PSC 231: 1001 M/W 1:00-2:15 WRI-C301 Syllabus: PSC 231 Course description 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. Instructor: Peter Pizor, Ph.D. Part-Time Instructor WRI A216 (702) 895-1498 [email protected] Office hours: Monday and Wednesday 8:30-10:00 AM and by appointment Why you should take this class? This class introduces the fundamental concepts underlying the governments of the United States and the State of Nevada. It is designed for those with no previous background in political science. Textbook Joshua S. Goldstein Jon C. Pevehouse International Relations 9th Edition. 2010-2011 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 weekly online quizzes or exercises, and four examinations. Page 1 of 4Outcomes: As measured by the tests and quizzes students will learn the essentials International Relations. 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 will lower your class grade. Exams and QuizzesThere will be four exams. The examinations include multiple choice and essays. Students are required to bring scantron forms, a number 2 pencil, and a blue book. Tests include the current chapters as well as questions of importance from earlier chapters. The final exam is comprehensive and addresses all of the course material. Academic Misconduct – “Academic integrity is a legitimate concern for every member of the campus community; all share in upholding the fundamental values of honesty, trust, respect, fairness, responsibility and professionalism. By choosing to join the UNLV community, students accept the expectations of the Academic Misconduct Policy and are encouraged when faced with choices to always take the ethical path. Students enrolling in UNLV assume the obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with UNLV’s function as an educational institution.” An example of academic misconduct is plagiarism: “Using the words or ideas of another, from the Internet or any source, without proper citation of the sources.” See the “Student Academic Misconduct Policy” (approved December 9, 2005) located at: http://studentlife.unlv.edu/judicial/misconductPolicy.html. Copyright – The University requires all members of the University Community to familiarize themselves and to follow copyright and fair use requirements. You are individually and solely responsible for violations of copyright and fair use laws. The university will neither protect nor defend you nor assume any responsibility for employee or student violations of fair use laws. Violations of copyright laws could subject you to federal and state civil penalties and criminal liability, as well as disciplinary action under University policies. To familiarize yourself with copyright and fair use policies, you are encouraged to visit the following website: http://www.unlv.edu/committees/copyright/. Disability Resource Center (DRC) – It is important to know that over two-thirds of the students in the DRC reported that this syllabus statement, often read aloud by the faculty during class, directed them to the DRC office. The Disability Resource Center (DRC) coordinates all academic accommodations for students with documented disabilities. The DRC is the official office to review and house disability documentation for students, and to provide them with an official Academic Accommodation Plan to present to the faculty if an accommodation is warranted. Faculty should not provide students accommodations without being in receipt of this plan. UNLV complies with the provisions set forth in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, offering reasonable accommodations to qualified students with documented disabilities. If you have a documented disability that may require accommodations, you will need to contact the DRC for the coordination of services. The DRC is located in the Student Services Complex (SSC), Room 137, and the contact numbers are: Voice (702) 895-0866, TDD (702) 895-0652, fax (702) 895-0651. For additional information, please visit: http://drc.unlv.edu/. Page 2 of 4Religious Holidays Policy -- Any student missing class quizzes, examinations, or any other class or lab work because of observance of religious holidays shall be given an opportunity during that semester 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 last day at late registration of his or her 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 the test or examination at an alternate time would impose an undue hardship on the instructor or the university which could not be avoided. For additional information, please visit: http://catalog.unlv.acalog.com/content.php?catoid=1&navoid=44&bc=1. Tutoring--The Academic Success Center (ASC) offers free drop-in lab tutoring for courses such as political science, accounting, biology, chemistry, and math. Subjects are added based on tutoring requests and availability. Tutoring is provided throughout the school year so students can sign up anytime for assistance. All students wishing to receive tutoring must have a