IR 444: Theories of Global Society
School of International Relations
University of Southern California
Monday, Wednesday 3:30-4:50p
Instructor: Jessica Peet
Office Hours: Wednesday 10:00-11:45a and by appointment Office: THH 336
Course Objectives
Global society is an increasingly discussed concept, if not a clearly defined one. Global society can be alternatively conceptualized as a context, an arena, a process, or a set of relationships, depending on one’s particular perspective or theoretical position. This course will explore these different iterations of global society, looking at it as both a theoretical concept and a material phenomenon. Throughout the semester we will pose (and answer!) questions around this concept, such as, what is it? Does it exist? How do we identify its existence? Who are citizens of this society? Is it truly global? We will discuss, analyze, and deconstruct various theories about global society in its current state as well as its potential future state. In the process we will also debate questions about theories of global society, such as is there one “correct” theory of global society? Should theory only describe global society in its current state or should it proscribe the ideal type of global society?
We begin the semester with an overview of the concept of global society and the various actors that populate it. After discussing the ways global society is conceptualized as well as the role of citizenship within the context of global society, we will turn to discussing various theories of global society, looking at how ideas of and about global society both represent a challenge to, as well as a continuation of, the nation-state in the 21st century. We will explore how ideas about citizenship in the 21st century reinforce traditional boundaries of nation-state and national identity. We will also explore current challenges to the nation-state and global society, ranging from globalization and technology to new forms of cultural identity, focusing on how such challenges are (legally, ethically, morally) reshaping our traditional notions of citizen, state and society.
At the end of the semester students will not only have an understanding of what global society is, but also the various ways to theorize and analyze global society as it exists today.
Upon completion of the course, students will also be able to
-Identify social, political, economic, and cultural forces that bear on human experience within society, both here in the US and around the world
-Identify and critically analyze the causes and/or consequences of such forces on global society
-Articulate a definition of global society and offer critical analysis of its influence in their lives and on human life around the world
-Offer informed contributions to debates about how to improve the quality of life and the quality of social relations in the US and around the world
Required Readings
Finnemore, Martha. National Interests in International Society. Cornell Press: 1996
Hudson, Valerie et al. Sex and World Peace. Columbia University Press: 2012
Young, Robert. Post Colonialism: A Very Short Introduction.. Oxford University Press: 2003
***Additional readings will be available on Blackboard***
Course Requirements
Global Society Assignment 5%
Participation 10%
Discussion Lead 20%
Discussion Questions 7%
Midterm 25%
Research Paper 33%
Global Society Writing Assignment (5%)
Global society is all around us, and examples of global society as both an arena and a process abound. However, while we may have an idea of what "global society" is when we discuss it, concretely defining and pointing to it is not always so easy. For this assignment I want you to identify the role or influence of global society within your everyday life, or alternatively, to identify your role and influence within global society.
Students will observe an issue, incidence or event in their lives which illuminates the idea or influence of global society. In 4-5 pages this paper will 1) explain the event, issue, incidence; 2) define global society as you conceptualize it; 3) explore how the event or example presented illustrates your idea of global society; 4) based upon your observations, is global society truly global?; 5) is global society something which you count yourself a member of, why or why not? This assignment will be due on Wednesday 9/3 and must be submitted to turnitin.com prior to the start of class.
Participation (10%)
Participation is extremely important to any college course, but particularly discussion based courses such as this one. Participation points are determined solely by the professor and will be calculated at the end of the semester.
Discussion Lead (20%)
Throughout the semester students will lead a class discussion as a team with another student. The discussion should draw out those concepts and parts of the reading the team finds most important and relevant. It should also apply the readings to our discussion of global society. For example, what do the readings tell us about global society, either as it is now or as it has the potential to be in the future? What (social, political, economic and/or cultural) forces does it identify as being most influential on human experience and society? How does it view the relationship between globalization and global society? What is the role of citizenship? Where do you see these ideas and/or theory playing out in the real world? What are the benefits and drawbacks of approaching global society from the perspective presented? Does this theory provide us with insight in how to improve society, either today or in the future? It is expected that the team will move beyond simply summarizing and regurgitating the readings to the class, and instead will apply the readings to the historical and contemporary state of the international system as well as current and historical events and processes occurring within the system. Thus it is expected that the team presenting should draw on current events, prior course discussion, personal experiences, etc., and incorporate this into their discussion. Teams may also pose questions to the class in order to spur discussion and there will also be ample time for students to pose their own questions to the team. The discussion lead is worth 15% of the grade. Additional requirements and instructions will be handed out in class.
