Time Schedule:
Niall F O Murchu
SIS 534
Seattle Campus
Provides a broad understanding of international issues and United States policy. Students explore U.S. foreign policy and theories of major international actors in international trade, security, and strategic concerns, refugee policy, conflict resolution, development assistance, and the environment. Offered: jointly with PB AF 530/POL S 534.
Class description
This foundation course for the "International" concentration (stream) in the Public Affairs program offers a mix of history, theory, concepts, and policy. There are five parts to the the course: I) World History and America's Hegemonic Role (Hobsbawm, Ruggie); II) Transnationalism and Human Rights Norms (Keck & Sikkink, Klotz); the meaning and realization of Development (Sen, Nussbaum); the Environment in global persepctive (Porter, Brown, & Chasek), Rose-tinted vs. hard-nosed views of Economic Globalization (Friedman, Sassen)
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
The course will be a seminar. The instructor will lead discussion on Tuesdays and students take the lead on Thursday. Students are encouraged to bring their knowledge of policy issues to the table.
Recommended preparation
Keep in touch with the readings (some skimming is ok) and attend regularly. Eager students might wish to tackle one of the more popular books -- Friedman, Hobsbawm, or Sen, say -- as holiday reading.
Class assignments and grading
There will be four short (3-5 page) thought papers required. In these papers, students should report on one or more issues raised in the readings, in light of their own knowledge of and interest in that aspect of international affairs.
Participation 40% 4 Papers @ 15% each 60%
