POLITICAL SCIENCE 051 (TAP) Introduction to International Relations Fall 2010

POLITICAL SCIENCE 051 (TAP)
Introduction to International Relations
Fall 2010
Professor Martha Thomas
Class Lectures: T TH 11:30 -12:45pm
Office Location: Old Mill 539
Phone: (802) 656-0710
Office Hours: Tues 4:00-500pm; Wed 10:00am – 12:00pm and by appointment
Email: [email protected]
Note: In the Subject heading of each email please write: “POLS 051”
Course Description:
Why do actors in the international system behave and interact in the way that they do? How can
we explain their actions in regards to conflict, cooperation, and economic relations? In this
course, we will attempt to answer these questions and many others by studying a host of
international relations theories and events. Students will be introduced to key ideas and debates
in the field of international relations (IR). They will be familiarized with several leading IR
theories including, neo-realism, and liberalism. Along with examining the political and military
relations among states, class sessions and readings will also focus on international political
economy and the politics of global welfare (e.g., north-south relations, international trade, and
the environment).
This introductory seminar will help students look at politics from an international perspective.
You will gain a greater comprehension of the central theories and concepts that political
scientists use to analyze international relations. In so doing, you will better understand the world
around us and improve your critical thinking skills.
This is a course in the Teacher-Advisor Program. First, it means that this is a small class. While
I will lecture in some classes, we will cover the material through class discussion in most classes.
Given this it is imperative that you come to class prepared to discuss the readings. Second,
because this is a small class we will spend more time honing your skills as a critical reader and a
clear writer. As a result, I will ask you to analyze the arguments of a number of readings in
writing, and I will require you to write a term paper. Third, I am the academic advisor for every
student in this class. I hope that you will feel comfortable in coming to me with any questions or
problems you have in your academic life at UVM.
1
Assignment and Grading:
1. Four thesis identification exercises, (no longer than 500 words) based on readings that
will be distributed in class: each is 5% of your final grade. Total is 20% of final grade.
The due dates for each thesis identification exercise are: 9/14; 9/28; 10/28; 11/16
Thesis Identification Exercises
You will read an article that will be distributed in class and write descriptions of what the
author’s thesis is and the argument used to support it. A thesis is the major point or
argument that the author is trying to convey. Being able to identify an author’s thesis is
an essential skill of critical reading. Having a clear thesis is an essential element of good
analytical writing. You must also summarize the main supporting argument(s) that the
author use to prove his/her thesis.
2. Exam I: in-class essay exam. Based on readings and class lectures. The material which
the exam would be based on would be identified in class. Exam is worth 20% of final
grade.
3. Exam II: in-class essay exam. Based on readings and class lectures. The material which
the exam would be based on would be identified in class. Exam is worth 15% of final
grade.
4. Final Exam: in-class essay exam. Based on readings and class lectures. The material
which the exam would be based on would be identified in class. Exam is worth 20% of
final grade.
5. Term Paper: 5 double spaced pages. Details on the requirements for the term paper will
be distributed and discussed in class. Paper is worth 15% of final grade.
6. Attendance and participation: constitutes 10% of final grade (See attendance policy
below).
Summary of Grading
4 Thesis identification papers
Exam I
Exam II
Final Exam
Term Paper
Attendance and Participation
20%
20%
15%
20%
15%
10%
2
Required Textbook and Readings:
There are two required textbook for this course –
(1) Goldstein, Joshua, and Jon Pevehouse. 2010. International Relations: Brief Edition.
(2) Kaldor, Mary. 2001. New and Old Wars: Organized Violence in a Global Era.
Stanford: Stanford University Press.
*** All required reading assignments that are not in the required books can be found
blackboard. Each of these readings is marked by BB on the syllabus.
Important Policies:
Academic Honesty
Students are, of course, expected to do their own work on all assignments in this class.
University standards regarding academic honesty apply throughout the semester. Please see the
official university policy at http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmppg/ppg/student/acadintegrity.pdf.
Classroom Protocol
The Department of Political Science requires that this classroom protocol, defining minimum
standards of conduct, be included in all syllabi of political science classes.
1. Students are expected to attend and be prepared for ALL regularly scheduled classes.
2. Students are expected to arrive on time and stay in class until the class period ends. If a
student knows in advance that s/he will need to leave early, s/he should notify the
instructor before the class period begins.
3. Students are expected to treat faculty and fellow students with respect. For example,
students must not disrupt class by leaving and reentering during class, must not distract
class by making noise, and must be attentive to comments being made by the instructors
and by peers.
In addition to the above minimum standards, the following policies will apply throughout the
semester:
1. For the term paper and thesis identification exercises - late papers/assignments will be
docked ½ letter grade for each 24 hour period (or fraction thereof) that the paper is late.
3
So, a paper that would normally earn a B (an 85), would be dropped to an 80 if it is
turned in up to 24 hours late, a 75 if turned in between 24 and 48 hours late, etc.
Weekends and holidays ARE incorporated into this calculation. No variation on the
computer/printer/hard drive catastrophe excuse will be accepted. You should keep
adequate backups of all written work to prevent such a problem.
2. I will only accept paper copies of written assignments. I will not accept emailed
versions.
3. If you are a member of a sports team or a UVM organization that requires travel out of
town, you must provide me with your schedule as soon as it becomes available. Until I
receive your official schedule, no accommodation will be made concerning your class
attendance or exam dates due to team travel.
4. Students have the right to practice the religion of their choice. Students with religious
observation needs must submit to me in writing their documented religious holiday
schedule for the semester by the end of the second full week of classes.
5. Students having conflict in their final examination schedule must notify the faculty
concerned of such conflict not later than the close of business one week prior to the last
classes for the semester in which the conflict arises.
Class Attendance Policy
Attendance accounts for 10% of your final grade. Students receive two “free” absences
to use as they see fit (without the need for an excuse), but these absences are intended for
illnesses/emergencies and should be saved for such occurrences. One point will be
deducted from your attendance grade for every class you miss beyond the two free
absences.
4
PART I: INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Aug 31
Introduction to the Course

