POLI 399 Outline 2016/17 Winter Contemporary World Politics

COURSE NUMBER:

POLI 399

COURSE TITLE:

Special Topics in Political Science 2016/17 Winter: Topics and Issues in Contemporary World Politics

NAME OF INSTRUCTOR:

Dr John Hiemstra

CREDIT WEIGHT AND WEEKLY TIME DISTRIBUTION:

credits 3(hrs lect 3 - hrs sem 0 - hrs lab 0)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

A course on a topic or figure of special interest to a member of the political science faculty and offered on a non-recurring basis.

This seminar style course examines a variety of special topics and issues in contemporary World Politics, such as, terrorism, peace-making, economic development in the global south, global eco-politics, climate change and politics, population growth, human trafficking, information and global communications, clash of civilizations, and others.

Prerequisites: POLI 205; some topics may have more specific prerequisites.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

The articles, chapters and book assigned in the topical outline of this syllabus, and additional materials identified on Moodle or put on Library reserve.

Read a major newspaper [paper or online versions] such as the Globe and Mail, National Post, ‘Edmonton Journal,’ (available in the TKU library and online), The Guardian [UK], or Washington Post [USA], for breaking international stories.

MARK DISTRIBUTION IN PERCENT:


Reflective responses (8)	40%
Participation	20%
Final Exam	40%
	100%

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

to analyze major issues and problems in world politics in light of the dynamics and structures of the contemporary international system
to explain the interlinkages between the political, economic, social and ecological dimensions of contemporary global problems
to understand the deeper worldviews shaping contemporary world problems, global system(s), as well as theories of world politics and engage them from a Christian perspective
to pose questions to, and search for answers for, key global problems

COURSE OUTLINE:

Topic I: Visions of the ‘future of world politics’ – Mapping the terrain
Topic II: United States, Empire and the World
Topic III: Religion and global politics
Case Study: Middle East - Israel and the Palestinians
Topic IV: War and Peace
Topic V: Economics, Globalization and Poverty
Topic VI: Ecology and the political future of the world
Topic VII: Faith and the Sub-discipline of International Relations/Global Politics
Case Study: Omar Khadr: War, terror, religion, & human rights

Required texts, assignments, and grade distributions may vary from one offering of this course to the next. Please consult the course instructor for up to date details.