Time Schedule:
Michael D. Ward
POL S 528
Seattle Campus
Covers advanced works in international relations theory. e.g., realism, neorealism, game theory, and theories of cooperation and conflict. Includes some classic works (Thucydides, Hobbes, E. H. Carr) to show continuity of debates in the present. Modern theories of war, conflict, cooperation, and international institutions also explored. Prerequisite: POL S 521.
Class description
Description. This class will focus on Globalization and Conflict, at the international level. Our first topic will be to develop a set of criteria for evaluating scientific claims in international relations. Then, we will survey major writings in terms of a) what is globalization, b) what are its causes, and c) what are its political implications. Specifically, we will focus on the role of international trade, foreign direct investment and foreign aid, international organizations such as the World Bank and IMF, as well as domestic institutions. In addition we will examine the role of globalization in terms of its impact on international as well as civil conflicts.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Seminar presentations each week, examining foundational readings on each topic, as well as recent research articles on each topic. Students will make presentations of critiques and syntheses of each topic, sometimes in collaboration with other students.
Recommended preparation
POL S 521 or other graduate work in political science, or a related discipline.
Class assignments and grading
Assignments. Each week students will read, summarize, and discuss assigned literature. Every other week each student will prepare, distribute, and present a short synthetic paper.
Grading. Papers: 50 % Presentations: 50 % TOTAL: 100 %
