Need help with online world politics class

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MSO 271

World Politics

Fall 2016

Metropolitan School of Professional Studies

The Catholic University of America

Instructor:

Dr. Roy Littlefield

301-249-1529 (h) or 301-430-7280, ext. 108 (w) or 301-651-0982 (cell)

[email protected]

Course Description:

This course will stress an analytical approach to the understanding and evaluation of contemporary world politics, introducing central concepts and developments in the field of international relations.

Format:

We will meet online on Blackboard.

On one occasion, each of you will present a summary and critique of a chapter from the required text or an article listed on the course required reading. Summaries should be typed and posted for each member of the class. Summaries should be 2-3 single-spaced pages. They should include: (1) a recitation of the theory postulated or tested in the chapter; (2) a brief description of the “methodology” (if any) used to test the theory; (3) a discussion of the importance of the work for the topic for which it was written; and (4) a critique of the theory, method, style, significance, etc.

The student who posts the summary should be prepared to answer student questions on the reading that other students post in response. It is absolutely essential in a short class that students responsible for summaries post them on the assigned date and that those who are assigned to read specific chapters read them closely. I will grade the summaries (and responses) for style and content, checking to see if the student has done the reading, understood it, and expressed the significance of the material clearly and comprehensively.

Grade:

Your grade in this course will be determined by 3 scores:

1. The mark on your summary and discussion (30 percent))

2. A grade on the quality of your online discussions on the remaining readings (30 percent)

3. The grade on your final paper (40 percent)

Academic Honesty:

Academic honesty is expected of all CUA students. The following sanctions are presented in the University procedures related to Student Academic Dishonesty (from http://policies/cua.edu/academicundergrad/integrityprocedures.cfm): “The presumed sanction for undergraduate students for academic dishonesty will be failure for the course. There may be circumstances, however, where, perhaps because of an undergraduate student’s past record, a more serious sanction, such as suspension or expulsion, would be appropriate. In the context of graduate studies, the expectations for academic honesty are greater, and therefore the presumed sanction for dishonesty is likely to be more severe, e.g., expulsion…In the more unusual case, mitigating circumstances may exist that would warrant a lesser sanction than the presumed sanction.”

Please review the complete texts of the University policy and procedures regarding Student Academic Dishonesty, including requirements for appeals, at

http://policies.cua.edu/academicundergrad/integrity.cfm and

http://policies.cua.edu/academicundergrad/integrity.cfm

Text:

You will be asked to read from the following text:

Blanton, Shannon Lindsey and Kegley, Charles William. World Politics: Trends and Transformation 2016-2017. Boston: Cengage Learning, 2017.

Calendar:

Week of August 29:

Discovering World Politics, p. 4-20.

Week of September 5:

Interpreting World Politics, p. 21-51

Week of September 12:

Theories of International Decision Making, p. 52-83

Week of September 19:

Great Power Relations and Rivalries, p. 84-115

Week of September 26:

World Politics and the Global South, p. 116-146

Week of October 3:

The Quest for Global Community, p. 147-195

Week of October 10:

The Threat of Armed Conflict, p 194-232

Week of October 17:

The Pursuit of Power Through Arms and Alliances, p. 233-273

Week of October 24:

The Quest for Peace, p. 274-319

Week of October 31:

The Globalization of International Finance, p. 320-352

Week of November 7:

International Trade, p. 353-390

Week of November 14:

Demographic and Cultural Dimensions of Globalization, p. 391-421

Week of November 21:

The Promotion of Human Development and Human Rights, p. 422-454

Week of November 28:

Preservation of the Environment, p. 455-491

Week of December 5:

Looking Ahead, p. 492-506

Final Paper: Due December 9 (5-8 pages)

GRADING POLICIES

Accommodations for students with disabilities: any student who feels he/she may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss specific needs. Please contact Disability Support Services (at 202-319-5211, Room 207, Pryzbyla Center) to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. To read about the services and policies, please visit the website at: http://disabilitysupport.cua.edu

Grading Criteria (Undergraduate)

93-100 A (Excellent)

90-92 A-

87-89 B+

83-86 B (Superior)

80-82 B-

77-79 C+

73-76 C (Satisfactory)

70-72 C-

60-69 D (Lowest passing)

<60 F (Failing)

Grading Criteria (Graduate)