INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Political Science 4
Section 52219
M/W 12:30-1:55 , Room LIB ILC

WELCOME!!!!

Political Science 4 is a survey of the ways and means by which the contemporary international scene has developed.  Included will be consideration of such subjects as nationalism, imperialism, war, the world economy, the environment and developing nations.  This course teaches you how to analyze political relations between and among nations.  Over the next 15 weeks we will seek to explain international political ideologies and apply these concepts to specific case studies.  This course develops critical thinking skills through observation, analysis, and evaluation of competing theories concerning international politics and the specific challenges facing decision makers.  The student should gain a fuller understanding of the political, social and economic relationships among nation-states.  Particular emphasis is given to the foreign policies of the U.S. and their relationship to foreign powers.  Political Science 4 may be used to meet Social Science Series I or II requirements in the General Education pattern for transfer to the California State University system.

GOALS OF THE COURSE

REQUIRED TEXTS

Additional Required Reading On-Line at http://timmer.org:

INTERNET

Your text book has a companion web site <http://internationalrelations.net> which you are highly encouraged to make use of to help you understand the material.  Additionally, you should make use of the course web page <http://timmer.org> which will provide copies of this syllabus, lecture outlines, PowerPoint slides, and links to web sites that will enhance your understanding of International Relations.

QUIZZES, CLASS PARTICIPATION, and WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS

GENERAL CLASS POLICIES

1. Cell phones and beepers must be turned off in the classroom.
2. Save this syllabus as evidence for transfer to a four-year institution.
3. Class participation and COMPLETING THE ASSIGNED READING by the beginning of each topic are essential to passing this course.
4. Tutoring is available at no charge at Tutorial Services.  It is provided by qualified, trained students who have been recommended by the faculty.  Contact Tutorial Services in the Library Building or call 741-2038.
5. Late work is marked down 1/3 of a grade for each day that it is handed in late after the end of class when it is due.
6. Quizzes may be administered by the Instructor without warning if he feels students are not keeping up with the readings.  Incorrect answers will be deducted from a student's overall participation grade.
7. ***Plagiarism/cheating will be treated as automatic failures for the course and offenders will be referred to the CSSO for disciplinary action.  Familiarize yourself with the campus policy on cheating detailed in the College Catalogue under Student Conduct Code, 5.8.19 Policy On Cheating.
8. West Valley College makes reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. College materials will be available in alternate formats (Braille, audio, electronic format, or large print) upon request.  Please contact the Disability and Educational Support Program at (408) 741-2010 (voice) or (408) 741-2658 (TTY) for assistance.

Credit/No Credit Option

Students wishing to take this class with the Credit/No Credit grade option must inform the instructor in writing no later than the end of the SIXTH WEEK.  Requests for this option WILL NOT be accepted after that time.  See the WVC Catalog under "Academic Regulations and Standards" for more information about this option.

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and punctuality is required and roll will be taken at the beginning of the class.  Each tardiness will constitute a reduction of 1 point in participation grade.  More than one absence will constitute a reduction of 2 points for each additional absence.

How to Succeed in this Class

Beyond the assigned readings, you must keep up with current events, particularly in the international arena.  Daily newspapers are a great way to do this (San Jose Mercury News, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Washington Post are all good sources.)  In addition, there are a number of journals you can access at the library (either on-line or in print form).  Two very good sources are Current History and Foreign Affairs.  Even watching the national news (CNN, BBC, the networks, and/or the Jim Lehrer News Hour on PBS) can keep you well informed.  By staying informed with current events, you can apply the themes we discuss in class as you form your own opinion.

Course Outline

WEEK 1 (1/29 +1/31)

Understanding International Relations

                Reading:  Goldstein, Chapter 1; Stiles, Chs 2, 3

WEEK 2 (2/5 + 2/7)

Realism and Power Politics

                Reading:  Goldstein, Chapter 2; Stiles, Chs 7, 16

                2/5        MAP EXERCISE DUE
                2/9       LAST DAY TO ADD

WEEK 3 (2/12 + 2/14)

Liberalism and Other Alternatives

                Reading:  Goldstein, Chapter 3; Stiles, Ch 14, 13

                2/12        FIRST PAPER DUE
                2/14        QUIZ #1                 2/15        LAST DAY TO DROP WITHOUT A “W”

WEEK 4 (2/19 + 2/21)

HOLIDAY (MONDAY)
Foreign Policy Decision Making

                  Reading:  Goldstein, Ch 4; Stiles, Chs 4, 5

WEEK 5 (2/26 + 2/28)

International Conflict

                Reading:  Goldstein, Ch 5; Stiles, Chs 12, 14

WEEK 6 (3/5 + 3/7)

Military Force

                Reading:  Goldstein, Ch 6; Stiles, Ch 8

WEEK 7 (3/12 + 3/14)

International Law and Organizations

                Reading:  Goldstein, Ch 7; Stiles, Ch 19,

WEEK 8 (3/19 + 3/21)

Discussion and Catch-up

                  3/21        MIDTERM

                Reading:  Online:  General Assembly of the United Nations

SPRING BREAK 3/26 - 3/30

WEEK 9 (4/2 + 4/4)

International Trade

Trade Strategies and the WTO

                Reading:  Goldstein, Ch 8; Stiles, Ch 17

WEEK 10 (4/9 + 4/11)

Political Economy

                Reading:  Goldstein, Ch 9

                4/11          SECOND PAPER DUE

WEEK 11 (4/16 + 4/18)

Catch-up and Discussion

                Reading:  Barber, “Jihad vs. McWorld” (Online Reading)

WEEK 12 (4/23 + 4/25)

The Global Environment

FILM:  An Inconvenient Truth

Reading:  Goldstein, Ch 11; Stiles, Ch 9

4/25        QUIZ  #2 (Multiple Choice, Goldstein Chs. 8-9, 11)
4/27        LAST DAY TO DROP WITH A “W”

WEEK 13 (4/30 + 5/02)

North vs. South

The Legacy of Imperialism in North South Relations

                Reading:  Goldstein, Ch 12

WEEK 14 (5/7 + 5/09)

Development in the Global South

Assistance to the Global South

                Reading:  Goldstein, Ch 13; Stiles, Ch 11

WEEK 15 (5/14 + 5/16)

Where to go from here?

Discussion and Catch-up

                Reading:  Goldstein, Ch 14

FINAL EXAM       -    MONDAY, MAY 21, 11:50 - 1:50 PM

SUGGESTED READINGS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS