Syllabus Information |
Spring 2014
May 01,2024 |
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 | Use this page to maintain syllabus information, learning objectives, required materials, and technical requirements for the course. |
| PS 205 - International Relations |
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Associated Term:
Spring 2014
Learning Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to: 1. Apply analytical skills to social phenomena in order to understand human behavior. Students are expected to apply analytic skills in exams, in the term paper, and in class discussions. We examine various social phenomenon and examine the main approaches to understanding each phenomenon. Different theories of IR (Realism, liberalism, Marxism, and gender studies among others) and the different levels of analysis in IR are examined, providing students with the tools to analyze phenomenon from a diversity of viewpoints. Each of these theories provides students with an approach to IR, from which they can best chose one that best fits their own political beliefs. 2. Apply knowledge and experience to foster personal growth and better appreciate the diverse social world in which we live. Students are encouraged to bring their own knowledge and experience to class discussions and to choose a term paper topic that fits with their own interests and experiences. Through class discussions and the term paper students can better understand their own position and attain personal understanding on an issue or debate that interests them. Many students apply their personal knowledge in the exams, term paper, and class discussions. No particular position is presented as in/correct, only one among many in a diverse social world. By teaching a diversity of approaches to IR students learn to appreciate the different ways in which people analyze phenomenon and that there are different ways of understanding neither one of which is inherently more correct than the other. 3. Understand the role of individuals and institutions within the context of society. The role, development, and debates of many international organizations are examined throughout the course. We examine the role and powers of the UN, World Bank, and many others in both the global South and North. We also examine particular leaders and their contributions to phenomenon, theory, and debates. The course starts with an assessment of how IR affects the students as individuals and how they, in turn, affect IR. 4. Assess different theories and concepts, and understand the distinctions between empirical and other methods of inquiry. The first part of the course is dedicated to examining each of the main theories in IR. We apply these theories to particular phenomenon so that students can assess each theory's explanatory power and better discover which theory suits their political beliefs. While there is no distinct section of the class that deals specifically with methods of social scientific inquiry, we examine different ways of knowing and methods of inquiry throughout the quarter. In particular, we focus on empirical evidence for different arguments. 5. Utilize appropriate information literacy skills in written and oral communication. Literacy skills are assessed in the written exams and in the term paper. Although I do not grade class discussions, communication skills are developed through the frequent class discussions on a range of controversial topic in IR. I spend time discussing how to craft a social science paper, present an argument, and write effectively. Students are encouraged to meet with me at all points in writing their paper. 6. Understand the diversity of human experience and thought, individually and collectively. Emphasis is placed on the diversity of human experiences and thought. Again, different theories of IR are examined; from which students can best chose an approach that fits their political beliefs. Phenomenon are analyzed from multiple approaches, none of which are "correct", only presented as one among many explanations. We examine how people experience war, terrorism, poverty, and economic and social development. We contrast experiences in the global South and North, between different states, and between different actors in the international system. 7. Apply knowledge and skills to contemporary problems and issues. Almost continuously, we examine contemporary and historical issues and debates. I assign additional reading drawn from print media, changing the assignments to fit with contemporary issues. We discuss contemporary phenomenon in class and I use examples from headlines frequently. The exams usually contain questions that require the application of knowledge to contemporary issues and debates. Required Materials: Technical Requirements: |
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