Loyola University Chicago

Instructor: Prof. Peter M. Sanchez
Meeting Days: Mondays and Wednesdays

Meeting Times: 10:55 am - 12:10 pm

Office Hours: TBA

Instructor's e-mail: psanche@luc.edu  

Course Description: This course will provide an introduction to global politics. First we will examine the origins of the current international system and the levels of analysis and theoretical frameworks that scholars use to explain international politics. We will then look at the variety of actors that take part in and influence international politics. Although focusing on nation-states, we will also look at the many other actors and international organizations that are involved in world affairs. Throughout the semester, we will also discuss and debate prominent issues in international politics, with the goal of considering the security and ethical dimensions of these issues, with a special emphasis on Europe and the Mediterranean.

Learning Objectives: An important part of Loyola University’s mission is to promote social justice. As a result, in this course we will spend considerable time thinking about the ethical dimensions of international politics. A handout, to be provided at the start of the course, “Major themes in World Politics,” will contain most of the subject matter learning objectives for this course. Students should also be able to achieve the learning objectives outlined in the “paper assignment guidelines” and “class debate guidelines” handouts contained in this syllabus. Finally, students should also be able to understand some of the basic facts relating to the issues that we will debate in class found in the supplemental readings that I will provide. While I will spelled out most of the learning objectives for this course, please keep in mind that it is your responsibility to master all of the ideas in the assigned reading material and course lectures in this course.

Assessment: There will be two examinations during the course - one midterm and a comprehensive final exam. The tests will cover the readings in the textbook, supplemental readings, and class lectures. The mid-term will account for 25% of the grade, the final exam for 35%, and a 3-to-5 page essay for 30%.  Class participation will constitute the remaining 10%.

Required Text/Readings:

1. John T. Rourke and Mark A. Boyer, International Politics on the World Stage, (brief) 7^th edition (listed as R&B on next page).

2. Supplemental Readings that I will supply electronically via Blackboard (listed as SR on next page).

Policies: I will expect all students to come on time to every single class. If you are absent your participation grade will suffer. Students must take all tests when scheduled. I will make exceptions only for students with valid, documented reasons for their absence. Students must complete all graded work in order to pass the course. I encourage you to see me during office hours or at other times by appointment.

Schedule of Topics and Assignments

Week   Topics                                                                                         Assignments

1          Thinking and Caring about World Politics                                         R&B 1

            Realism and Liberalism                                                                  SR#1

2          The Evolution of World Politics                                                         R&B 2

            Empires: Pax Romana to Pax Americana                                          SR#2

3          Levels of Analysis                                                                           R&B 3

            Understanding Italian Foreign Policy                                                 SR#3  

4          Nationalism and Nation-States                                                           R&B 4

            Nations of the Mediterranean                                                             SR#4

5          Globalization and Transnationalism                                                    R&B 5

            The Catholic Church and Global Politics                                             SR#5

6          Power and National States                                                                 R&B 6

            Italy as a Middle-Power                                                                     SR#6

7          International Organizations (mid-term on 20 Oct)                                R&B 7

            The European Union                                                                           SR#7

8          Internatioal Law and Human Rights                                                    R&B 8

            The Rome Conference and the ICC                                                   SR#8

9          Pursuing Security                                                                              R&B 9

            Italy's Security Agenda                                                                      SR#9

10        Globalization in the World Economy                                                    R&B 10

            The Euro's Growing Importance                                                         SR#10

11        Global Economic Competition and Cooperation                                   R&B 11

            Economic Relations: Italy, the EU, and the U.S                                   SR#11

12        Research Paper Discussions (paper due on 24 Nov)                            None

13        Preserving and Enhancing the Global Commons                                R&B 12

            Environmental Concerns in the Mediterranean                                  SP#12

 Final Exam (TBD)
 

PAPER ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES

 NOTE: Read these guidelines closely before starting and turning in your paper.

Content: Your paper will be an essay on one of the issues that we will debate/discuss in class (the issues discussed in the supplemental readings). You should first briefly identify or summarize the issue under debate (Why is it important?). Then you should take a position on the issue justifying your position with evidence and additional sources.

Requirements: Your paper must be at least three full pages in length and no more than five pages in length (excluding the bibliography, which should be on a separate page). You must format your paper as follows: use Times New Roman font (12-pitch) and 1” margins (top, bottom, left and right). You must also have a title for your paper (give some thought to your title; “Term paper,” is not a good title). Any good essay must have an introduction and a conclusion. You must also use at least four outside sources in you essay. More specifically, you should cite the textbook, the supplemental readings for the issue on which you are writing and four additional sources. To receive credit for using a source you must use and properly cite the source in your paper. For example, if you have six sources in your bibliography, but you use/cite only two sources in your paper, you will receive credit for having only two sources. Your bibliography and citations must be consistent with an accepted academic style, such as MLA. It is your responsibility to ensure that your paper is written in a proper academic style. If you have any question about this assignment, do not hesitate to ask them in class or during my office hours.

Late Penalties: The paper is due at the beginning of class on November 24, or before then. I will penalize a paper assignment 2% if not turned in during class, and 5% for each calendar day it is turned in late (excluding weekend days and up to 25%). You must turn in a hard copy of your paper. I will accept electronic copies only in exceptional cases. All papers, if late, must be turned in by the beginning of the final exam.

Learning Objectives: After writing this essay, each student should be able to:

1. Effectively express in written form an important international issue or debate.

2. Think critically about an international issue.

3. Effectively express in written form a policy option or position on an international issue.

4. Effectively and accurately use citations in an academic paper.

5. Learn how to meet a deadline or learn how to accept the consequences of missing a deadline.

Plagiarism: Plagiarism is a very serious offense. If I have evidence that a student plagiarized a paper, or even a part of a paper, that student will received a zero in the assignment. Please keep in mind that most students who get a zero on 20% of the course grade will most likely fail the course. If you are unfamiliar with what constitutes plagiarism, refer to the Undergraduate Studies Catalogue for clarification.

Paper due, November 24, at the start of class

CLASS DEBATE GUIDELINES

During the semester, we will debate/discuss several important issues relating to international politics as they relate to Italy, Europe and the Mediterranean. The Schedule of Topics and Assignments in the syllabus specifies these issues (supplemental readings). I will provide the readings for all of the debate issues electronically (via Blackboard). It is essential that you read these assignments before the day of the debate.

Procedure: On the day that we will debate an issue, I will provide a brief introduction to the issue, discussing some key terms and giving you some essential background information. I will then ask questions to specific students, at random, about the issue under debate. Please remember that the supplemental readings for the debates are testable.

Learning Objectives: After taking part in the debates in this class, each student should be able to:

1. Speak in an informed manner about each of the issues/topics we discussed in class

2. Understand the basis for differences of opinion on these issues/topics.

3. Argue for a particular solution or position concerning these issues/topics.

4. Understand the difficulty in reaching agreement on difficult issues in world politics.

5. Listen carefully to the ideas and values of others, particularly those that are in conflict with those ideas and values that you support.