pspa_2520_syllabus

PSPA 2520: Theories of International Relations Spring 2010 Syllabus The University of North Carolina, Pembroke

“People make history, but not in conditions of their own choosing.” -- Karl Marx

Ryan Griffith, M.A. International Programs House A09 910-775-4096 [email protected]

Class hours: M 6:00-9:00 PM Location: BA 201A Tentative office hours: T/W/R 5:00-6:00 PM Or by appointment.

O V E R V I E W

This course is designed to introduce students to the prevailing theories of international relations. It

focuses on the conceptual lenses through which the behavior of and interaction between state and

non-state actors on the global stage can be viewed and understood.

The course is roughly divided into three sections. The first section defines theory and demonstrates

why theorizing is important. Utilizing this foundation, the second section, representing the bulk of

the course, identifies, analyzes, and discusses the core assumptions of the images, interpretive

understandings, and normative considerations present in this subfield. The third and final section

summarizes the main arguments present in international relations theory and considers the

challenges – current and future – faced by both its students and practitioners.

Please, note: Although this is an introductory course, a prerequisite (PSPA 1000 or PSPA 1010) is

required.

C O U R S E O B J E C T I V E S

By the end of this course, you will:

1. Feel comfortable defining and utilizing the basic vocabulary employed by international relations

theorists;

2. Understand and be able to identify, discuss, and evaluate the core approaches of international

relations theory;

3. Recognize and be familiar with various influential historical and contemporary thinkers and their

writings, who have contributed to the great debates surrounding international relations theory;

4. Have a richer understanding of world politics, past, present, and future.

mailto:[email protected]

UNC Pembroke, Ryan Griffith PSPA 2520: Theories of International Relations S 2010

2

R E A D I N G S

The following text is required:

Kauppi, M. V., & Viotti, P. R. (2008). International Relations Theory (4th Edition). Alexandria, VA:

Prentice Hall. (The syllabus will call this IRT).

o The above citation adheres to the APA format, demonstrates how all publications

should be referenced for this course, and can be created painlessly at

http://www.bibme.org/.

I reserve the right to assign additional readings as necessary and required.

A S S I G N M E N T S A N D W E I G H T S

Attendance and Participation (10%)

Regular class attendance and participation are critical to the educational experience; as such, students are expected to attend and actively participate in each and every class. Participation can take a variety of forms, including but not limited to: speaking in class, asking questions (in class, out of class, or via email), and actively participating in discussions and group presentations. In order to effectively participate, students are required to (a) attend class and (b) prepare for class. Preparation entails the completion of all required readings before class and allocation of sufficient time to become familiar with the material.

Remember, attendance, participation, and preparation are student responsibilities. Accordingly, students are required to complete and/or submit all assignments, presentations, papers, and examinations on the stated due date. Please, contact me before class if unable to attend. Absences will only be excused if accompanied by a note from a physician. Students who accumulate two or more unexcused absences will not receive any participation credit for the semester.

Reading Quizzes (15%)

As an added incentive to prepare for class, reading quizzes will be administered throughout the

semester. These quizzes will focus on the material presented in the textbook and will consist of true-

false, multiple-choice, and/or short-answer questions. Quizzes cannot be made up.

Discussion Moderation (10%)

After each weekly lecture, approximately one hour will be devoted to discussing the assigned

readings. In a similar vein to the aforementioned reading quizzes, each student will be assigned the

task of moderating one discussion. Moderators are charged with the responsibility of summarizing

the author’s key insights, highlighting critical points, stimulating a discussion of the relevant concepts,

guiding the conversation, and moderating the flow. Discussion moderation cannot be made up.

http://www.bibme.org/


3

Group Activity (10%)

At specific times during the semester, small groups of students – determined at the beginning of the

course – will create, facilitate, and moderate original discussions, debates, simulations, or

presentations on topics pertaining to international relations theory. Participants will meet with me at

the beginning of the term to decide on topics that will complement the course sections. Note,

whichever activity the group chooses, do not simply summarize the required readings; I am looking

for a critical dialogue or exchange containing pertinent insights, not a CliffsNotes-styled lecture.

