Introduction to International Relations

Political Science 014 Introduction to International Relations Professor R. Newnham
Required Texts:

World Politics in a New Era, Steven L. Spiegel
Newsweek subscription
Articles by Van Evera and Mearsheimer (on reserve in library)
Other short articles/handouts distributed in class as needed

Optional Text:

A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, Kate Turabian

Grading:

Quizzes:
About once a week at random. Probably 11 total -- one with lowest score dropped. Short (10 minutes) and general -- covering the weeks reading and lectures. NOTE: THE QUICKEST WAY TO FAIL THE COURSE IS TO SKIP CLASS AND MISS QUIZZES.

Term Paper:
8 to 10 pp.; Term paper topics (with preliminary list of sources) due on week 6, papers due week 15. Topic: focus on a major event in International Relations -- a war, peace conference, etc. (see attached list for some ideas). First, discuss the event itself (what happened?) Second, analyze the event using the individual, state, or international level of analysis. (For example: the role of Pres. Kennedy during the Bay of Pigs crisis as an example of the role of the individual leader.) What does this event tell us that can be applied to other cases in International Relations? BE SURE TO DO BOTH HALVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT. More details on the term paper will be provided in class.

Research Paper Help Page Dr.Newnham's' Home Page Paper Topics

Note: Readings are to have been READ COMPLETELY by the dates given. Take notes and be ready to discuss.
Every week: Newsweek and (optional) NY Times (in library)

Week 1   Introduction to the Class -- Spiegel Intro., Ch. 1
Week 2 History of World Politics -- Spiegel Ch. 2
Week 3 W.W.I and W.W.II --Spiegel Ch. 3
Week 4   The Cold War -- Spiegel Ch. 4
Week 5   Finish History of World Politics
    The 3rd World in International Relations -- Spiegel Ch. 5
Week 6 Term Paper Topics Due.
    The 3rd World (Cont'd.) -- Spiegel Ch. 6
Week 7 Instruments of Power: Economics -- Spiegel Ch. 7 & 8
Week 8   Conclude Economics, start Military Force -- Spiegel Ch. 11
Week 9   Instruments of Power. Military Force & Conclusion --Spiegel Ch. 12
Week 10 Midterm Examination.
    Levels of Analysis: International Level -- Spiegel Ch. 13
Week 11 International Level of Analysis (Cont'd.)
Week 12   Levels of Analysis: Domestic Level -- Spiegel Ch. 14
Week 13 Levels of Analysis: Individual Level -- Spiegel Ch. 15
Week 14 Cooperation in World Affairs -- Spiegel Ch. 9
Week 15 Global Problems -- Spiegel Ch. 10
    Term Papers Due. The Future of the World: Pessimistic Views --
    Spiegel Ch. 16 (esp. 19th and 20th C. "worlds") and Mearsheimer article
Week 16 The Future of the World: Optimistic Views -- Spiegel Ch. 16 (esp. 21st C. "world")
    and Van Evera article

Research Paper Help Page Dr.Newnham's' Home Page Paper Topics

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