00 PM-05:15 PM WRI C301 Pizor Description: This three‐credit course is a general introduction to international politics and foreign policy. The course also will cover international trade and development. The course primarily is theoretical in nature, but such concepts as revolution, economic and policy development and nationalism also will be considered. Students should gain knowledge of the theories, elements and institutions of international political, security and economic relations and how these relate to current events and trends in international relations. Successful completion of this course satisfies UNLV’s International and Foreign Culture requirement. . Required Text: International Relations, Ninth Edition, Goldstein and Pevehouse Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for Political Science 231. Instructor: Peter Pizor, Ph.D. Part‐Time Instructor WRI A216 (702) 895‐1498 [email protected] Office hours: Monday and Wednesday 9:45‐‐11:15 AM and by appointment Why you should take this class? This class introduces the fundamental concepts underlying the international system, satisfies the foreign culture requirement, and serves as a foundation for advanced work in political science. It is highly recommended that you stay abreast of current events through reading a magazine such as Newsweek, The Economist, or through careful monitoring of newspapers and internet news sources. Requirements This course includes three examinations; they are weighted equally for the purpose of determining the final grade. Outcomes: As measured by the tests will learn the essentials of the structure of the international system and have a clear understanding of the main theoretical approaches to the international system. Class Participation: You are expected to participate actively and intelligently in class discussions. As a rule of thumb, you should plan to spend about an hour or two going over your notes from the readings and preparing for class each week after you have completed the readings. If you must miss a class, please notify the instructor in advance. More than 5 unexcused absences or unprepared sessions may lower your class grade. Exams and Quizzes There will be three hourly exams. The examinations include multiple choice and essays. Students are required to bring scantron forms, a number 2 pencil, and a blue book. The final grade will be based on the student’s average on all exams. This is the simple average of all test scores. The average is converted to a letter grade using the following table. Points Grade 93+ A 90‐92 A‐ 87‐89 B+ 84‐86 B 80‐83 B‐ 77‐79 C+ 74‐76 C 70‐73 C‐ 67‐69 D+ 64‐66 D 60‐63 D‐ <59 F WebCampus This course will use WebCampus as the primary way of communicating with students outside of the classroom. Most lecture notes will posted there—normally on the day of the class. Links, notices, any changes, and supplemental information will also be found there. Be aware that the posted lecture notes are incomplete and are intended to supplement, but not replace class room lectures. Do not use the email link on WebCampus. All email correspondence is to be through [email protected]. Policies Your right to learn. The classroom is a safe space for the discussion of issues pertaining to the course. Behaviors that interfere with the rights of others, including, but not limited to ringing cell phones, beepers, wi‐fi devices, and distracting conversations are not allowed. Cheating: There will be none. Any attempt at gaining outside assistance on exams, in any form, will result in failure of the entire course. Religious Holidays: Any student missing a quiz, examination, or any other class or lab work because of observance of a religious holiday shall be given an opportunity to make up missed work. The make‐up will apply to the religious holiday absence only. It shall be the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor no later than the end of session 1 of her or his intention to participate in religious holidays which do not fall on state holidays or periods of class recess. This policy shall not apply in the event that administering a test or examination at an alternative time would impose an undue hardship on the instructor or the university which could not reasonably have been avoided Disabilities: If you have a documented disability that may require assistance, you will need to contact the Disability Resource Center for coordination in your academic accommodations. The DRC is located in the Reynolds Student Services Complex in Room 137. The DRC phone number is 895‐0866 (TDD: 895‐0652). General: The policies of the University of Nevada Las Vegas as stipulated in the Student Handbook, are included in this syllabus by reference. That document provides important information and procedural guidelines. Cell phone: sending, receiving, checking messages, listening to IPODs, wearing Bluetooth ear pieces, and similar activities disrupt from the purposes of the class and are not permitted. Each infraction may be penalized up to 2 points on your final average. Repeated infractions will result in a failing grade for the course. Use of a cell phone, or similar wi‐fi device during an examination will result in a grade of 0 for that test. Do not use: Computers and other forms of recording device may not be used during class. Laptops may not be open during class. The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus as appropriate. All modifications will be posted on the course web page. Schedule of readings and assignments (International Relations, 9th Edition) 1/11 Chapter 1 1/18 (Monday no class) Chapter 2 1/25 Chapter 3 2/1 Chapter 4 2/8 First Hourly Exam 2/10 Review Chapters 1-4 2/15 (Monday No class) Chapter 5 2/22 Chapter 6 3/1 Chapter 7 3/8 Online quiz Chapter 8 3/15 Second Hourly Exam 3/17 Review Chapters 5-8 3/22 Chapter 9 3/29 SPRING BREAK 4/5 Chapter 10 4/12 Chapter 11 4/19 Chapter 13 4/26 (UNLV study week) Review 5/3 to 5/5 Final exam week Final exam In class, comprehensive, requires scantron and pencil. Final exams are scheduled by the Registrar and will take place at the date and time specified.