Do not forget my previous comments on preparation. Please arrange regular group meetings to

ensure a collective recognition and understanding of the content, organization, and delivery of the

material. For groups deciding to conduct presentations, remember to engage your audience.

Furthermore, should you decide to employ a visual aid (e.g., PowerPoint or Keynote), use it to

emphasize your message, not to serve as a focal point or worse a script from which to read.

In addition to the activity itself, each participant within the group is required to submit a one-page reflection on the activity, documenting the individual’s contribution, stating the group members’ contribution, assessing the aforementioned contributions, and citing any resources consulted. This assignment will be due one week after the activity. Further information is amended to this syllabus, including a grading rubric. Participation in group activities cannot be made up.

Research or Policy Paper (20%)

There will be a writing assignment: one 1,500-word research or policy paper. Further information is amended to this syllabus, including a grading rubric. Late papers will not be accepted.

I highly recommend all papers be vetted through the University’s Writing Center prior to submission.

Further information about the Writing Center can be obtained by phone (910-521-6546), via email

([email protected]), or online (http://www.uncp.edu/writing/).

Midterm Exam (15%)

There will be a midterm exam for the course. Due to the limited number of class meetings, make-up exams will not be offered for this course. Should you fail to sit the midterm exam due to a documented illness or emergency, the final exam will be weighed at 35%.

Final Exam (20%)

There will be a final exam for the course. The final exam will be offered only once; it cannot be made

up.


http://www.uncp.edu/writing/


4

G R A D I N G M AT R I X A N D S C A L E

Grading Matrix

The following grading matrix will be employed to calculate a final grade for the course:

Assessment Weight

Attendance and Participation 10%

Reading Quizzes 15%

Discussion Moderation 10%

Group Presentation 10%

Paper 20%

Midterm Exam 15%

Final Exam 20%

TOTAL 100%

Grading Scale

The following grading scale will be utilized to determine a final grade for the course:

Letter Grade Percentages Grade Points Description

A 95 to 100 4.0 Excellent – superior performance, demonstrating comprehensive understanding of subject matter. A- 90 to 94 3.7

B+ 88 to 89.9 3.3 Good – above average performance, representing adequate understanding of subject matter.

B 83 to 87.9 3.0

B- 80 to 82.9 2.7

C+ 78 to 79.9 2.3 Satisfactory – average performance, signifying basic understanding of subject matter. C 73 to 77.9 2.0

C- 70 to 72.9 1.7 Unsatisfactory – below average performance, indicating marginal understanding of subject matter.

D+ 68 to 69.9 1.3

D 63 to 67.9 1.0

D- 60 to 62.9 0.7

F 00.0 to 59.9 0.0 Fail – misunderstanding of subject matter.


5

C L A S S F O R M AT

Class Format

Classes meet for three hours once a week on Monday evenings. Due to the length of our meetings, I will endeavor to break classes into two – albeit unequal – halves. The first half will consist of a lecture based on the chapter being covered. During this period, it is important to note, I will frequently incorporate aspects of the Socratic Method, cold calling students and challenging them to defend their positions. The second half, commencing after a short break, centers around a discussion – often student-led – of the IRT’s selected readings. Throughout both halves, I will strive to relate course concepts to current events.

Behavioral Expectations

1. Attendance, Participation and Preparation – a reiteration

Regular class attendance and participation are critical to the educational experience; as such, students are expected to attend and actively participate in each and every class. Participation can take a variety of forms, including but not limited to: speaking in class, asking questions (in class, out of class, verbally, or via email), and participating in discussions and group presentations. In order to effectively participate, students are required to (a) attend class and (b) prepare for class. Preparation entails the completion of all required readings before class and sufficient time devoted to becoming familiar with the material. Being prepared also requires turning off your cell phone or setting the ringer to vibrate and placing it in your bag, not on your desk.