Sept 2
Introduction to International Relations



Sept 7
Goldstein/Pevehouse. 2010. Chapter 1: “The Globalization of
International Relations.” pp 1-14; 24-32.
Napalotino, Janet. August 2010. “Securing the Skies: The Push
Towards Aviation Security.” Foreign Affairs. (BB)
Snow, Donald. 2006. “The Growing Significance of NGOs,” in
International Relations: Portraits of the Future, Second Edition (New
York: Pearson Education, Inc.,) pp 19-33. (BB)
The Emergence of International Relations


Sept 9
No Assigned Readings
Frieden, Lake, and Schultz. 2010. “What Shaped Our World? A
Historical Introduction.” In World Politics (pp 7-37). (BB)
Drexner, Daniel. Mar/Apr 2007. “The New New World Order.”
Foreign Affairs, 86(2): 34-46. (BB)
Theories and Levels of Analysis in IR


Chapter 1 Goldstein/Pevehouse: “The Globalization of International
Relations.” pp 15-17.
Nye, Joseph. Chapter 3: Balance of Power and World War I, in
Understanding International Conflict. pp 58-67. (BB)
September 14 First Thesis Identification Exercise due - Raymond, Aron. “Homogeneous and
Heterogeneous International Systems.” To be distributed in class. Discussion of the article.
PART II: REALISM
Sept 16
Classical Realism


Goldstein/ Pevehouse. 2010. Chapter 2: “Realist Theories.” (pp 3546).
Morgenthau, Hans. “A Realist Theory of International Politics.” (BB)
5
Sept 21
Neorealism


Sept 23
Goldstein/ Pevehouse. 2010. Chapter 2: “ Realist Theories.” (pp 4360).
Mearsheimer, John. 2010. “Structural Realism,” in Tim Dunne,
Milja Kurki, and Steve Smith International Relations Theories:
Discipline and Diversity. (pp77-92). (BB)
Power Transition Theory

Kugler and Organski. “The Power Transition: A Retrospective and
Prospective Evaluation.” (Up to page 180). (BB)
September 28 Second Thesis identification exercise due – Ikenberry, John. January/February
2008. “The Rise of China and the Future of the West: Can the Liberal System Survive?”
Foreign Affairs. 87(1). To be distributed in class. Discussion of the article.
PART III: LIBERALISM
Sept 30
Liberalism



Oct 5
Goldstein/Pevehouse. Chapter 3: Liberal and Social Theories, up to pp
96.
Walt, Stephen. 1998. “International Relations: One World, Many
Theories. Foreign Policy. 110: 29-34. (BB)
Barcin Yinanc. August 9th 2010. “Old Rivals, New Partners: Russia and
Turkey Tied by Energy Dependence.” Daily News and Economic Review.
(BB)
Democratic Peace Theory

