SEMINAR IN
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
POLITICAL SCIENCE 737
Thursday 3:30-6:20pm
Dr. Dennis V. Hickey
Office: Strong Hall 325
Tel: 836-5850
Fall 2011
Office. Hours: Tuesday 3:00-5:00pm; Wednesday 12:00-3:00;
Or by appointment
Email:
dennishickey@missouristate.edu
Homepage:
http://courses.missouristate.edu/DennisHickey/hickey.htm
Useful Links Page:
http://courses.missouristate.edu/DennisHickey/useful%20links.htm
Class Objectives: This seminar is designed to provide students with an overview and introduction to the substance and theory of international organizations and multilateral relations in the contemporary global system. The course will explore the roles of international organizations in the areas of peace and security, human rights, humanitarian assistance, development, international trade and finance, the environment and other areas beyond traditional national jurisdiction. In terms of institutions, while particular attention will be given to intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) such as the United Nations and related agencies and programs, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will be examined as well.
Books: Margaret P. Karns and Karen A. Mingst, International Organizations: The Politics and Processes of Global Governance (Denver: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2010)
Other Readings: PDF files of other readings will be emailed to students. It is critically important that you print these articles and that you use your “Bear-mail” account so you may receive them. Some--but not all--of these additional readings are listed on the syllabus below.
Hand-outs: From time to time, hand-outs will be distributed in class. Students are expected to read/study these materials. Also, some materials will be emailed to students.
Films: From time to time, we will watch some documentary films. Students are expected to pay attention and take notes during films.
Attendance: Attendance is always important. But it is critically important when a class meets only once per week. If you cannot or will not attend class, please drop this class. Be forewarned, some questions on the exams may be from material NOT covered in your texts. Disruptive behavior (including chatting in class, playing on Facebook or your computer, chronic late arrival) is not tolerated. For information explaining how those engaging in disruptive behavior will be removed from the class, please see the link at http://www.missouristate.edu/registrar/classdis.html
Exams: Two examinations (essay). Weekly reading assignments are essential preparation for each class meeting and examination. Some questions may be drawn from materials presented only in class. Please budget your time. Following the exam, we will take a short break and then begin the next section of the course.
"Exams & Papers!"
Papers: Each student is required to submit, on November 17th, a term paper, approximately 15 pages in length (size 12 font, 1 inch margins), on a topic approved in advance with me. The topic should relate to the activities of international organizations in attempting to deal with a particular problem or issue area. Your paper will include an introduction discussing the background, problem area and general issues (roughly 2 pages); a section which explores what is being accomplished and how (roughly 5 pages); a section which analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of what is being done (roughly 5 pages); and a conclusion which indicates what you think ought be done and why (roughly 3 pages). The last day to submit a topic for approval is October 6, 2011.
Special Assignment #1—Group Presentations and Debate: The topic for the debate is not whether or not the United Nations should be “reformed.” Rather, the topic is how the UN should be reformed. As described in the CRS document that you will read after our first meeting (see below), the “developed” countries and the “developing countries” hold different perspectives toward this issue. The seminar will be divided into two teams---one representing the “developed” country perspective and it will explain why various proposals that ought to be adopted by the global body. The other team will represent the “developing” countries perspective and explain various proposals that should be adopted. Irrespective of your personal feelings, you need to represent your team’s perspective. Each team must team must prepare a 30 minute presentation (all team members should participate in the presentation), and then have two 15 minute rebuttal periods. We will then have a general discussion of conclusions that might be drawn from the debate.
Special Assignment #2—Model UN: On November 7-8, Missouri State University will host the MidAmerican Model United Nations (MAMUN) at Plaster Student Union. After meeting with Ms. Ann Fuhrman, Adviser for the MAMUN (details about the meeting will be announced in class), students will spend several hours participating in the MAMUN activities on November 7 and/or 8. Please be sure to stay current with global politics (particularly UN issues) so you will be prepared to contribute meaningfully to the success of the MAMUN. As students are participating in the MAMUN, there will be no seminar on November 10 (week twelve). After the MAMUN meets, each student will submit a 2 to 3 page summary of their activities during this event. Your participation in this event will be included as a part of your “participation grade” (see grades below).