Remember, attendance, participation, and preparation are student responsibilities. Accordingly, students are required to complete and/or submit all assignments, presentations, papers, and examinations on the stated due date. Please, contact me before class if unable to attend. Absences will only be excused if accompanied by a note from a licensed physician. Students who accumulate two or more unexcused absences will not receive any participation credit.

2. Punctuality

Class will start on time. Tardiness disrupts the flow of learning; so, if you are late, you will be marked

absent. If the classroom door is closed, DO NOT open it.

3. Food and Drink

Eating is strictly prohibited during classroom hours as is chewing gum. Water is allowed.

4. Classroom Etiquette

No unsolicited talking during class, no reading during class, no operation of cell phones during class, and no inappropriate use of laptops during class.


6

P O L I C I E S A N D P R O C E D U R E S

Extensions and Make-up Exams

Due to the limited number of class meetings, granting extensions and/or scheduling make-up activities and/or exams are extraordinarily difficult. Accordingly, extensions and make-up exams are unavailable:

Assessment Make up

Attendance and Participation Not Possible

Reading Quizzes Not Possible

Discussion Moderation Not Possible

Group Presentation Not Possible

Paper Not Possible

Midterm Exam Not Possible*

Final Exam Not Possible

* Should you fail to sit the midterm exam, the final exam will be weighed at 35%. The final exam, however, will be offered only once. There will not be an opportunity to make up this exam. Should your participation in an official University function be required, please contact me as soon as possible.

Disabilities

Appropriate academic accommodations for students with documented disabilities can be made in compliance with University of North Carolina at Pembroke regulations. Students are responsible for registering with Disability Support Services by phone (910-521-6695), email ([email protected]), or online (http://www.uncp.edu/dss/) and informing me of any request in a timely manner. If you require accommodation, please contact me as soon as possible.

Academic Integrity

Each student is expected to abide by The University of North Carolina at Pembroke Academic Honor Code (http://www.uncp.edu/studentconduct/honor/). Although students are encouraged to study together, any work submitted by a student in this course will be the student's own work. Collaboration is, however, allowed for group activities.

Talking, copying from others, comparing papers, or otherwise cooperating is not allowed during quizzes and examinations. Any such behavior will result in failure of the quiz or exam and may lead to disciplinary action, possibly even failure of the course.

Errata

I reserve the right to make any new rules and/or changes to the course.


http://www.uncp.edu/dss/

http://www.uncp.edu/studentconduct/honor/


7

G R O U P A C T I V I T Y

Requirements Structure: A well-constructed activity, the first requirement, demands attention to content, format,

presentation skills, and visual aids.

1. Content: accuracy, appropriateness, creativity, persuasiveness, and research. 2. Format: organization, which includes the

- opening, - body, - closing,

o summary o findings o recommendations

- and transitions. 3. Presentation: clarity, connectivity, eye contact, flow, and audience engagement. 4. Visual Aids: use of PowerPoint/Keynote and/or handouts.

Reflection: A one-page reflective exercise, due one week after the activity, is the second

requirement. This represents as an opportunity for critical, honest self-reflection, the basis for self-improvement. The objective here is to critique the activity by

1. documenting the individual student’s contributions, 2. stating the group members’ contributions, 3. assessing the aforementioned contributions

(the individual student’s and the group members’) 4. and citing the resources consulted.

Grading: Both the structural and reflective requirements will be evaluated using the 5-point

grading scale shown below. - (5) Excellent - (4) Good - (3) Satisfactory - (2) Unsatisfactory - (1) Fail

Each of the four structural requirements (content, format, presentation, and visual aids) will be allotted 5 points each, for a maximum of 20 points. The reflective requirement will also be assessed using the same 5-point scale, but this portion will be allotted 5 points. The total number of points possible for the group activity is thus 25.


8

R E S E A R C H O R P O L I C Y PA P E R

Requirements

Length: 1,500 words Layout: Use 12-point Times New Roman or Calibri.

