1300 San Pedro
SYLLABUS
Department: Political Science
Course number and title: 2378
Introduction to International Relations
Credit Hours 3 Hrs/wk lec. 3 Hrs/wk lab 0 Lec/Lab comb. 0
I. Catalog
description
The
major global issues will be explored from the standpoint of the international
relations theory. Topics will include
international aid, trade, and transnational enterprises; economic development
and debt; human rights, cultural conflicts, and identity issues; military
conflicts and weapons of mass destruction; ecological scarcity and pollution;
terrorism; and the internationalism of crime.
II. Required
background
Students
must have a "C" (or above) or place out of Reading 0303 and English
0301. Students should be reading at the
13.0 level and be qualified to take English 1301.
III. Texts, other reference
materials
See
individual syllabus for current text.
IV. Methods of Instruction
A
professor may use one or more of the following:
Lecture
- discussion
Assigned
reading from texts
Guided
collaborative learning
Media
Assisted Instruction
Research
projects
Students
should check with their professor in order to obtain the specific methods to be
used in his/her class and materials that may be necessary for the course.
V. Course Grade
Professors
to assess student progress may utilize some or all of the following
methods: major exams composed of
objective and/or essay questions, short
quizzes, oral questions, research papers, oral presentations, attendance and a
comprehensive final exam .
VI. Course Content
This
is a course that seeks to understand the dynamics of global politics. We live
in an interconnected world; what happens affects our lives. Following September
11, it is tragically obvious to all Americans that the operation of terrorist
networks in
VII. Objectives
and Outcomes
Understanding global dynamics is imperative.
Such an understanding is more than simply defining or characterizing important
issues in the current system, though this is essential. It is also about
explaining these dynamics - i.e. understanding the empirical theories as to why
global problems develop and thinking critically about the normative theories about what
to do about problems in the world. This course is divided into three
sections: (1) Understanding Actors in World Politics & Theories about the
dynamics of World Politics; (2) The operation of the UN Security Council as it
addresses a current International Crisis; and (3) Understanding the Key
Problems in World Politics. Not only is the substantive focus different in each
of these three sections of the course, (theory, UN Security , Problems in World
Politics), but the mode of teaching changes with each section. The first
section on theory is taught in a more standard format with lectures + class
discussion (centered on lectures and readings). The second section is taught as
a simulation in which students will role-play the actions of Ambassadors from
different countries on the UN Security Council as they grapple with a current
real international crisis (the crisis to be selected by students). The last
section of the course will consist of power point class presentations put
together by teams of students on various problems in world politics. After each
presentation, the students will lead the rest of the class in a discussion of
that global problem.
VIII. Absence
Policy
Regular and punctual attendance at
all classes and laboratories, day and/or evening, is required. A student absent for any reason is
responsible for all work missed.
Absences of each student are
recorded without exception from the official date of his/her enrollment. The counting of absences begins on the first
day of a student’s enrollment in the course after classes begin. A student absent the equivalent of two weeks
of instruction in a regular semester may be dropped by the instructor. If a student is dropped from a class for
excessive absences, the instructor will record a grade of “W” (withdraw). It is the student’s responsibility to ensure
that the withdrawals have been submitted.
Both tardiness and early departure
from class are forms of absenteeism. The
instructor establishes the policy with regard to each.
IX. Academic
Dishonesty Policy
Students may be subject to
disciplinary proceedings resulting in an academic penalty or disciplinary
penalty for academic dishonesty.
Academic Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test,
plagiarism, and collusion. For
additional information, refer to the “Student Code of Conduct” in the San
Antonio College Bulletin.
X. Children on
Campus Policy
Students
are urged not to bring children to
either a class or a lab. Minors under
the age of 12 must not be left unattended on campus.
XI.
As per
Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans
Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, if accommodation is needed, students must make
the request through the Office of Disabled Student Services, CAC 124C, Phone:
733-2347.
1300 San Pedro Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78212-4299
Phone: 210/733-2000, Technology Hotline: 785-6031
One of the Alamo Community Colleges
GIFTS TO THE COLLEGE
may be made through the ACCD FOUNDATION . .
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San Antonio College Mission
Statement
The Alamo Community Colleges are Equal Opportunity Employers.
For special accommodations or an alternate format, contact the San Antonio
College disABILITY Support Services at 733-2347
This Web site Last
Updated 7/5/07