PLSC 102 International Relations in an Age of Globalization
Summer 2015 - Session II
International Politics in an Age of Globalization
A European Focus
Summer 2015, session II
John Felice Rome Center
Prof. Peter M. Sanchez
E-mail: psanche@luc.edu
Class Meetings: Mondays/Wednesdays - 8:30 a.m. until 12:40 p.m.
Office Hours: TBD
Course Description: This course provides an introduction to global politics and globalization. First, we will examine the key theories and ideas developed by scholars to explain relations among nations and the rise of globalization. We then survey the three most important problems facing the global community today – the quest for prosperity, peace and ecological preservation. During the semester, we will also discuss prominent issues in international politics, with the goal of considering possible solutions. While we examine these problems from a global perspective, we will give special attention to Italy and Europe. This course satisfies a Tier 1, Societal and Cultural Knowledge area of the Core curriculum
Learning Objectives: An important part of Loyola University’s mission is to promote social justice. As a result, we will spend considerable time emphasizing the ethical or moral dimensions of global politics. The key learning objectives are to:
- Gain factual knowledge about global politics and global problems
- Learn fundamental principles, generalizations and theories of global politics
- Learn to analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments, and points of view in global politics
- Understand the ethical/moral implications of global politics
Students should also achieve the learning objectives outlined in the “paper assignment guidelines” and “class discussion guidelines” sections of this syllabus. While I have spelled out the salient learning objectives for this course, please keep in mind that it is your responsibility to master all of the material in the assigned readings and course lectures.
Assessment: Your grade will be comprised of two exams (25% each), a comprehensive final (30%), a paper (15%), and class participation (5%). Exams will cover the readings in the textbooks, supplemental readings, and class lectures. You will receive detailed instructions on the paper assignment at the start of class.
Required Text/Readings:
- Principles of International Relations, by Joshua S. Goldstein and Jon C. Pevehouse (Pearson/Longman, 2009). Listed as PIR on next page.
- Global Problems: The Search for Equity, Peace, and Sustainability, 3rd edition, by Scott Sernau (Allyn & Bacon, 2012). Listed as GP on next page.
- Supplemental Readings (available on Sakai), listed as SR on next page.
Policies: You may not use any electronic devices in class. Students must take all tests when scheduled. I will make exceptions only for students with valid, documented reasons for their absence. To pass this course, you must take all exams and turn in a paper. No extra credit is available in this course. I encourage you to see me during office hours or at other times by appointment.
On-site Visit: On the second day of class we will visit the Museum of the Risorgimento. The Risorgimento refers to the political movement, or Resurgence, that led to the unification of Italy, a process that took from 1815 to 1871. The cost of entering the museum is 5 Euros or about $5.80, depending on the exchange rate. Keep in mind that we will also take public transportation to and from the museum. A standard, one-way (75 minutes) bus ticket costs 1.50 Euros, or about $ 1.75.
SCHEDULE OF TOPICS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Dates Topics Assignments
Part I: Global Politics - Theories and Foreign Policy
June 29 Theories of International Relations PIR, Chaps 1-8
July 1 The Nation State – Italy On site: Museum of
the Risorgimento
Part II: Global Problems
Prosperity
July 6 Global Inequality (Exam 1) GP, Chap 1&2
July 8 The Global Assembly Line – Achieving Global Equity GP, Chap 3&4, SR 1
Peace
July 13 Imperialism and War – Achieving Global Peace GP, Chaps 5 & 6, SR 2
July 15 Democracy and Human Rights GP, Chaps 7&8
Preservation
July 20 Population, Technology and Energy (Exam 2) GP, Chaps 9 & 10
July 22 The Global Commons – Preserving our Environment GP, Chaps 11 & 12, SR 3/4
July 24: Final Exam (paper due)
