Time Schedule:
Stephen J Majeski
POL S 426
Seattle Campus
The nation-state system and its alternatives, world distributions of preferences and power, structure of international authority, historical world societies and their politics. Offered: jointly with JSIS B 426.
Class description
Description. In this course, we will examine how international politics appears to work. That is, how nation-states act and interact with each other in particular structural contexts and produce various characteristics of the global system (i.e., conflict, cooperation, economic growth, and changes in the distribution of wealth and the environment) and how various structural arrangements of international politics, such as the distribution of power or geography, help explain the behavior of nation-states. We will address these issues in two interrelated ways. First, we will read about and discuss an important theoretical approach to explaining international politics. Second, all students will participate in a simulation of international politics that highlights various aspects of the theoretical approach. We will do four of these book/simulation pairs. Some simulations are game-like I nature and involve role playing. Other simulations are computer based and require students to work with a few computer programs that represent in various ways aspects of international politics. No initial computer skills are required. Students will learn all they need to know in a few short sessions. Access to computers will be provided and the instructor will make sure that every student can successfully work with the computer simulations.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Texts. Kenneth Waltz, Theory of International Relations; Robert Gilpin, War and Change in World Politics; Robert Keohane, After Hegemony; and Barry Hughes, International Futures. Reprints: Diplomacy Rules and Game of War and Trade Rules, and possibly some additional materials.
Class assignments and grading
Assignments. Students are expected to attend class , participate actively in discussions and simulation exercises. The presumption is that students will have completed all assigned reading in advance of seminar meetings. You will be asked to write three papers about the three paired books and simulations we will work through this quarter. Each of these papers has a maximum length limit of six double-spaced pages with 12 pt. Font and standard margins. Precise assignments will be discussed at the appropriate time during the course.
Grading. Final grades will be based on the quality of student participation in discussions and on the three papers. Please note that University policy on the grade of “incomplete” will be followed in this course. As stated on p. 33 of UW General Catalog: “An incomplete is given only when the student has been in attendance and has done satisfactory work until within two weeks of the end of the quarter and has furnished proof satisfactory to the instructor that the work cannot be completed because of illness or other circumstances beyond the student’s control.”
Papers: 75 % (3 papers each worth 25%) Class/quiz participation: 25 % (participation in discussions) TOTAL: 100 %