Maoz, Zeev and Bruce Russett. 1993. “Normative and Structural Causes
of Democratic Peace, 1946-1986.”American Political Science Review. 87
(3): 624-638. (BB)
6
Oct 7
Liberalism

October 12
Rice, Condolezza. July/August 2008. “Rethinking the National Interest:
American Realism for a New World.” Foreign Affairs. (BB)
EXAM 1
PART IV: CONTEMPORARY THEORIES AND CHALLENGES TO
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORY
Oct 14
Types of Wars and Causes of War: The Evolving Nature of War


Oct 19
New Wars? The Evolving Nature of War

Oct 21
Kaldor, Mary. 2007. Chapter 2 in New and Old Wars: Organized
Violence in a Global Era. Stanford: Stanford University Press.
New Wars? The Evolving Nature of War

Oct 26
Goldstein/Pevehouse (2010). Chapter 4: “Conflict, War, and
Terrorism.”
Whitehurst Jr., Clinton. 2002. “Isolation, Limited War, Total War,
Containment, Intervention and Pre-emptive Strikes.” Special Report,
The Strom Thurmond Institute, Clemson University. (BB)
Kaldor, Mary. 2007. Chapter 4 in New and Old Wars: Organized
Violence in a Global Era. Stanford: Stanford University Press.
New Wars? The Evolving Nature of War

Kaldor, Mary. 2007. Chapter 5 in New and Old Wars: Organized
Violence in a Global Era. Stanford: Stanford University Press.
October 28: Third Thesis Identification exercise due. Henderson, Errol, and J. David Singer.
2002. “New Wars’ and Rumors of New Wars.” International Interactions (28):165-190. To be
distributed in class. Discussion of article in class.
7
Nov 2
Clash of Civilization

Nov 4
Huntington, Samuel. 1993. “The Clash of Civilizations?” Foreign
Affairs. 72: 22-49. (BB)
Terrorism


Hoffman. Chapter 1: “Defining Terrorism.”
Gause III, Gregory. September/October 2005. “Can Democracy Stop
Terrorism?” Foreign Affairs. (BB)
November 9: EXAM II
PART V: INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY
Nov 11
International Security Organizations: The United Nations



Nov 16
Goldstein/Pevehouse. 2010. Chapter 6: “International Organization,
Law, and Human Rights.” (pp 209-228).
Tharoor, Shashi. “Why America Still Needs the United Nations.”
Foreign Affairs. (BB)
Clapman, Christopher. April 1999. “The United Nations and
Peacekeeping in Africa.” Monograph No 36. (BB)
International Trade


Goldstein/Pevehouse. 2010. Chapter 5: Trade and Finance (up to pp
188)
Blendon et al. 1997 “The Controversy Over Free Trade: The Gap
between Economists and the General Public.” (BB)
November 16: Fourth Thesis identification exercise due – Glennon, Michael. May/June 2003.
“Why the Security Council Failed.” Foreign Affairs. To be distributed in Class.
8
Nov 18
Regional Organizations: The EU and NAFTA


Goldstein/Pevehouse. 2010. Chapter 6: “International Organization,
Law, and Human Rights.” (pp 228-241).
Ford Andrea. December 30 2008. “A Brief History of NAFTA.”
TIME Magazine. (BB)
November 18: TERM PAPER DUE
THANKSGIVING BREAK:
Nov 30
International Financial Organizations: The IMF and World Bank



Dec 2
Goldstein/Pevehouse. 2010. Chapter 7: “North-South Relations.”
Development: Export Oriented Industrialization


Dec 9
Goldstein/Pevehouse. 2010. Chapter 5: Trade and Finance (from pg
188).
Vreeland, James Raymond. 2007. The International Monetary Fund:
Politics of Conditional Lending. New York: Routledge. CHAPTER 1.
(BB)
Driscoll, David. 2000. “The IMF and the World Bank: How Do They
Differ?” IMF Paper: Washington, D.C. (BB)
Development : The North -South Divide

Dec 7
November 22 - November 26.
Yilmazkuday, Hakan. Export Promotion versus Import Substitution.
(BB)
V.F.S.Sit. Lassierfariesm and Export Oriented Industrialization: The
Hong Kong Experience. (BB)
The Environment: Looking Towards Cooperation in the Future


Goldstein/Pevehouse. 2010. Chapter 8: “The Environment and
Technology.”
Harden, Garrett. 1968. “The Tragedy of the Commons.” Science,
162: 1243-1248. (BB)
FINAL EXAM (Date and Time TBD)
9
10