OCEAN Global Politics

Syllabus

Mr. Lake

 

Description: Welcome to OCEAN Global Politics. This course is designed to be an introduction to the field of international relations and international politics. This is a college level course and as such it will be different from other high school courses. This course will be very Òreading intensiveÓ. The vast majority of your readings will become the basis for class discussions so do not fall behind. In order to receive college credit from Oberlin you must have a C or higher in this course.

 

Textbooks:

Mingst, Karen. Essentials of International Relations, 3rd ed. (New York: Norton, 2004)

Mingst, Karen and Jack Snyder, Essential Readings in World Politics, 2nd ed. (New York:

            Norton, 2004)

Kennedy, Robert F., Thirteen Days . (New York: Norton, 1999)

Bergen, Peter L. Holy War, Inc.: Inside the Secret World of Osama Bin Landen.

            (New York: Touchstone Books, 2001.)

Additional Reading:

Iraq Study Group Report: http://www.usip.org/isg/iraq_study_group_report/report/1206/index.html

National Security Strategy of the United States : http://www.whitehouse.gov/nsc/nss/2006/

Grades:

  1. The classroom discussion will be based upon the articles in the Mingst reader. For each article a student(s) will be selected to lead the class discussion. The student in charge of the dayÕs article will turn in a one page typed summary of the article to me at the end of the discussion period. Each article summary will be worth 10 points.
  2. There will be a Mid-term exam near the end of the first quarter, which will be worth 125 points.
  3. The final exam at the end of the semester will also be worth 125 points (You may NOT opt-out of either exam.)
  4. Regional reports: The class will be divided into five groups and each group will be assigned a region of the world to research. Each week the groups will give an update to the class concerning their region. The reports can include information on the following topics: Government, politics, conflicts (internal or external), major social issues, economics, daily life and culture. (Points will given for each report.)

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Regional papers/ presentations: As a group you will write a paper to hand in to me. In addition, you will make a presentation to the class on your region. Issues to address in your paper/presentation:
    1. Overview of the region
    2. Why should the United States care about this region?
    3. What are the proÕs and conÕs of dealing for the United States of dealing with this region?
    4. What is the potential for this region to overcome its problems and move into the ÒdevelopedÓ world?
  2. Individual Paper: Finally, you will write a paper on your own dealing with some aspect of the region you have studied. I will give you more information at a later date.

 

Topics: The following topics will be covered during the course of the semester. This is merely an outline the amount of time devoted to each topic may change depending on several factors. (In other words this plan is etched in jello.)I will post specific dates for readings and assignments on the side board so be sure to check it often.

 

  1. Introduction to International Relations (1 week)
    1. Mingst Chapter 1
    2. M+S Chapter 1
    3. Paul Kennedy, ÒThe Eagle has LandedÓ, Financial Times, 2/2/02 http://news.ft.com/ft/gx.cgi/ftc?pagename=View&c=Article&cid=FT3ARHXB6C
    4. Assign ÒFailed StatesÓ paper/ presentation (These are due by the 7th week)

 

 

  1. The History of International Relations (1 week)
    1. Mingst Chapter 2
    2. M+S Chapter 2

 

 

  1. International Relations Theories (2-3 weeks)
    1. Mingst Ch. 3
    2. M+S Ch. 3
    3. US National Security Policy Analysis

 

  1. The International System (1 week)
    1. Mingst Ch. 4
    2. M+S Ch. 4

 

 

  1. The State (1 week)
    1. Mingst Ch. 5
    2. M+S Ch. 5

 

 

  1. Regional Presentations

 

  1. The Individual (1 ½ weeks)
    1. Mingst Ch 6
    2. M+S Ch. 6
    3. Film: The Fog of War

 

MID TERM EXAM ( 2 Days)

 

 

 

  1. Intergovernmental Organizations, Nongovernmental Organizations and International Law (2 weeks)
    1. Mingst Ch. 7
    2. M+S Ch. 7
    3. Global Issues: #32 ÒStrategies for World Peace: The View of the UN Secretary-GeneralÓ, #35 ÒMedicine Without DoctorsÓ, #37 ÒThe New Containment: An Alliance Against Nuclear TerrorismÓ
    4. Introduce ÒInternational Issues Paper/ PresentationÓ

 

  1. War and Strife (3 weeks)
    1. Mingst Ch. 8
    2. M+S Ch. 8
    3. Global Issues: TBA
    4. Iraq Study Group Report

 

  1. International Political Economy (2 weeks)
    1. Mingst Ch. 9
    2. M+S Ch. 9
    3. Global Issues: # 13 ÒThree Cheers for Global CapitalismÓ, #16 ÒSoccer vs. McWorldÓ, #14 ÒThe Five Wars of GlobalizationÓ

 

  1. International Issues Paper/Presentation (1 week)
  2. Globalizing Issues (1 week)
    1. Mingst Ch. 10
    2. M+S Ch. 10
    3. Foreign Policy Magazine ÒDoes the Earth Need SavingÓ July/August 2005

FINAL EXAM (2 days)