Description:

This course analyzes the conflict and cooperation among nation-states. Students will study contemporary problems and how they relate to power, war, terrorism, diplomacy, international organizations and the future of the nation-state system. 3 hrs./wk. and online

Supplies: Refer to the instructor’s course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Describe the predominant perspectives on the study of world politics.
2. Identify the major actors in international politics and the changing relationship among them.
3. Discuss the politics of global welfare including the effects of colonialism, impediment to development in the Global South, major threats to environmental security and prospects for sustainable development.
4. Evaluate the causes of global conflicts and methods for its management.
5. Discuss the major issues facing our global society as we enter the new century.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Studying World Politics
   A. Describe the major forces of continuity and changes in today’s
global system
   B. Discuss how perceptions influence images of reality.
   C. Compare and contrast the rival theoretical interpretations of world
politics.

II. The Actor and Their Relations
   A. Describe the international and internal determinants of states’
foreign policy behavior.
   B. Define the rational actor decision making model.
   C. Explain the constraints of foreign policy making and why the foreign
policy decision making process often deviates from the rational actor
model.
   D. Identify the major causes of misperceptions in foreign policy
decision making.
   E. Describe the principle explanations of the causes of World Wars I
and II and the Cold War.
   F. Discuss European Imperialism and its impact on the Global South.
   G. Compare and contrast the theories attempting to explain the lack of
development in much of the Global South.
   H. Discuss the most important international organizations and the major
factors limiting their effectiveness.
   I. Assess the impact of multinational corporations on global society

III. The Politics of Global Welfare
   A. Compare and contrast the theories of mercantilism and capitalism.
   B. Describe the role of an economic hegemon.
   C. Explain the effects of the globalization of finance, trade,
production and labor.
   D. Identify current global demographic population patterns and trends.
   E. Compare and contrast the optimistic and pessimistic demographic
outlook for the future.
   F. Explain the major threats to environmental security and the
preservation of the global commons.
   G. Discuss the concept of sustainable development and the measures
necessary for the global society to achieve that goal.

IV. Global Conflict and its Management
   A. Identify the continuities and changes in armed conflicts in the
world.
   B. Compare and contrast rival theories of the causes of armed
conflict.
   C. Discuss the causes of and the issues involved with reducing the
amount of armed conflict within states.
   D. Describe the changing nature of power in the international system.
   E. Identify the current trends in military spending and the economic
consequences of military preparations for war.
   F. Discuss the value of nuclear weapons as deterrence and defense.
   G. Assess the effectiveness of the major instruments of coercion.
   H. Describe alliances and their impact on national and global
security.
   I. Discuss the concept of collective security and the factors in the
global system precluding establishment of an effective collective security
institution.
   J. Compare and contrast principles and structures international law
with the principles and structures of national law.
   K. Describe the major elements of the United Nations and the impact of
the end of the Cold War on its effectiveness.
   L. Assess political integration as a potential path to peace.
   M. Discuss the theory of the democratic peace.

V. Toward the Twenty-first Century
   A. Summarize the major issues facing the global society in the coming
century and assess the prospects for peace, security and continued
development.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Grades will be based on a minimum of the following:

 1. Three examinations stressing short essay written responses indicating
understanding of the basic terms and concepts indicated in the above
course objectives.
 2. One class discussion leadership project displaying the ability to
verbally explain and defend a position on an important international
issue.
 3. One written paper displaying the ability to:
    a. Research the history of an important international issue. 
    b. Track and summarize events occurring throughout the semester
concerning that issue.
    c. Define United State policy concerning the issue.
    d. Evaluate whether U.S. policy is working and how it might be
improved.

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.