PS 4. Introduction to International Politics

Political Science 4 Professor Raymond Hopkins
Fall 2004 8:30 and 9:55 T, Th INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

This course examines basic politics among states and other "actors" in the international arena. The first portion of the course will focus on historical cases, using these to illustrate important problems in international politics and proposals to address them. The second portion investigates contemporary issues.

Books
Among books (all in paperback) used in 2005 (available in the bookstore) are:

Robert Gilpin, The Challenge of Global Capitalism (2000)
G. John Ikenberry, After Victory (Princeton, 2001)
Thomas Freidman, The Lexus and the Olive Tree (2000)
John G. Stoessinger, Why Nations go to War (8th or any recent edition)

Course Requirements
1) Two papers (of about 8 pages or 2000 words +/- 150). Topics for each of the papers will be distributed in advance. The first paper will be due March 4, the second paper April 22. Each paper will count for 20% of the course grade.
2) A final examination which will count for 50% of the grade in the course.
3) Class participation will count 10%. Half of this will be based on normal classes; half will rest on contribution to leading a class during the last six weeks of the term.

Detailed syllabus with weekly assignments is available in PDF format. Click on link here PS4