PSCI 2500
INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS
COURSE POLICIES
Item | Points |
Chapter quizzes (10) | 275 |
After-class quizzes (apprx 22) | 220 |
IR challenges quizzes (8) | 160 |
Exam I | 100 |
Exam II | 100 |
Final Exam | 145 |
Total | 1000 |
Course Description
What rules, principles, norms and conventions govern how states interact in the contemporary world? Are states free to act as they wish or do they face constraints from international institutions, power asymmetries and even self-interest? What are the mechanisms by which we seek to enhance cooperation and manage conflict? This semester, we will address these and other questions pertaining to international politics. The course will utilize a text supplemented with videos and additional readings.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
Skills
Course learning outcomes intersect with these WMU and College of Arts and Sciences global learning outcomes:
Academic Freedom
You have the right to engage in reasoned disagreement with me without any penalty to your grade. I have the right to challenge any belief, ideology, worldview, or attitude you have, including those beliefs you hold sacred. Students likewise have this right with each other and me. Everyone has the right to express his or her views without fear of bullying or reprisal. I or another student may ask you to support your view with evidence, logic, or an expression of values, just as you may ask of me or anyone else in class. Respectful disagreements and challenges should not be seen as attacks or insults, but as part of the reasoned dialogue we engage in as students, professors, and citizens. Look at disagreements as an opportunity to explore your own views as well as attempt to see an alternative viewpoint as if it were your own, even if only temporarily in order to understand it better. Understand that intellectual discomfort is a stepping stone to better understanding all points of view – even our own. And it is a critical foundation for learning.
Readings
The assigned text for the course is Steven Lamy, Introduction to Global Politics, 5th edition (it is essential you get the 5th edition; otherwise, pagination will be incorrect and you will not be able to answer some quiz questions).
Requirements and Grading
Elearning
The elearning site for this course is where you will find the following:
Quizzes and Exams
Much of the evaluation of your learning in this class will take the form of quizzes. All quizzes are on elearning and can be taken with notes and readings in front of you. However, quizzes will be timed, so don't start a quiz and then open a reading assignment for the firt time.
There are three types of quizzes:
There are three exams. Each will have a mix of multiple choice, short answer and short essay questions.
Oops Passes
Given the fact that we are in extraordinary times (The Time of Covid), each student will have four "oops" passes that can be used to compensate for missed deadlines (think: get-out-of-jail-free cards if you know the Monopoly game). Each "oops" will give you three additional days to complete the quiz, no questions asked. Note that they do not apply to exams; if you must miss an exam deadline, you must let us know in advance to be able to make it up.
Make-up Exams
If you do not notify me in advance, and if I do not approve of the reason for being absent, you will not be allowed to make up exams. Excused absences include significant illness, death in the family, and the like. Excuses not accepted: having to work, a major assignment due in another class, a planned family or personal vacation, oversleeping, volunteer activity or a student activities event, and so on.
Religious Observances
WMU has a religious observances policy that I will follow as much as possible. Note that advance notification is essential, the more the better.
Students with Disabilities
I will make every effort to accommodate students with verified disabilities. Please see me to discuss it.
Communication
I will communicate with you often. You are responsible for monitoring communications. To communicate with us, you should use email. Leaving a message on my office voice mail will likely result in a delayed response (frankly, I never check it since no one relies on phone calls anymore). We will do everything we can to answer your email message promptly. Please help us distinguish between important messages from you and annoying spam from pranksters and criminals by using your WMU address. Also, when you write to us, please put "PSCI 2500" in the subject line. I cannot guarantee that emails that do not follow these instructions will be answered promptly.
Academic Integrity
Students are responsible for making themselves aware of and understanding the University policies and procedures that pertain to Academic Honesty. These policies include cheating, fabrication, falsification and forgery, multiple submission, plagiarism, complicity and computer misuse. The academic policies addressing Student Rights and Responsibilities can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog. If there is reason to believe you have been involved in academic dishonesty, you will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct. You will be given the opportunity to review the charge(s) and if you believe you are not responsible, you will have the opportunity for a hearing. You should consult with your instructor if you are uncertain about an issue of academic honesty prior to the submission of an assignment or test.
Students and instructors are responsible for making themselves aware of and abiding by the “Western Michigan University Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Violence, Intimate Partner Violence, and Stalking Policy and Procedures” related to prohibited sexual misconduct under Title IX, the Clery Act and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and Campus Safe. Under this policy, responsible employees (including instructors) are required to report claims of sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator or designee (located in the Office of Institutional Equity). Responsible employees are not confidential resources. For a complete list of resources and more information about the policy see University Sexual Assault and Misconduct Policy.
In addition, students are encouraged to access the Code of Conduct, as well as resources and general academic policies on such issues as diversity, religious observance, and student disabilities:
Grading Scale
Scale
100-93% = A
92-88% = BA
87-83% = B
82-78% = CB
77-73% = C
72-68% = DC
67-60% = D
below 60% = E
Semester Points
1000-930 = A
929-880 = BA
879-830 = B
829-780 = CB
779-730 = C
729-680 = DC
679-600 = D
below 600 = E