Grades: Each exam will be weighed equally (each counts about 20% of your semester grade). Also, the group project is worth 20%, the paper is worth 20%, and meaningful (constructive) participation is worth 20%. So, your final grade will be determined as follows:
Exam 1: 20%
Exam 2: 20%
Project: 20%
Paper: 20%
Participation: 20%
Grading System: MSU switched to the “plus and minus” grading system a few years ago. The system used in this seminar is as follows:
93-99% A
90-92% A-
87-89% B+
83-86% B
80-82% B-
77-79% C+
73-76% C
70-72% C-
67-69% D+
60-66% D
Graduate Student Discussion: Almost every week, students will be expected to summarize readings, answer discussion questions and lead class discussion. Student should be prepared to participate in all areas of the discussion. Discussion questions will be distributed by the professor.
Non Discrimination Statement: Missouri State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution, and maintains a grievance procedure available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. At all times, it is your right to address inquiries or concerns about possible discrimination to the Office for Equity and Diversity, Park Central Office Building, 117 Park Central Square, Suite 111, (417) 836-4252. Other types of concerns (i.e., concerns of an academic nature) should be discussed directly with your instructor and can also be brought to the attention of your instructor’s Department Head. Please visit the OED website at www.missouristate.edu/equity/.
Disability Accommodation: To request academic accommodations for a disability, contact the Director of Disability Services, Plaster Student Union, Suite 405, (417) 836-4192 or (417) 836-6792 (TTY), www.missouristate.edu/disability. Students are required to provide documentation of disability to Disability Services prior to receiving accommodations. Disability Services refers some types of accommodation requests to the Learning Diagnostic Clinic, which also provides diagnostic testing for learning and psychological disabilities. For information about testing, contact the Director of the Learning Diagnostic Clinic, (417) 836-4787, http://psychology.missouristate.edu/ldc.
Academic Dishonesty: Missouri State University is a community of scholars committed to developing educated persons who accept the responsibility to practice personal and academic integrity. You are responsible for knowing and following the university’s student honor code, Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures, available at www.missouristate.edu/assets/provost/AcademicIntegrityPolicyRev-1-08.pdf and also available at the Reserves Desk in Meyer Library. Any student participating in any form of academic dishonesty will be subject to sanctions as described in this policy. WARNING: Plagiarism on your briefing book could earn you a failing grade on the project and/or in the seminar.
Dropping the Seminar: It is your responsibility to understand the University’s procedure for dropping a class. If you stop attending this class but do not follow proper procedure for dropping the class, you will receive a failing grade and will also be financially obligated to pay for the class. For information about dropping a class or withdrawing from the university, contact the Office of the Registrar at 836-5520.
Cell Phones, Pagers, etc: .As a member of the learning community, each student has a responsibility to other students who are members of the community. When cell phones or pagers ring and students respond in class or leave class to respond, it disrupts the class. Therefore, the Office of the Provost prohibits the use by students of cell phones, pagers, PDAs, or similar communication devices during scheduled classes. All such devices must be turned off or put in a silent (vibrate) mode and ordinarily should not be taken out during class. Given the fact that these same communication devices are an integral part of the University’s emergency notification system, an exception to this policy would occur when numerous devices activate simultaneously. When this occurs, students may consult their devices to determine if a university emergency exists. If that is not the case, the devices should be immediately returned to silent mode and put away. Other exceptions to this policy may be granted at the discretion of the instructor. For example, Dr. Hickey will make allowances for sick child or immediate relative, pregnancy, and so forth. Discuss your situation with him.
Emergency Response Syllabi Statement: Students who require assistance during an emergency evacuation must discuss their needs with their professors and Disability Services. If you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible. For additional information students should contact the Office of Disability Services, 836-4192 (PSU 405), or Larry Combs, Interim Assistant Director of Public Safety and Transportation at 836-6576. For further information on Missouri State University’s Emergency Response Plan, please refer to the following web site: http://www.missouristate.edu/safetran/erp.htm.
Class Schedule: A class schedule follows. Please note, however, that this schedule (including examination dates) is subject to change. For example, cataclysmic world events (turmoil in western China, a bigger war in the Middle East, snow in Springfield, etc.) and/or class discussion may necessitate a change in the schedule. In this respect, attendance may be of critical importance--all changes in schedule will be announced in class.
PART A: UNDERSTANDING GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
AND THE EVOLVING PIECES OF GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
WEEK ONE: AUGUST 25, 2011
Introduction to Seminar
WEEK TWO: SEPTEMBER 1, 2011
Student Teams Meet to Discuss Projects, Responsibilities and “Division of Labor” from 3:30pm to 5:00pm in our seminar room.
