CLASS INFORMATION
Pasco-Hernando Community College
Division of Arts and Sciences- spring 2009
INR 2002 - introduction to international relations
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Convener of Class: Tamm, David J., Adjunct
M.A. International Studies University of Krakow, Poland
B.A. Political Philosophy Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI
Other Work: Corvinus University, Budapest, Hungary
Marie Curie University, Lublin, Poland
Univ. of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Class / Time: G-111, Tuesday from 700-945 pm
Office Hours: In the room before and after class, other by appointment
Telephone: (727) 243-2034
Email: hudsonfla@gmail.com (faster), tammd@phcc.edu (slower)
Required Text: Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches
(3rd Edition) by Jackson and Sorensen.
Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2007.
Description: Our Class reads about and discusses international relations,
constructing the building blocks for comprehension of world affairs.
All the major 'big ideas' are covered: realism, liberalism, social
constructivism, political economy and foreign policy. This
course satisfies the Gordon Rule writing requirement. A grade
of 'C' or better must be attained. 45 Class hours.
Objectives: Because PHCC is a learning-centered institution with a
mission that involves 'developing its students as individuals
[and as] citizens of the world,' let us, then, adopt these objectives:
*That the student may demonstrate a knowledge of the major bases used
in the study of international relations, and use this knowledge to
analyze current and past issues on the geostrategic chessboard. That
the student may recognize the urgency of sound foreign and domestic
policy through analyses of notable successes and failures.
*That the student may further their understanding of history through
the study and use of primary source documents, professional historical
journals and artifacts of the global distribution of power, authority
and exchange. Some of these professionals are:
Fukuyama (End of History),
Huntington (Clash of Civilizations),
Kaplan (Success through power projection),
Lind (Success through isolation),
Brzezinski (National Strategy platform- Democrat),
Buchanan (National Strategy platform- Republican),
Scruton (British perspective),
Bloom (causality in IR)
*That our projects of synthesis be based upon assigned readings, and
that our class integrate essays, a writing project and comprehensive
examinations into the process of the student's historical analysis.
That writing assignments require the student to be able to write
accurately, clearly and effectively, using proper grammar, punctuation
and mechanics.
CLASS READINESS
Lively and informed discussions are essential to the success of the
course. Students should make every effort to keep up with the assigned
readings. It is assumed by the instructor that students have read from
the textbook and assigned readings in advance.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Two exams occur during the session. Each is worth 25% of the final
grade. Dates are noted on the syllabus. Each test contains multiple
choice and short response essay questions. Students may answer an
extra short answer in order to obtain extra credit. The grading scale
for exams are as follows: 90-100% A, 80-89% B, 70-79% C, 60-69% D,
0-60% F.
Each student will prepare a 5 'reader response essays' on a major
issue or line of thought in current international relations, as they
appear in the course. The topics are chosen by the instructor and
comprise 50% of the class, each being 10%. These response essays taken
together constitute a Gordon Rule Writing Project.
Roll will be taken at each session. More than four unexcused absences
will result in your withdrawal, regardless of your GPA. There are no
make-up tests as a rule, however, emergencies do arise and are
evaluated on a case-by-case basis. In any case, the grade for a
make-up is reduced by one full letter.
HOW TO GET AN "A" IN THIS Class
Most students are self-motivated and seek academic success. Yet, not
every student will earn an A. The likelihood that you will increases
dramatically when you do the following:
1) Read, read, read. Read the assigned sections of the book before every Class.
2) Attend each Class.
3) Take care about your writing. Make sure it follows the MLA style
properly, is free from grammatical and spelling errors, and
demonstrates your thorough understanding of the subject.
OTHER
Plagiarism, lying, cheating, stealing, and other forms of academic
dishonesty are, as might be expected, not allowed.
