UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS Department of Political Science PSC 231 Section 003 WORLD POLITICS Fall 2005 Friday 2:30 PM - 5:20 PM Location: WRI C303 Instructor: Olga Kuznetsova-Elliott Office Hours: Thursday - 9:15PM - 9:45PM & Friday -10:30AM -1:00PM Office: WRI A216 Phone: (702) 895-1498 E-mail: [email protected] COURSE OBJECTIVES, CONTENT, PURPOSE AND SCOPE: This is an introductory course in World Politics. As such, it is designed to achieve the following: 1. Content: International Relations (IR) is a sub-field of Political Science, concerned with international politics. As a field of study, International Relations (IR) has uncertain boundaries and it is interdisciplinary. It has numerous overlaps with other disciplines such as history, economics, psychology, sociology, geography, communications, cultural and environmental studies. Notwithstanding the breadth and scope of IR, it focuses primarily on the theoretical and scientific study of systems, structures, institutions, law, development, environment, power, conflict, cooperation, trade, and policy-making at the international level. 2. We will gain insight into the main sub-fields of IR such as security studies, international organization, foreign policy-making, and international political economy. IR is a dynamic and evolving field, undergoing constant change and development. We will analyze various international and global phenomena, actors, issues, institutions, and their continuity and change. 3. We will first address international security issues. The second half of the course will address international political economy and international development issues. 4. Objectives: Students will be able to apply the basic methodological, theoretical, and conceptual tools used for the analysis and study of International Relations and World Politics. We will discuss current events and will apply concepts, theories, and methods used in the study of IR in explaining the events of the day. S. Students will become familiar with the historical and philosophical basis for the present-day "state" of the nation-states. 6. We will analyze contemporary global issues and policy implications for the present and for the future. We will gain insight into the workings and the dynamics of international and global systems and structures. 7. We will take a closer look at the mechanics of power politics as it relates to the nation-states and their relations with each other.8. We will gain insight into and review such important topics as Genocide, National Defense, Global Security, Globalization, National Sovereignty, Human Trafficking & Slavery, Human Rights, Nuclear Proliferation, Terrorism, War, International Law & Order, Environment, Water Shortages & Droughts, Population, Natural Disasters, Infectious Diseases & Epidemics, SARS & Flu Outbreaks. 9. Seek understanding into such fundamental concepts as Realism, Liberalism, Feminism, Socialism, Dependency, Liberty, Order, Conflict, Equality, Democracy, Ideology, Legitimacy, Sovereignty, . Majority Rule, Pluralism, Pragmatism, etc. Course Structure and Expectations: Each lecture will consist of three parts. The 'warm-up', introductory part will help us "activate" our international political vocabulary. During this part, we will tackle various concepts to enlarge our political vernacular and enhance our knowledge of world politics. This part, as well as all other parts of the class, will be based on the required reading, assigned for that week. The second part will consist of a lecture, where the topic at hand will be discussed at length. The third part will be based both on theory and practice. Students will participate in interactive activities and games, based on the required reading and other assignments for that week. We will be actively engaged in discussions and presentations, as well as "question-answer" time. This will be a chance for students to shine and show active participation. We will conclude each class with a brief summary of the subject matter. Homework and assignments for the next week's class will be . discussed. Students will leave the classroom with a list of discussion topics for the next class and will be asked to ponder over some probing issues, as they relate to international politics and our own experience. I will expect everybody to read the required materials prior to each class to allow you to participate in each session to your full potential. Students will be required and expected to follow current events by watching the news, reading newspapers and magazines, researching political issues on the Internet, staying curious, etc. Evaluation: Grades will be determined based on the following: 1. Attendance and participation can greatly improve your grade! (15%) 2. A written mid-term examination, consisting of 3 PARTS (30%): multiple choices, a short quiz based on concepts and terms, and a short 2-page essay (in-class). With regards to essays, students will be free to select their favorite topic from an extensive list, provided by the instructor. Most essay topics will be phrased in the form of a question to allow students to expand on an idea or a theory. 3. A final examination, consisting of 3 PARTS (30%): multiple choices, a quiz based on concepts, terms, and a short 3-page essay (in-class). Students will be free to select their favorite topic from an extensive list, provided by the instructor. Again, most essay topics will be phrased in the form of a question to allow students to expand on an idea or a policy issue. 4. Throughout the semester, I will be conducting short pop quizzes (10%), which can help you greatly in your overall grade evaluation. 5. Each student will be assigned two (2) oral presentations (15%). You will be given ample time to research a topic; presentation assignments will encompass a vast array of topics - foreign policy issues, NATO, UN, WTO, IMF, leaders, etc.) Certain presentation assignments will require work ingroups. Your group will have an opportunity to polish the presentation before you have to present it to the rest of the class. The quality of your oral presentations can greatly improve your grade as well. Attendance policy: Throughout the entire semester I will be tracking down and taking everyone's attendance. Students who arrive late or leave early will be marked absent. Since this is such a significant part of your grade, you must have a legitimate and compelling excuse to miss a