READ: Luisa Blanchfield, “United Nations Reform: US Policy and International Perspectives,” in Congressional Research Service Report for Congress, July 7, 2011 on the world wide web at: http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RL33848.pdf
WEEK THREE: SEPTEMBER 8, 2011
Topic: Understanding Global Governance: The Challenges of Global Governance and the Theoretical Foundations of Global Governance
READ: Chapters 1 and 2 in The Politics and Processes of Global Governance (Denver: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2010).
RECOMMENDED: Jennifer Chan, “Between Efficiency, Capability and Recognition: Competing Epistemes in Global Governance Reforms,” Comparative Education, August 2007. This article will be emailed to students.
WEEK FOUR: SEPTEMBER 15, 2011
Topic: Evolving Pieces of Global Governance: Foundations of the Pieces of Global Governance and the United Nations as the Centerpiece of Global Governance
READ: Chapters 3, and 4 in The Politics and Processes of Global Governance (Denver: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2010).
READ: Donald Puchala “Regional Hegemony and the United Nations,” International Studies Review, December 2005. This article will be emailed to students.
WEEK FIVE: SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
Topic: Evolving Pieces of Global Governance: Regional Organizations and Non-state Actors
READ: Chapters 5 and 6 in The Politics and Processes of Global Governance (Denver: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2010).
READ: Craig Arceneaux and David Pion-Berlin, “Issues, Threats and Institutions: Explaining OAS Responses to Democratic Dilemmas in Latin America,” Latin American Politics and Society, Summer 2007. This article will be emailed to students.
WEEK SIX: SEPTEMBER 29, 2011
Topic: Evolving Pieces of Global Governance: the Role of States in Global Governance
READ: Chapter 7 in The Politics and Processes of Global Governance (Denver: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2010).
READ: Thomas Weiss, “What Happened to the Idea of World Government?” International Studies Quarterly, Number 53, 2009. This article will be emailed to students.
WEEK SEVEN: OCTOBER 6
Exam One (bring blue book to class) and last day to submit an individual paper proposal for approval.
PART B: THE NEED FOR GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
WEEK EIGHT: OCTOBER 13
Fall Break: No Class
WEEK NINE: OCTOBER 20
Topic: The Need for Global Governance: The Search for Peace and Security and Promoting Human Development and Economic Well-Being
READ: Chapters 8 and 9 in The Politics and Processes of Global Governance (Denver: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2010).
READ: Ramesh Thakur, “From Peacekeeping to Peace Enforcement: the UN Operation in Somalia,” Journal of Modern African Studies, Volume 32, Number 3, 1994. This article will be emailed to students.
WEEK TEN: OCTOBER 27
Topic: The Need for Global Governance: Protecting Human Rights and Protecting the Environment
READ: Chapter 10 in The Politics and Processes of Global Governance (Denver: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2010).
WEEK ELEVEN: NOVEMBER 3
Topic: The Need for Global
Governance: Protecting Human Rights and Protecting the Environment
READ: Chapter 11 in The Politics and Processes of Global Governance (Denver:
Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2010).
READ: Ramesh Thakur, “Human Rights: Amnesty International and the United Nations,” Journal of Peace Research, Volume 31, 1994. This article will be emailed to students.
WEEK TWELVE: NOVEMBER 10
No Seminar because student will participate in Model United Nations on November 7 and/or 8.
WEEK THIRTEEN: NOVEMBER 17
Terms papers are due. If all readings in “Part B” have been covered, we will watch a film on international organizations.
WEEK FOURTEEN: NOVEMBER 22 (TUESDAY EVENING)
Exam 2 (this is the week when seminars scheduled on Thursdays are moved to Tuesday). Please do NOT make any travel plans for Tuesday—you have three months advance notice.
PART C: SEMINAR PRESENTATIONS
WEEK FIFTEEN: DECEMBER 1
There will be no seminar. Rather, student teams will meet to polish their group project presentation that will be delivered in our seminar on December 8.
WEEK SIXTEEN: DECEMBER 8 (GROUP PRESENTATIONS)
Group Presentations and Debate!
Miscellaneous Information And Some Important Dates
For your convenience,
some important dates are provided below. For more detailed information, please
see the MSU academic calendar at:
http://calendar.missouristate.edu/academic.aspx
August 22: Fall Semester Begins
August 25: First Day of our Class
September 5 Labor Day (Monday)
October 6 Exam 1 and last day to submit paper proposal
October 13: Fall Break
November 17: Term Papers Due
November 22: Exam 2
December 8: Group Presentations
December 15: Exams Returned and refreshments!
RETURN TO DR. DENNIS HICKEY'S HOMEPAGE