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California State University, Los Angeles - Department of Political Science

POLS 3740/01
Foundations of Global Politics
FALL SEMESTER, 2016
MW 4:30-5:45/class room: KH C3100
Instructor: Atsuko Sato, Ph.D.
Office: E&T A-513
Office Hours: MW 11:15 a.m. 12:05 p.m.
MW 3:00 p.m. 4:20 p.m.

E-mail: asato@calstatela.edu
Phone: (323) 343-2242
(Only during the office hours)

When you email me, please type POLS 3740 in the subject line. Do not leave
the subject line blank! Otherwise, your message will most likely end up being in
the junk email box.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
University Catalog
POLS 3740: Global politics examines the far-reaching political implications of globalization on nation-states,
international regimes and organizations, global security, and non-state actors.
Consider this litany of issues: terrorism, global financial crises, environmental degradation, poverty and hunger,
transnational terrorism, global migration and refugee flows, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction,
cyberthreats, and the global drug trade and crime. All of these issues and many more, are affecting not only the world
in general, but also all of us as individuals, in profound ways. It is important to understand, however, that these
issues have a special characteristic, namely, they are trans-sovereign. Trans-sovereign or global problems, unlike
domestic or international problems, require a framework of understanding that is different from traditional
approaches, particularly those related to the study of international relations, or IR for short. The reason is clear:
states (or national governments) alone cannot adequately address global issues; instead, their resolution must
involve a full range of both state and non-state actors, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and nonprofit organizations (NPOs); corporate or business actors; transnational networks of individuals, scientists and
experts; social movements; and so on. It is the interaction and the struggles among of all these actors responding to
global challenges that constitute the core of global politics. Understanding and explaining the complex, multidimensional dynamics of global politics is the overarching objective of our course.
To understand global politics, our course will examine two important concepts: globalization and
sovereignty. We will study what globalization is (how to understand it), and its implications for social change, as well
as its impact on the human condition and on public policy. We will also study the concept of (state) sovereignty and
reveal why the idea of sovereignty persists and how it works in global politics. We will learn, moreover, how and why
globalization challenges the idea of sovereignty.
This course, it must be emphasized, is different from a course on international relations (or IR). Whereas IR
examines interactions between sovereign states, global politics examines the far-reaching political implications of
globalization on nation-states, international regimes and organizations, global security, and non-state actors. IR, in
short, is state-centric. This means that it cannot adequately address the significance of non-state actors and

transnational (as opposed to international) processes and structures. Global politics, by contrast, is not bound by a
rigid analytical framework that revolves around sovereign states. This makes global politics more open than IR, but
also more complicated and confusing. This is unfortunate, but unavoidable. The world, after all, is a complicated and
confusing place. Still, with the proper approach, it is possible to achieve clear-eyed understanding of global politics.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
This course is designed to achieve the following objectives: (1) introduce students to core concepts in the study of
global politics; (2) enable students to understand the implications (both positive and negative) of globalization; (3)
introduce a multi-level, multi-sectoral, and multi-disciplinary framework of analysis that will enable students to
understand global issues in a comprehensive fashion; and (4) develop the ability of students to think critically and
analytically about political issues and debates.
COURSE OUTCOMES (The department objectives)

Students should have a basic knowledge of the methods, approaches, or theories used in accumulating and
interpreting information applicable to the discipline of political science.
Students should have a basic knowledge of the dynamics of politics and power at work in the modern world.
Students should be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills or formulate and defend a thesis in a written or
oral format.
Students should be able to demonstrate the basic research skills necessary to write a paper in the discipline
of political science.
Students should have a basic knowledge of the content of the major subfield in political science:
International Relations.

COURSE ORGANIZATION
This course is divided into three sections based on the main textbook, Global Politics. First, we will discuss the core
concept of sovereignty and globalization as well as historical and theoretical background to understand the study of
global politics. The second section will analyze the implications and effects of globalization on world politics. Thirdly,
we will discuss various global policy issues, including war and peace, proliferation of nuclear weapons, terrorism, the
environment, poverty and development, and human rights. We will end our course with a discussion of the future of
global politics.
REQUIRED READING

Andrew Heywood (2014). Global Politics 2nd ed. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
ISBN13: 978-1-137-34926-2

The main textbook is available in the CSLA bookstore.


