This course will introduce the student to the major theoretical and substantive topics examined by analysts of international relations. Members of the class will conduct research projects using primary data sources. Given the wide variety of learning techniques used in the course regular class attendance is mandatory.

Required Readings:

Ray and Kaarbo Global Politics
Asimov, I. Foundation
New York Times (daily)

Recommended Readings:
Asimov, I. Foundation and Empire and Second Foundation
Lewin, L. Report from Iron Mountain on the Possibility and Desirability of Peace
Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War

Grading:

Your final grade will be computed on the following basis:

Best Test 25%
Next Best Test 20%
Poorest Test 10%
Research Project 15%
Participation 10%
Exercises 10%
Article in the Times 5%
Discretionary 5%

Note: Note: Students seeking either an A or an A- grade in the course must read one of the Recommended Readings listed above and submit a four-page paper (essay) dealing critically with the central theses of the book--and looking at these central theses from the perspective of several of the major schools of thought in the field of International Relations.

Note: All assignments and exercises must be satisfactorily completed to pass the course.

If you have any questions about this course, send me an e-mail by clicking here.

COURSE SCHEDULE

Aug 29 - Sept 4
Introduction to Course
Select Collaborative Research Project topics
Film: Lawrence of Arabia
Required Readings: R&K, ch. 1

Sept 5 - 11
Film: Lawrence of Arabia
Theories of International Relations
Required Reading: R&K, re-read ch.1; read ch. 2

Sept 12 - 18
Film: Battle of Algiers
Required Readings: R&K, re-read ch. 2; read ch. 3

Sept 19 - 25
Film: Battle of Algiers
Theories of IR Exercises
Required Readings: R&K, re-read ch. 3

Sept 26 - Oct 2
Review
Test I
Required Readings: R&K, ch. 4

Oct 3 - 9
Research Group #1 Trading with China
Required Readings: R&K, ch. 6

Oct 10 - 16
Research Group #2 Intervention in Iraq
Review
Required Readings: R&K, ch 7

Oct 17 - 23
Research Group #3 Intervene to Promote Democracy
Test II
Required Readings: R&K, ch. 10

Oct 24 - 30
INS Training
Required Readings: Asimov, all

Oct 31 - Nov 6
INS Training
Required Readings: INS manual

Nov 7 - 13
INS debriefing
Film: Dr. Strangelove
Required Readings: none

Nov 14 - 20
Research Group #4 Ethnic Grievances
Required Readings: R&K, review

Nov 21 - 27
Thanksgiving Holiday
Required Readings: Review

Nov 28 - Dec 4
Research Group #5: Aiding the South
Required Readings: Review

Dec 5 - 10
Review
Test III -- Final Exam

INS scheduled for Saturday November 5, 2005. (If for any reason a student is unable to participate in the INS that student will be required to read N. Chomsky's Hegemony or Survival OR C. Johnson's Blowback, to write a four-page critical essay on the book, and to give a ten minute presentation on the central theses of the book and to lead a class discussion--complete with handouts--on the central theses for another ten minutes.)

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