Double-space with 1-inch margins (top, bottom, left, and right). Include a title, headings, and page numbers.

Steps: 1. Prospectus, a one-page synopsis of the paper to include the following:

- states the research or policy question; - explains why it – the question – is important; - summarizes potential alternatives; and, - lists at least four resources (see below).

2. Rough draft, a semi-complete paper to be reviewed by me and possibly your peers. 3. Final draft, a completed paper for final submission. Dates: 15 February 2010, prospectus due (submit one hardcopy)

15 March 2010, rough draft due (bring two hardcopies) 19 April 2010, final draft due (submit one hardcopy)

Options: Research

The research option focuses on explanation. Choose and seek an answer to a question concerning world politics. An example question might be: “Why did America invade Afghanistan?”

Policy

The policy option focuses on prescription. Choose and seek an answer to a question concerning a foreign policy decision. An example question might be: “Should America withdraw from Afghanistan?”

Structure: 1. Introduction State your research or policy question. Explain its importance.

Consider contextual backdrop and/or history. Articulate your answer.

2. Body Support your answer.

Evaluate alternatives. 3. Conclusion Restate research or policy question.

Reemphasize importance. Summarize arguments.


9

Again, I highly recommend all papers be vetted through the University’s Writing Center

prior to submission. Further information about the Writing Center can be obtained by

phone (910-521-6546), via email ([email protected]), or online

(http://www.uncp.edu/writing/). Guidelines: 1. Employ IR theories and concepts (e.g., Realism, sovereignty, values, norms, etc.).

2. Utilize resources, which include: - books, - journal articles (e.g., Foreign Affairs, Orbis, and Survival), - newspapers (e.g., New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post), - magazine articles (e.g., Newsweek, The Economist, and Time), and - primary sources (e.g., policy statements, speeches, and research findings).

3. Use in-text parenthetical citations as ascribed to by the APA (American Psychological Association). A style guide can be found at http://library.williams.edu/citing/styles/apa.php. 4. Include a bibliography, utilizing the aforementioned APA method. For this task, I recommend http://www.bibme.org/.

Grading: The grading for the paper will employ the weighting system defined below.

Component Weight

Prospectus 10%

Rough draft 10%

Final draft 80%

TOTAL 100%


http://www.uncp.edu/writing/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_scholarly_journals_in_international_relations

http://library.williams.edu/citing/styles/apa.php

http://www.bibme.org/


10

C O U R S E C A L E N D A R

11 January Class 01: Course Overview Activities: Introductions Syllabus and course overview

18 January NO CLASS: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 25 January Class 02: Thinking About Theory Readings: IRT. Chapter 1. Thinking About IR Theory James N. Rosenau. “Thinking Theory Thoroughly”

Kenneth N. Waltz. “Explaining War: The Levels of Analysis” Max Weber. “On Interpretive Understanding”

01 February Class 03: Realism Readings: IRT. Chapter 2. Realism: The State and the Balance of Power Thucydides. The Melian Dialogue Niccolo Machiavelli. “On Princes and the Security of Their States” Thomas Hobbes. “Of the Natural Condition of Mankind”

Jean-Jacques Rousseau. “The State of War: Confederation as Means to Peace in Europe” Joseph S. Nye, Jr. “Hard and Soft Power in American Foreign Policy” John J. Mearsheimer. Tragedy of Great Power Politics Recommended: Jackson, P.T. (2004, Fall). Masterworks of International Relations, Lecture 01:

Thucydides. SIS 604. Lecture conducted from American University, Washington, DC. (Available from iTunes University).

Jackson, P.T. (2004, Fall). Masterworks of International Relations, Lecture 02: Machiavelli. SIS 604. Lecture conducted from American University, Washington, DC. (Available from iTunes University).