In addition to the main textbook, you are required to read additional materials (research articles and chapters of other
books) which are available at http://www.box.com.
Students are expected to read major newspapers, such as the New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com), the Los
Angeles Times (http://www.latimes.com) and the Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/) on a daily
basis. Daily reading of the news is necessary to become familiar with contemporary issues in politics. Students are
also encouraged to read major international newspapers, a large variety of which are available on the Internet (most
countries publish at least one newspaper in English).

My lecture notes will be posted on Moodle after class for review purpose only. If
you miss class, you should certainly read the lecture notes.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

E-mail Account: E-mail is an important tool for communicating with the instructor. E-mail will be used to
notify the class of any changes in the course schedule and of any other important announcements. If you do
not have an e-mail account, you can obtain a myCSULA Identity account from
https://id.calstatela.edu/user/anonmain.jsp.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1) Quizzes, Reflection Questions and Attendance (15%). Quizzes are based on two items: (1) the assigned
readings for the day, and (2) the material covered in class (previous discussions, lectures, and videos). The use
of daily class quizzes has two important objectives. First, it encourages consistent and timely attendance and
completion of the assigned readings before each class session. Second, asking questions from the previous
lecture/discussion will help me assess how well you are learning the material. Quizzes are OPEN NOTE, but
closed book. In addition, during the quizzes you may not use your computer or any other electronic device.
The daily quiz may be replaced with a set of reflection questions at the end of each class. Based on the class
discussion, the lecture, and/or the video, the instructor will ask you to respond to a couple questions.
5 minutes of class will be devoted to the daily quiz and/or reflection questions. It is important to show up to class
on time and attend a whole class. If youre late, you will miss that days quiz!
When a quiz is not administered, attendance will be taken and those present will receive 10 points in place of the
quiz.
There will be absolutely NO make-up quizzes, even if you have a justifiable reason for missing class. Each
quiz will be worth 10 points, and on a cumulative basis 15% of your overall grade.
NOTE: Even if you take a quiz, if you do not attend a whole class, your points for the quiz will be reduced
significantly. Moreover, it should be apparent that, while you are not graded on attendance per se,
consistent, on-time and full attendance is required.
2) Midterm Exam (35%) In class exam. The midterm exam will be composed of questions taken directly from
quizzes, some modified questions, and some original questions. The exam also includes a short essay question.
It is tentatively scheduled on 10/19 (W).
3) Final Exam (15%). In-class exam. The final exam is a comprehensive exam. The final exam consists of multiple
choice, true/false, matching, and identification questions. Some of the questions come from the quizzes and the
midterm exam (some modifications will be made). Also you will see newly added questions based on material
covered in lectures, including our textbook, class discussions, and video/audio presentations. The final exam is
scheduled on 12/7 (W). [Also consult with Fall 2016 Schedule of Classes.]
4) Final Mini-Research Papers (35%). You will receive the list of topics and guidelines for the mini-research paper
on 11/14 (M). The paper is due on 12/5 (M).

ACADEMIC HONESTY
Violations of academic honesty, including cheating and plagiarism have serious consequences and sanctions. It is
your responsibility to be familiar with the university policy on academic honesty. See
http://www.calstatela.edu/sites/default/files/groups/Judicial%20Affairs/Docs/academic_honesty.pdf

for definitions of cheating and plagiarism and the details of consequences and sanctions.
OSD POLICIES
The university provides reasonable accommodations to students with documented physical and learning disabilities.
The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD), located in Administration Building Room 127 coordinates all
documentation of disabilities (323-343-3140), OSD@calstatela.edu, http://web.calstatela.edu/univ/osd/.
CLASS ROOM POLICIES

Cell phone and other personal electronic devices: Please turn off your cell phone and other personal
electronic devices prior to the beginning of class.
Laptop computers: You may use your laptop computer for note taking. However, you cannot use the
laptop computer during quizzes and exams (midterm and final exams).
Talking and chatting: Please refrain from talking or causing other disturbances during class to avoid
distracting others.
Drinking and eating: Please observe the posted university regulations that prohibit consumption of drinks
(other than water) and food in the classroom.
Sleeping or reading: In class, you are expected to pay attention to the lecture and discussion. There is no
excuse for reading non-course related material during the class.

MAKE UP EXAM

Quizzes: There will be no make-up quiz. (See the section of Daily Quizzes for more information.)
Midterm Exam: There will be a make-up exam only if you have a valid excuse; for example, a death in the
immediate family, a serious medical problem, or required absence for participation in a university-sponsored
event. In all cases, you have to contact the instructor as soon as practical and submit appropriate
documentation in advance of the exam you miss or immediately after in the event of an emergency.

