Time Schedule:
David M Bachman
SIS 501
Seattle Campus
Focuses on comparison across geographical areas including comparative political economy, comparative cultures, and comparative institutions. Provides familiarity with the comparative method of inquiry, an understanding of the interplay between area studies and cross-regional theories, and skills in conducting comparative research and writing. Prerequisite: ECON 200; ECON 201. Offered: W.
Class description
SIS 501 will have several pedagogical goals: it will expose students to the major recent works in International Studies, but the works chosen will be problem focused rather than theory focused. These texts will also provide students with a broad exposure to research design and methods. Students will develop and demonstrate preliminary mastery of the field of international & global studies through brief literature reviews that answer questions about the current state of knowledge regarding contemporary lines of inquiry on a topic of their choice within the field.
Student learning goals
Familarity with some of leading current issues in international studies.
Preliminary conceptualization of research projects and tasks.
Critical thinking and writing improvement.
General method of instruction
Seminar format--reading approximately a book a week for intense critical discussion.
Recommended preparation
SIS 500, auditing SIS 201 in conjunction with 501.
Class assignments and grading
5 reaction papers to assigned readings (2-4 double-spaced page critical reflections on readings). Literature review on a question/topic in international studies related to future student papers. Participation and preparation.
Reaction papers 50% Literature review 25% Participation 25%