Jackson, P.T. (2004, Fall). Masterworks of International Relations, Lecture 03: Hobbes. SIS 604. Lecture conducted from American University, Washington, DC. (Available from iTunes University). Jackson, P.T. (2004, Fall). Masterworks of International Relations, Lecture 04: Locke. SIS 604. Lecture conducted from American University, Washington, DC. (Available from iTunes University).

Jackson, P.T. (2004, Fall). Masterworks of International Relations, Lecture 05: Rousseau. SIS 604. Lecture conducted from American University, Washington, DC. (Available from iTunes University).


11

08 February Class 04: Realism (continued) and Liberalism

Readings: IRT. Chapter 3. Liberalism: Interdependence and Global Governance Michael W. Doyle. “Liberalism and World Politics”

Robert O. Keohane. “From Interdependence and Institutions to Globalization and Governance” Stephen G. Brooks. “Producing Security” Max Weber. “On Interpretive Understanding”

15 February Class 05: Liberalism (continued) and Economic Structuralism

Readings: IRT. Chapter 4. Economic Structuralism: Global Capitalism and Postcolonialism J.A. Hobson. “The Economic Taproot of Imperialism”

Robert W. Cox. “Gramsci, Hegemony, and International Relations” Immanuel Wallerstein. “The Modern World System as a Capitalist World-Economy”

22 February Class 06: Economic Structuralism (continued) and The English School Readings: IRT. Chapter 5. The English School International Society and Grotian Rationalism Hugo Grotius. “War, Peace, and the Law of Nations” Hugo Grotius. “Freedom of the Seas”

Tim Dunne. “Inventing International Society” Hedley Bull. “Does Order Exist in World Politics?”

01 March The English School (continued) and Midterm Examination 08 March No Class: Spring Break

15 March Class 07: Review and In-class Activities

Activities: Group Activity 01

22 March Class 08: Constructivism

Readings: IRT. Chapter 6. Constructivist Understandings

Alexander Wendt. “Constructing International Politics” John Locke. “On War and Maintaining Peace” Alexander Wendt. “The Lockean Culture” Martha Finnemore. “Constructing Norms of Humanitarian Intervention”


12

29 March Class 09: Postmodernism Readings: IRT. Chapter 7. Positivism, Critical Theory, and Postmodern Understandings Ken Booth. “Critical Explorations and the Highway of Critical Security Theory” Francis A. Beer and Robert Hariman. “Realism and Rhetoric in International Relations” David Campbell. “Writing Security”

05 April Class 10: Feminism Readings: IRT. Chapter 8. Feminist Understandings in IR Theory Iris Marion Young. “The Logic of Masculinist Protection: Reflections on the Current

Security State” J. Ann Tickner. “Why Women Can’t Rule the World: International Politics According to Francis Fukuyama”

12 April Class 11: In-class Activities

Activities: Group Activity 02

19 April Class 12: Normative Considerations Readings: IRT. Chapter 9. Normative IR Theory: Ethics and Morality

Immanuel Kant. “Morality, Politics, and Perpetual Peace” E.H. Carr. “The Nature of Politics” Robert E. Williams and Dan Caldwell. “Jus Post Bellum: Just War Theory and the

Principles of Just Peace”

26 April Class 13: Normative Considerations (continued) and Review 03 May Examination: Final Examination from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM


13

C L A S S M AT E C O N N E C T I O N S

It is always useful to have the names and contact information of a few colleagues (in case of absence or for the formation of study groups, for instance).

Name Email Cell phone

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Prof. Michael B. Nelson at Wesleyan University for creating and making available his Spring 2009 GOVT 155 syllabus, which I found inspirational and obviously used as a model for this document. Thank you, Prof. Nelson, for your invaluable contribution to the OpenCourseWare community.

http://www.wesleyan.edu/templates/dept/govt/skeleton_faculty.htt?function=f1&department=GOVT&faculty=mbnelson

http://www.wesleyan.edu/index.html

http://www.wesleyan.edu/gov/PDF%20Files/155%20mn%20S09.pdf

pspa_2520_syllabus

Documents