Class Meets: MWF 10:30-11:20 WDB-D 101
Office Hours: MWF 9:30-10:30; MWF 2:30-3:30; other times available by appointment
Office/Phone: Woodburn Hall 306G; 293-3811 x 5285
Email:  jjacobs3@wvu.edu
 

I.  Course Description
 This course is an introduction to the study of world political issues.  It covers the basic concepts and theories used by political scientists and policy makers.  The objective of this course is give students the ability to use these concepts, and develop an understanding of world politics and its impact on both national and international arenas.  We will begin with an exploration of some of the main theoretical approaches of the field and later focus on issues such as globalization, ideology, international organization, economic interdependence, cooperation, and the environment.

II.  Grading
The majority of the course grade is based on three tests: two “midterms” and a final exam.   In addition, there will be periodic quizzes and written assignments in class that will also contribute to your grade.  Students are expected to complete and be prepared to discuss each week’s readings.  Regular attendance is expected, as reading assignments and quizzes will be given in class and there will be no make-ups except for official university activities (e.g. performance groups, debate team, athletics). There will be no make-up exams given without prior written notification.

                                        First Exam:  30%
                                        Second Exam:  30%
                                        Quizzes/Articles:  10%
                                        Final Exam:  30%
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this course. West Virginia University expects that every member of its academic community shares the historic and traditional commitment to honesty, integrity and the search for truth. For further clarification please see pages 49-53 of the 1999-2001 Undergraduate Catalog.

WVU is committed to social justice. I agree with that commitment and expect this course to have a learning environment based upon open communication, mutual respect, and non-discrimination. Our University does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, color or national origin. If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of accommodation in order to participate in this class, please advise me and make appropriate arrangements with Disability Services (293-6700).
 

III.  Readings
 All readings are required, and are sources for possible test questions.  Students are also strongly encouraged to use the resources available at the library and on the World Wide Web to keep up-to-date with current world issues.  We will be reading from the following texts:

International Politics on the World Stage: Brief Edition  Rourke and Boyer
Perspectives: Global Issues     Lindsay

Both of the texts have World Wide Web components, and students are urged to take advantage of these on-line resources.

IMPORTANT DATES

September 4  Labor Day Recess
October 27  Last Day to Drop
November 7  Election Day
November 18-26  Thanksgiving Recess
December 8   Last Day of Classes
December 12  Final Exam 11:00-1:00
 
 

IV.  Organization

Section One: Introduction to Global Political Issues

Texts:  Rourke and Boyer
Chapter 1 – Thinking and Caring about World Politics
Chapter 2 – The Evolution of World Politics
Chapter 3 – Levels of Analysis

Lindsay
Chapter 1 – Redefining Security: The New Global Schisms
Chapter 2 – Are Networks Better then Nations?
Chapter 3 – The Future of World Affairs

Section Two: National and International Structures

Texts:
Rourke and Boyer
Chapter 4 – Nationalism
Chapter 6 - National State: The Traditional Structure

Chapter 5 – Transnationalism
Chapter 7 - International Organization: The Alternative Structure

Lindsay
Chapter 5 – Overview of U.S. Policy: Population Assistance and Family Planning

Section Three: The Conflict between National Power and International Forces

Texts:
Rourke and Boyer
Chapter 8 – National Power and Diplomacy
Chapter 10 - Managing National and International Security

Chapter 9 – International Law and Morality: The Alternative Approach
Chapter 13 – Preserving and Enhancing Human Rights and Dignity

Lindsay
Chapter 31 – In Washington, Maintaining Pressure
Chapter 33 – A New Credo: Make Money, Not War
Chapter 34 – Making Reform an Event
Chapter 35 – Bank on It
Chapter 36 – Down to Earth, Five Years from Rio

Chapter 25 – The New Challenges to Human Rights
Chapter 26 – The New Double Standard
Chapter 27 – War Crimes: A Question of Will
Chapter 28 – Child Labour: Rights, Risks, and Realities

 Section Four: The International Economy and Global Resources

Texts:
Rourke and Boyer
Chapter 11 – The International Economy: A Global Road Map
Chapter 12 – International Economic Competition and Cooperation

Chapter 14 – Preserving and Enhancing the Global Commons

Lindsay
Chapter 7 – Seeking a Brighter Future for Children
Chapter 14 – Tough Choices: Facing the Challenges of Food Scarcity
Chapter 17 – The Future of Energy
Chapter 18 – Do We Consume Too Much?
Chapter 19 – The Cries of Welfare States Under the Knife
Chapter 20 – The Asian Miracle: Is it Over?
Chapter 21 – Tiger Tales: Why Africa Can Thrive Like Asia
Chapter 22 – We Can Build a Sustainable Economy
Chapter 23 – Freedom Favors Development
Chapter 24 – Women in Poverty: A New Global Underclass

Chapter 4 – Contents Under Pressure
Chapter 8 – Planetary Roulette: Gambling with the Climate
Chapter 9 – Chilling Out
Chapter 10 – A Sky Full of Holes
Chapter 11 – Vacuuming the Seas
Chapter 12 – Mass Extinctions Come to Ohio
Chapter 13 – Environmental Change and Social Justice
Chapter 16 – Before the Well Runs Dry
Chapter 32 – Environmental Scarcity, Mass Violence and the Limits to Ingenuity
 
 
 
 

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