Political Science 480W
Senior Seminar in International Studies
Course Description and Objectives
We live in an era of globalization. At the dawn of the twenty-first century, the prevailing world order is being fundamentally redefined and restructured. Traditional notions of national sovereignty, economic independence, and cultural distinctiveness are rapidly giving way to transnational systems, institutions, and practices. This seminar examines political convergence in the world today, focusing on the role which inter-governmental and non-governmental institutions play in structuring transnational relations. Special focus is placed on the central challenges currently facing the global community, including reducing military conflict, defending universal human rights, promoting economic development, enhancing ethnic and gender equity, and preserving natural environments.
Course Requirements
Each student will be expected to fulfill the following course requirements:
1. Complete each week's required readings in advance and actively participate in class sessions. Since this seminar meets just once a week, attendance at each session is required.
2. Facilitate discussion of our weekly readings once during the course of the semester.
3. Prepare a twenty-five page research paper on a specific topic related to global governance. Research paper guidelines will be passed out in class. There will be a schedule for completing various stages of this assignment during the course of the semester with the final paper due on April 23rd.
4. Give an oral presentation of your research during the last few weeks of the semester. Peer evaluations will be completed for all oral presentations.
(The research paper will be marked down three points for each day it is late.)
(Students should notify me of any special needs.)
Course Schedule and Topics
Week 1 January 16 Introduction
Week 2 January 23 Global Institutions
Week 3 January 30 Conflict and Peacekeeping
Week 4 February 6 Human Rights
Week 5 February 13 Economic Integration
Week 6 February 20 Development and Aid
Week 7 February 27 Ethnicity and Nationalism
Week 8 March 5 Gender Relations
Week 9 March 19 Population and Environment
Week 10 March 26 Research Presentations
Week 11 April 2 Research Presentations
Week 12 April 9 Research Presentations
Week 13 April 16 Research Presentations
Week 14 April 23 Conclusion
