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School of Social Sciences

Academic Year 2013/14 Term 1

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
SINGAPORE MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY


COURSE PLAN


POSC103 WORLD POLITICS

Instructor Name Dr. Clara PORTELA
Title Assistant Professor
Email: claraportela@smu.edu.sg
Office: School of Social Sciences, Level 4


PRE-REQUISITE
None

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course introduces students to the discipline of International Relations, providing
them with an overview of the most salient issues of world politics and a solid theoretical
introduction to the theories explaining international life.

COURSE GOALS
The course provides an overview over the most salient issues in international politics,
and introduces students to the theories employed in the study of international relations. The
course follows two objectives: Firstly, it familiarises students with the nature of international
politics. It leads them on a systematic exploration of the central themes of international life,
such as war, human rights, the protection of the environment, etc., taking into account the
historical background and the impact of globalisation on the studied phenomena. Secondly,
the main theories of IR will be explored: realism, liberalism, constructivism, etc. It provides
students the conceptual tools and analytical skills necessary for the study of International
Relations.

Finally, through presentations, discussion of the readings and regular class
participation, students further develop analytical, critical and synthesis ability, as well as public
speaking skills.

Specific Learning Objectives
By the end of this course the students will be able to:

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understand key concepts, actors and process of international relations;
understand why and how particular issue areas become a matter of international
concern, and ultimately of inter-state co-operation;
understand the basic tenets of the main theories in International Relations scholarship;
analyse and assess current developments in global affairs.
Finally, through presentations, discussion of the readings and regular class participation,
students further develop their analytical, critical and synthesis abilities, while improving their
public speaking skills

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS AND EXPECTATIONS

Session will alternate lectures, students presentations and case-driven discussion of
readings. Attendance is compulsory. Students are expected to do the required readings prior
to the class sessions, to participate actively in class discussions and exercises and to submit
all assignments on time.
Required readings typically consist of one or two chapters from the textbook. Quizzes
typically concern one of the required readings. No active laptops of mobile phones allowed in
the classroom.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Class presentation 10%
Class participation 10%
Assignments 10%
Quizzes 10%
Research Essay 20%
Mid-term Exam 20%
Final exam 20%

Academic Integrity
Students are reminded that there are severe penalties associated with plagiarism
and other forms of academic misconduct.

CONSULTATIONS

If you wish to make an appointment, please send me an e-mail or approach me after
the class.

WEEKLY LESSON PLANS

Session Title
1 August
Introduction
2 August
The military pursuit of power and the threat of aggression
readings:
- The Evolution of the Interstate System
- The World Wars
- The Cold War
3 August
Realism
readings: Jackson and Sorensen chapter 3
4 Sept
Collective Security and International Law
readings:
- International Law and Organization and the Quest for Peace

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- Human Rights: The Individual in Global Politics
5 Sept
Liberalism
reading: Jackson and Sorensen chapter 4
6 Sept
Globalisation
readings:
- Globalisation: The New Frontier
Museum visit: History Gallery, National Museum of Singapore
7 Sept
MID-TERM EXAM
8 Oct
BREAK
9 Oct
Marxism and Critical Theory
readings: Baylis and Smith chapter 8
Film screening: Deliverance
10 Oct
Development, the Global South and the Environment
readings:
- The Global South
- The Environment: A Global Collective Good
11 Oct
Constructivism
reading: Jackson/Sorensen chapter 6
Film screening: Wag the Dog
12 Nov
Terrorism and Non-Proliferation and Disarmament
readings:
- The Nuclear Proliferation Regime
Krasno chapter 7
-Terrorism
13 Nov
Revision for final exam
14 Nov
STUDY BREAK

FINAL EXAMINATION

CLASS TIMINGS
Class sessions are of 3 hours of duration.

RECOMMENDED TEXT AND READINGS

A course pack will be made available. There is no textbook, the purchase of Jackson and
Sorensen (2007) is optional.

Main Readings:
JACKSON, R., SORENSEN, G. (2007) Introduction to International Relations: Theories and
Approaches, Oxford: OUP
MANSBACH, RW. and TAYLOR, K. (2011) Introduction to Global Politics, 2
nd
Edition, New
York/London: Routledge
BAYLIS, J. and SMITH, S. (2005) The Globalisation of World Politics, Oxford: OUP
KRASNO, J. (ed) The United Nations: Confronting the Challenges of a Global Society. Lynne Rienner:
Boulder, Co.
WHITE, N. (2002) The United Nations System: Toward International Justice, Lynne Rienner: Boulder,
Co.
KARNS, M. and MINGST, K. (2004) International Organisations: Lynne Rienner: Boulder, Co.
Additional readings to be announced.