Revised January 10, 2006

Pols. 315 (section 1) Global Politics: International Relations,
Spring, 2006, TTR 10:00-11:45 A.M., Kuy 301
Prof. Richard Chadwick

Revised Introduction*

This introductory course is about the theory and contemporary history of global politics from an international relations perspective.   Subjects include: the nature of personal leadership, politics, power and decision making; causes of war, terrorism, and peace; relations between political insecurity, social injustice and repression; relations between economic development, financial and trade mismanagement, and environmental impacts; and linkages between geography, growth in technology, the global revolution in communications and interdependence, and the survival of our societies, our civilization and our species.  Attention will be given to ethnic, religious, and gender identities in regional and global politics, and the uses to which such identities are put in inter-state and transnational relations by factions in struggles for power and control over collective futures.   Assignments

Graded Assignments

Grades for the course will be based upon four exams, twelve quizzes, two essays, participation in a global politics simulation, use of a global politics model, the "International Futures simulation" (IFs) and a decision aid, "Superdecisions." You will be organized into study groups of about 5-6 students. Each group will have a teaching intern in class who will be with you about half the time. Their job is to help you get started but not do your work for you. You will gather information about a country assigned to you group, analyze trends, prepare to simulate leaders' decision-making and conduct a simulation of international relations. Again, the teaching interns will facilitate learning and clarify homework assignments, but you will do the work.   Grading policies

Texts to Purchase

In addition to other assignments, there are three texts to read for this course:

  1. Charles Kegley and Gregory Raymond, The Global Future. 2005: Wadsworth. ISBN 053453693X.
  2. This is essentially a reference text introducing you to core ideas and information about international relations. It is designed for those who have never been exposed to the study of international relations, and may never be again. It comes with a CD which you can use as an additional reference source.
  3. John G. Stoessinger, Why Nations Go to War. 9th edition, 2005: Wadsworth. ISBN 0534631479.
  4. This text aims at explaining by example and insight how and why wars begin and end. Stoessinger presents his own theoretical framework and historical examples, most of which he lived through. In so doing, he sets a standard against which others' theories can be compared and contrasted. You should feel free--indeed you are expected to--to challenge his ideas with your own, in one of the traditions of "critical thinking."

  5. Barry B. Hughes and Evan Hillebrand, Exploring and Shaping International Futures. 4th edition 2006: Paradigm Press, ISBN 1-59451-232-9.
  6. This text is a revision, expected to be available at the beginning of February. I will let you know when it arrives.
All texts will be read completely and quizzes and exams will be given their contents as well as on lectures and other readings.
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* My courses are almost always "a work in progress." This "work" has been in progress longer than most of you have been alive (about 30 years). Every class I have taught has a different "emergent culture." As I interact with you individually and collectively, and with my teaching interns, assignments may change. Expect revisions--announced well enough in advance--as I try to take the pulse of the class and adjust accordingly! Curious about my pedagogy philosophy as applied to this course? I presented a paper on it last March at our ISA (International Studies Association) meeting. It's posted on the web but
here's a copy for your convenience.