NO extra credit assignment!


I do not give any extra credit assignments under any circumstances.

RECONSIDERATION OF YOUR GRADE


If you believe an error or an incorrect judgment or assessment has been made in grading the essay questions in your
quizzes and/or exams, you must address the issue with the instructor within one week from the time the quiz or exam
is returned.
For reconsideration of your grade, submit a written report (attach your original exam) to me addressing the following
questions:
(1) What do you think the main purpose of the particular essay question was?
(2) What parts of your assignment do you think were inaccurately assessed by the instructor?

(3) Where do you think the central point of disagreement lies between you and the instructor?
(4) What grade do you believe would accurately reflect your performance on this particular question?

COURSE GRADING
Course grade is based on the following scale:
100% A 94
83 B- 80
70 D+ 67

94 A- 90
80 C+ 77
67 D 63

90 B+ 87
77 C 73
63 D- 60

87 B 83
73 C- 70
60 F

There is no limit on the number of people who can attain a given grade in this course, i.e. there is no curve.

CLASS READING SCHEDULE


Important Note. The Course Schedule below is subject to change. Depending on the needs and abilities of
the students in the class, the schedule may be accelerated or slowed down (i.e., we may cover more or fewer
topics, in greater or lesser depth). For this reason, it is imperative that you keep abreast of any changes in the
required readings and assignments. I will, of course, announce any changes in class, but if you are absent or
come in late, it is ultimately YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to find out what these changes are.

Date

Topic

8/22 (M)

Introduction to POLS 3740

8/24 (W)

Introduction
What is Global Politics?
What are the differences between Global Politics and International
Relations (IR)?

Chapter 1

Theoretical Approaches to Global Politics


Thinking theoretically
Realism, liberalism, & critical perspectives
Thinking globally
Why theory matters?

Chapter 3

8/29 (M)
8/31 (W)

Required Reading

9/5 (M)

Labor Day Campus Closed

9/7 (W)

State, Nation, and Society


In what ways, and why has the state become more important?
What are nation states? What is sovereignty?
What is nationalism?

9/12 (M)

(Chapter 2)

Chapter 21
(Chapter 17)

Chapter 5, 6, & 7

9/19 (M)

Identity in Global Politics


Why has identity politics become a prominent feature of world
politics?
What are the main factors explaining the growth of identity politics?
Is conflict between Islam and the West unavoidable?

Chapter 8

International organization
How effective have international organizations been?
How does the UNs approach to peacekeeping evolved? Does UN
peacekeeping work?

Chapter 14

International Law
How does international law differ from domestic law?
What are the courses and limitations of international law?

Chapter 18

Chapter 13

10/12 (W)

Human Rights and Humanitarian Intervention


What are human rights?
Does humanitarian intervention work?

10/17 (M)

Review Session

10/19 (W)

Midterm Exam

10/24 (M)

Refugee and IDPs


What are refugees?
How does UNHCR play roles in refugee crises?
How do individual states respond to refugee issues?

9/21 (W)

9/26 (M)
9/28 (W)

10/3 (M)
10/5 (W)
10/10 (M)

10/26 (W)

10/31 (M)

The Syrian Refugee Crisis: A


Comparison of Responses by
Germany, Sweden, the United
Kingdom, and the United States

Transnational Terrorism
What is terrorism?
What are the causes of terrorism?

Chapter 12

War and Peace & Nuclear Proliferation


Why do wars occur?
What are the impacts of the development of nuclear weapons?

Chapter 10 & 11

Chapter 4

11/21 (M)

The Economy in a Global Age


Neoliberalism as the dominant paradigm
Global Governance and the Bretton Woods System
What is global governance?
Poverty and Development
What is poverty?
Has globalization increased or decreased global poverty?

11/23 (W)

Final Study Day No Class

11/28 (M)

Global Environmental Issues


Why and how has the environment developed into a global issue?
Why is it so hard to make an effective global climate regime?

11/2 (W)
11/7 (M)
11/9 (W)
11/14 (M)
11/16 (W)

11/30 (W)

Chapter 19
Chapter 15

Chapter 16

12/5 (M)

Review Session

12/7 (W)

Final Exam

Mini-research paper
due

3:40
Disclaimer:
The instructor of POLS 3740 reserves the right to change anything about and stated in this syllabus, including
reading assignment, and other assignments and requirements.

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