Textbooks: Henry Nau's Perspectives on International Relations, 2nd Edition, CQ Press, 2008  (Click here to go to Perspectives on International Relations companion website.) and Henry Nau, ed., International Relations in Perspective: A Reader, CQ Press, 2010.

News Links:

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

A. Examinations (100 points each; 300 points total): Examinations will be administered on Friday, September 24^th, Friday, October 22^nd, and during finals week (date and time TBA). The exams will consist of both objective and analytical questions drawn from all parts of the course (readings, lectures, videos, etc.). I will provide study guides and greater guidance on the structure of the exams closer to the date.

B. Argumentative Essays (50 points each; 100 points total): Each Friday we will be discussing and debating a contentious issue in international relations. You will be required to write TWO essays that seek to provide an answer to these questions. Details on the assignment will be handed out separately. In order to help facilitate the discussions, everyone is required to gather three articles for EACH discussion. These can later be used for your paper if you write on that question, but are required even if not. These should be placed in the appropriate ANGEL dropbox. Failure to do so will result in a deduction on your paper grade (up to 10 points per paper). You must write one of these essays by Friday, October 8^th (end of 5^th week). The second is due on Friday, November 19^th (end of 10^th week) Papers turned in by October 8^th have the option of being revised and resubmitted for a (potentially) higher grade. All revisions are also due by the end of 10^th week

C.  Reader Book Chapter Summaries (10 points each; 100 points total): Henry Nau's, International Relations in Perspective: A Reader contains an excellent selection of classic and contemporary readings in IR. We will be reading many of these selections-- about 2-3 a week -- during the quarter. In order to ensure that you keep up with the readings and properly understand the content, you will be required to write short summaries of TEN of the selections from the reader book. (NOTE: ALL of the chapters listed in the syllabus are required reading, even though you are only required to write summaries for 10 of them.) A MS Word template is on the course website and the completed assignments should be downloaded to the appropriate ANGEL drop box. These summaries will be graded as follows: A = 10; B = 8; C = 7; D = 6; F = 0. Your grade is dependent on successfully and coherently summarizing the piece (to include proper grammar, spelling, syntax, etc.) AND explaining its significance to the understanding of international relations. Your summaries can be submitted at any time, but you must do at least five summaries prior to fall break (Oct. 14-15) and the remaining by the end of 10^th week.

Schedule of Lectures and Readings

 All reading should be done PRIOR to the lecture or exercise on the topic. Note that all dates are tentative and may need to be adjusted later in the quarter. Since both books have the same author, Nau, Perspectives on International Relations, 2^nd ed. Is listed as 'Textbook' below whereas Nau, International Relations in Perspective: A Reader is listed as 'Reader'.

PDFs of the PowerPoint slides accompanying the lectures will be added as the course progresses.

PART I: The Fundamentals of International Relations (Weeks 1-3)

 Exam #1 -- NEW DATE! Thursday, September 30^th

Exam # 1 Study Guide

PART II: International Conflict and War (Weeks 4-7)

Exam #2 New Date! -- Monday, November 1st  

Exam #2 Study Guide

PART III: Globalization and the World Economy (Weeks 8-9)

PART IV: Global Forces for Change (Week 10)

Exam #3 -- Wednesday, November 17th, 6-8pm, Moench A202