International Politics
PLSC 325: American Foreign Policy
Dr. Williams
MWF 1:40pm / LSC
This course examines the process of American foreign policy making, as well as some of the examples of these policies. We will discuss American foreign policy as it has evolved since the Second World War as well as the various patterns and sources of policy. We conclude with a projection of American policy in the future. Throughout the course, we will consider the ethical (and practical) implications of foreign policy choices and their alternatives. Students will be encouraged to form their own judgment on these issues as the gain an appreciation of the background that shapes American policies and the constraints faced by policymakers as they attempt to define and promote the national interest. Electronic mail and electronic newsgroup will be integral parts of the course and students will become familiar with resources available on the internet.
PLSC 331: The Military and Society in the 21st Century
Dr. Sarkesian
TTh 11:30am / LSC
The 21st Century is characterized by a international strategic landscape in turmoil, often described as "fog of peace." This has created complex and difficult problems for the U.S. military. Not only must the military be prepared for conflicts across the conflict spectrum, it must function within the "orbit" of American society. In sum, the U.S. military must be prepared to undertake any mission or contingency directed by the national leadership and do this in accord with democratic principles and societal expectations. These matters will be examined in two dimensions. First, we will examine the nature and character of the American military and how it relates to American society. Second, the first dimension will be applied to case studies of war/conflict involving the U.S. military including the wars in Vietnam, the Balkans, the Persian Gulf, and the Middle East. The final part of the course assesses the effectiveness of the U.S. military in the 21st Century, its institutional structure, and its ability to function within the "orbit" of American political-social system.
PLSC 340: International Relations of Africa
Dr. Schraeder
TTh 10:00am / LSC
This course introduces you to the international relations of the African continent. Since an understanding of the past is crucial to our understanding of the present, we will first explore the international relations of the African continent during the precolonial independence era (prior to 1884), followed by an assessment of the impact that colonial rule (roughly 1884-1951) exerted on these relationships. The primary focus of the course, however, is the nature and evolution of African international relations during the post-cold war era (1989-present), with a special emphasis on the post-9/11 era (2001-present). Themes to be discussed include war and conflict resolution, democracy promotion, the challenges of regional integration and development, and the global HIV/AIDs crisis. The course will focus on Africa's evolving ties with a wide array of international actors, including regional organizations (such as the European Union and the Organization of African Unity), international organizations (such as the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund), and the great powers of the international system (such as China, Germany, and the United States).
PLSC 351: Latin America in the International System
Dr. Sanchez
MWF 10:25am / LSC
Latin America is receiving greater attention owing to recent economic and political crises, the illicit drug trade, and the move toward economic integration in the Western hemisphere. While some view the rise of free trade in the region as a positive step, others perceive free trade as the destruction of their livelihood. This course looks at how the international system has affected Latin America, as well as how the region has reacted to the system. During the semester, we will examine Latin America's international interactions with the United States. Then, we will explore the possibilities for Latin America in the "new world order." At the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of how U.S. influence, revolutionary insurgencies, trade, the illicit narcotics traffic, human rights concerns, and international organizations have both positively and negatively affected Latin America.
LSC=Lake Shore Campus
WTC=Water Tower Campus
PLSC 325: American Foreign Policy
Dr. Williams
MWF 1:40pm / LSC
This course examines the process of American foreign policy making, as well as some of the examples of these policies. We will discuss American foreign policy as it has evolved since the Second World War as well as the various patterns and sources of policy. We conclude with a projection of American policy in the future. Throughout the course, we will consider the ethical (and practical) implications of foreign policy choices and their alternatives. Students will be encouraged to form their own judgment on these issues as the gain an appreciation of the background that shapes American policies and the constraints faced by policymakers as they attempt to define and promote the national interest. Electronic mail and electronic newsgroup will be integral parts of the course and students will become familiar with resources available on the internet.
PLSC 331: The Military and Society in the 21st Century
Dr. Sarkesian
TTh 11:30am / LSC
The 21st Century is characterized by a international strategic landscape in turmoil, often described as "fog of peace." This has created complex and difficult problems for the U.S. military. Not only must the military be prepared for conflicts across the conflict spectrum, it must function within the "orbit" of American society. In sum, the U.S. military must be prepared to undertake any mission or contingency directed by the national leadership and do this in accord with democratic principles and societal expectations. These matters will be examined in two dimensions. First, we will examine the nature and character of the American military and how it relates to American society. Second, the first dimension will be applied to case studies of war/conflict involving the U.S. military including the wars in Vietnam, the Balkans, the Persian Gulf, and the Middle East. The final part of the course assesses the effectiveness of the U.S. military in the 21st Century, its institutional structure, and its ability to function within the "orbit" of American political-social system.
PLSC 340: International Relations of Africa
Dr. Schraeder
TTh 10:00am / LSC
This course introduces you to the international relations of the African continent. Since an understanding of the past is crucial to our understanding of the present, we will first explore the international relations of the African continent during the precolonial independence era (prior to 1884), followed by an assessment of the impact that colonial rule (roughly 1884-1951) exerted on these relationships. The primary focus of the course, however, is the nature and evolution of African international relations during the post-cold war era (1989-present), with a special emphasis on the post-9/11 era (2001-present). Themes to be discussed include war and conflict resolution, democracy promotion, the challenges of regional integration and development, and the global HIV/AIDs crisis. The course will focus on Africa's evolving ties with a wide array of international actors, including regional organizations (such as the European Union and the Organization of African Unity), international organizations (such as the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund), and the great powers of the international system (such as China, Germany, and the United States).
PLSC 351: Latin America in the International System
Dr. Sanchez
MWF 10:25am / LSC
Latin America is receiving greater attention owing to recent economic and political crises, the illicit drug trade, and the move toward economic integration in the Western hemisphere. While some view the rise of free trade in the region as a positive step, others perceive free trade as the destruction of their livelihood. This course looks at how the international system has affected Latin America, as well as how the region has reacted to the system. During the semester, we will examine Latin America's international interactions with the United States. Then, we will explore the possibilities for Latin America in the "new world order." At the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of how U.S. influence, revolutionary insurgencies, trade, the illicit narcotics traffic, human rights concerns, and international organizations have both positively and negatively affected Latin America.
LSC=Lake Shore Campus
WTC=Water Tower Campus