Course Description
The course is divided into three parts. First we will consider the basic concepts and methods used to study international relations. We will also study the evolution of the international state system. In the second section we will consider two important processes in world politics: international competition (from trade to the new international economic order) and global conflict (from individual violence to nuclear warfare). The final section of the course will focus on international cooperation and the efforts to achieve world order. We will also discuss contemporary issues in world politics: the spread of democracy; the progress of human rights protection; and global health and environmental concerns.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. This course will provide students with a basic introduction to important themes, concepts, and theories of international relations;
2. At the end of this course, students will be able to conceptually evaluate and critically analyze fundamental processes in the international system such as competition, conflict, and cooperation;
3. This course is designed to provide students with the conceptual tools necessary to understand both the past and present functioning of the world system and the emergence of the nation-state as the key actor in international relations;
4. Students will be encouraged to develop a global perspective through the study of world political phenomena;
5. This course will promote students’ understanding and appreciation of other peoples, cultures, and societies.

Course Requirements
There will be seven in-class examinations drawn from case studies from one of the textbooks each worth 10% of your final grade. Only six of them will count towards your final grade. The exams will cover all material presented in class (lectures, discussions, etc.) as well as all the required readings. There will be no make up opportunities for any of these exams.

There will be one final exam worth 30% of your final grade. Please note that the final exam will be comprehensive in scope and held on the official university-scheduled exam day and place. The remaining 10% will come from your participation in classroom discussions.

Grading System
The grading scale for this course is as follows:

100 – 90 = A
89 – 80 = B
79 – 70 = C
69 – 60 = D
59 and below = F

Class Participation
Classroom discussion plays an important part in this course, both as a component of your final grade and as a way of learning the material (and, hopefully, learning it in a way that has enduring value for you). I expect you to take an active role in the learning process. Be ready to discuss the readings, recent events, and carefully prepare your arguments before class meetings.

Attendance Policy
Attendance to this course is mandatory. NGCSU attendance policy will be strictly enforced. After your sixth absence, I have the right to drop you from the class (“W” or "WF" in your records). Please familiarize yourself with its terms as stated in the undergraduate bulletin. I will call roll at the beginning of each class meeting. Arriving late to class or leaving early will count as an absence.

Absences carry an additional penalty since absentees will not be able to participate in class and will miss lecture notes and arguments made during discussion. You are strongly encouraged not to miss your classes.

Policy Regarding Make-up Exams and Incomplete Grades
Please note that there will be no make up opportunities for any exam based on the case studies. Incomplete grades will be given at my discretion and in accordance with college policy. I will require proof of suitable and valid documentation (medical, administrative, or legal) to complete the course requirements afterwards.
I reserve the right to change the exam questions or format on any make up exam offered.

Academic Integrity Policy
NGCSU honor policy will be strictly enforced. The Integrity Code reads as follows:

“On my honor, I will not lie cheat, steal, plagiarize, evade the truth or tolerate those who do.”

Class Etiquette Policy
Because students using their cell phones disrupt a class already in progress and distract other students, I will ask you to turn them off at the beginning of each class. The same principle applies to foods and drinks in the classroom. As long as they do not constitute a distraction or nuisance, they will be allowed into the classroom at my discretion.

Students with Disabilities
NGCSU is committed to equal access to its programs, services, and activities for people with disabilities. Any student with a disability that may affect his or her ability to perform successfully in class should provide me with official notification from the Office of Student Disability Resources to coordinate reasonable accommodations. Procedures for registering are published in the Undergraduate Bulletins.

Required Texts
Charles W. Kegley and Eugene R. Wittkopf, World Politics: Trend and Transformation, Tenth Edition (Wadsworth Publishing, 2006).
Kendall W. Stiles, Case Histories in International Politics, 3^rd Edition (Pearson Longman, 2004)

You will also be expected to keep informed about current events in world politics. Newspapers and weekly magazines which offer substantial international coverage like the New York Times, The Washington Post, Christian Science Monitor, and The Economist are strongly recommended.

Reading Assignments and Lecture Topics

Jan 6                       Course Overview and Presentation

Jan 9 - 11               Introduction and Basic Concepts

                                 What we see: Models, Levels of Analysis, and Actors

                                 Kegley and Wittkopf, Chapter 1

Jan 13                     Practice Case

                                  Stiles, Case 1 Germany-People and Territory

Jan 16                     MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR HOLIDAY – NO CLASS

Jan 18 - 23             How we see:  Perspectives

                                 Kegley and Wittkopf, Chapter 2

Jan 25                     Foreign Policy Making

                                  Kegley and Wittkopf, Chapter 3

Jan 27                     First Case

                                  Stiles, Case 8 U.S. Role after the Cold War

Jan 30 - Feb 6        Evolution of the International State System

                                 Kegley and Wittkopf, Chapter 4

Feb 10                     NO CLASS

Feb 8 - 17               International Competition: Trade and Money

                                Kegley and Wittkopf, Chapter 9

Feb 15                    Second Case

                                Stiles, Case 23 U.S.-Japan Trade Rivalry

Feb 20                    Investment: MNCs

                                Kegley and Wittkopf, Chapter 6 (pp. 206-211)

Feb 22 - 24            Strategies to Cope with Under-Development

                                Kegley and Wittkopf, Chapter 5          

Feb 27                    Third Case

                                Stiles, Case 21 Third World Debt

Mar 1 - 3               Political and Military Competition

Mar 6                     Global Conflict

                                Kegley and Wittkopf, Chapter 12

Mar 8                     Fourth Case

                                Stiles, Case 16 Kashmir and Nuclear War

Mar 10 - 20          War

                                Kegley and Wittkopf, Chapter 11

Mar 13 - 17           SPRING BREAK – NO CLASSES

Mar 24                   International Terrorism

                                 Kegley and Wittkopf, Chapter 11

Mar 27                    Non-conventional Warfare

                                  Kegley and Wittkopf, Chapter 12

Mar 29                     Fifth Case

                                   Stiles, Case 19 U.S. Interventionism

Mar 31                      Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Weapons

                                    Kegley and Wittkopf, Chapter 13

Apr 3                         International Cooperation

                                    Kegley and Wittkopf, Chapter 14

Apr 5 - 12                 International Organization

                                    Kegley and Wittkopf, Chapter 6

Apr 10                       Sixth Case

                                    Stiles, Case 10 The United Nations and the Use of Force

Apr 14 - 19               International Law and Human Rights

                                    Kegley and Wittkopf, Chapter 7

Apr 21                       Seventh Case

                                    Stiles, Case 12 The Nuremberg Trials

Apr 24                       What is Globalization?

                                    Kegley and Wittkopf, Chapter 8

Apr 26                       Global and Environmental Concerns

                                    Kegley and Wittkopf, Chapter 10

Apr 28                       Future of World Politics. Course Review

                                    Kegley and Wittkopf, Chapter 15

Thurs., May 4           FINAL EXAM

(10:30 - 12:30)

SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE