Syllabus PSC 231: World Politics PSC 231 World Politics (Satisfies International and Foreign Culture requirement.) General introductory course to the field of foreign policy and international politics. Mainly theoretical in nature but such concepts as revolution, economic and political development, and nationalism also considered. 3 credits. Instructor Dr. Peter J. Pizor Wright Hall A-224 Office telephone: 702.895.5248 Direct line: 702.493.3374 email. [email protected] Learning objectives To introduce the fundamental concepts of international relations To convey the essential concepts used by political scientists To introduce the actors, the geographical and historical context, and the leading theories used to explain international relations To use current and past international events to illustrate the fundamental course concepts. Office hours: Tuesday 10:00-11:30 Friday: 1:00-2:30 Textbook: The text for this course is International Relations, Goldstein and Pevehouse (Pearson, Longman 2007). It is available in the UNLV Bookstore. The course will integrate concepts from the text book with current events as they occur. Students should be alert to and following events on the international scene as they are presented in the media. Weekly topic guide We will cover the following topics in this sequence. We will stay very close to one topic per week. Chapter 1: Understanding International Relations PSC 231: Fall 2007 Page 1 of 3Chapter 2: Power Politics Chapter 3: Alternatives to Power Politics Chapter 4: Foreign Policy Chapter 5: International Conflict Chapter 6: Military Force Chapter 7: International Organization and Law Chapter 8: Trade Chapter 9: Money and Business Chapter 10: Integration Chapter 11: Environment and Population Chapter 12: The North-South Gap Chapter 13: International Development Tests and grading Quarterly tests will be given. Tests will consist of multiple choice response and short essays. Tests cover the text book readings, the lectures, and current events discussed in class. Tests include two parts: multiple choice and essay questions. The questions will be modeled on the sample questions on the text book web site: http://wps.ablongman.com/long_goldstein_ir_7/0,10728,2296546-,00.html. Test dates: T-Th / Fr September 27th/September 28thOctober 25th/October 26thNovember 29th/November 30th Final Exam: The final examination is set by the University Registrar and times, dates, and room locations are scheduled on that web site. The final examination will be conducted at the designated time and place. Please note that this may differ from the normal meeting time or place for the course. Final examination week for Fall 2007 is December 10-15. The final will be comprehensive. Written work Reflective essay: one reflective essay of 550-750 words will be prepared and submitted October 4th (T-Th)or October 5th (Fr). The essay will be word processed, free of mechanical and typographical errors, and will demonstrate insightful analysis into an actual challenge in the international sphere. Topics will be assigned to students by the instructor. Late work/missed tests Be punctual and professional. Late work is penalized at the rate of 10% per day for each day late. Unexcused absence from an exam will normally result in a grade of zero for that exam. Make up exams will be scheduled at the convenience of the instructor. GRADING SCALE: Letter Grade Criteria Numeric Range A Far exceeds the standard for all required work 96-100 A- Far exceeds the standard for all required work 91-95 B+ Exceeds the standard for all required work 88-90 B Exceeds the standard for all required work 85-87 B- Exceeds the standard for all required work 81-84 C+ Met the standard for all required work 78-80 C Met the standard for all required work 75-77 PSC 231: Fall 2007 Page 2 of 3C- Met the standard for all required work 71-74 D+ Did not meet the standard for all required work 67-70 D Did not meet the standard for all required work 64-66 D- Did not meet the standard for all required work 61-63 F Did not meet the standard all required work. Must retake the course < 60 Grading components: tests 60% final examination 30% written project 10% 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 such as ringing cell phones, beepers, distracting conversations are not allowed. Attendance: Class attendance is expected and missing more than 3 classes will normally result in a reduction of the final course average of one letter grade for each unexcused absence in excess of three. For example, missing four classes would lower a final grade of B to a grade of C. Cheating: There will be none. Any attempt at gaining outside assistance on exams, in any form, will result in failure of the entire course. Other Policies: Religious Holidays: Any student missing quizzes, examinations, 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 September 5, 2007 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). Use of WebCampus: This course will use WebCampus as a way to maintain communications with students. I will post most lecture notes there, copies of the syllabus, and any changes to the course schedule. Under normal circumstance, test grades and other scores will be posted on WebCampus one week following the test or due date. Cell phone, iPods, wifi and similar devices must be in the off position during class. Their use in