Course Description: World Politics introduces students to the study of international relations and also to the debates over certain global issues. In the first part of the semester we examine some of the theoretical frameworks scholars use to investigate the relations between nations and nation-states. We also examine various explanations for war and for the level and distribution of the globe's wealth. The emphasis is on developing analytical skills rather than on memorizing names and dates in this first part of the course. In part two, we take a closer look at some global political issues, including the threat posed by nuclear proliferation and the deteriorating quality of life of many of the world's people.

Requirements and Grades: Students are expected to complete all of the required readings listed on this syllabus. They also must write two midquarter exams during classes on Monday, October 12 and on Wednesday, November 4, and a final exam on Tuesday, December 8, 1:30-3:30 p.m. These exams will be of the in-class, closed book type. Each student must take all three examinations to receive a passing grade for the course, whether he or she is registered on the A/N or S/N systems. To receive an S course grade on the S/N system, he or she must earn an overall grade of C-.

Grades will be calculated on the following basis: midquarter exams 30% and the final exam 40%. Incompletes (I's) will be given only in exceptional circumstances.

NO MAKE-UP EXAMINATIONS ARE SCHEDULED FOR THIS COURSE. MAKE-UP EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN ONLY IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES AND THEN ONLY WHEN THE STUDENT PROVIDES THE INSTRUCTOR WITH DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE OF ILLNESS OR OF SOME OTHER CAUSE FOR NOT TAKING THE EXAM AT THE SCHEDULED TIME AND PLACE.

Joshua S. Goldstein, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, Third Edition, N.Y.: Longman, 1999.

Joan E. Spero and Jeffrey A. Hart, THE POLITICS OF INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC RELATIONS, Fifth Edition, N.Y.: St. Martins, 1997.

John Stoessinger, WHY NATIONS GO TO WAR, Seventh Edition, N.Y. St. Martin's, 1998.

Internet Supplements: An experimental web page is available to students. It can be accessed via the department's address: www.polisci.umn.edu. The web page contains records of some supplemental materials. Schedule reminders also will appear on it. Use of the web page is optional. ( Note that the Professor and Teaching Assistants can be contacted via email. The Professor's email is given above. The Teaching Assistants' email addresses will be distributed during class. )