Each team must also provide the instructor with an outline and summary of key points of the presentation. This paper should be sent to me NO LATER than noon the day prior to your scheduled discussion. The outline is worth 5% of the grade.
Discussion Questions (7%)
Each student will prepare a discussion question for each class presentation, except the one you lead. This question should be a thoughtful and detailed question on the topic and readings discussed that week in order to provide a foundation for further discussion. Students should be prepared to ask their question to the presenting team. Each question is worth 1% and students must hand in a total of 7 questions during the semester. Questions are due immediately following the class discussion.
Midterm (25%)
The midterm will be essay based and will cover everything discussed in class to date. It will be a take home exam and will be due Monday, October 20th.
Research Paper (33%)
The research paper will offer you the opportunity to analyze global society with reference to the theories and concepts presented in class discussions and readings. The grade for the research paper will be based on three components: the research question, an outline and working bibliography, and the final draft. Additional instructions and requirements will be handed out in class
Research Question (3%)
It is the responsibility of the student to meet with the instructor to discuss their chosen research topic. After meeting with the professor, students will hand in a written proposal (no more than 1 page) of their research topic. This must be submitted as a hard copy at the beginning of class Monday, September 29th.
Outline and Working Bibliography (5%)
You must submit a 2-3 page outline of the research paper along with a bibliography of sources you plan to use. This must be submitted as a hard copy at the beginning of class Monday October 27th.
Rough Draft
You will submit a rough draft of your research paper prior to final submission in order to gain feedback for your final draft. The rough draft will be due at the beginning of class Wednesday, November 12.
Final Draft (20%)
The final draft must be submitted to turnitin.com and will be due during our regular final period.
Grading Scale
The final course grades will be based upon the following grade scale:
93 – 100 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+ 63-66 D 60-62 D-
0-59 E
A Note On Grading
This is a college course, thus I expect you to do college work. Doing work that is not sufficient will result in a lowered grade. As the professor in this course I determine what is acceptable and what is not. I will not haggle over grades. If you complain to me about your grade or ask me to change a grade without a very good reason, I reserve the right to regrade the assignment and potentially take additional points off of that assignment.
Also, DO NOT email me at the end of the semester to inquire about a grade. I WILL NOT respond to such emails. Any questions you have about final grades can be addressed the following semester during a prearranged meeting time.
A Note on Participation
Participation is extremely important to any college course, but particularly discussion based courses such as this one. I am running this course similar to a graduate course. This means that YOU (the student) will be taking an active role in leading class discussion. Thus you must participate in class EVERY week, and preferably every class period. I understand that some of you may have a fear of public speaking or participating, but you must know that excuse will not be acceptable in this course. Global society is as much an idea or concept as it is a phenomena of International Relations, thus to understand and deconstruct it we must share our ideas and our interpretation of other’s ideas. You CANNOT pass this class without participating!
A Note on Attendance
I expect you to treat this class as you would any form of commitment. Thus the expectation is that you will be in every class and you will not be late or leave early. Excessive absence, tardiness or leaving class early will result in points being taken off your participation grade. Students are allowed two unexcused absences, anything over two and your grade will be affected.
In the event of an EXCUSED illness, students should notify the professor prior to the deadline and no later than 24 hours after it has passed. Students must also provide proper documentation from their physician or another acceptable source.
A Note on Recommendation Letters
Given the extensive requests I receive for recommendation letters I have implemented the following policy for ALL students. I will only accept requests for recommendation letters if you have taken at least two classes with me and received an A in both courses. If the previous requirements are met, I cannot guarantee that I will write you a letter, but I will take your request into consideration.
A Note On Emails
I am more than happy to respond and/or converse over email. Given the very busy schedules all of us have, I understand that sometimes email is the best and easiest way to contact me. However, I WILL NOT respond to your emails if 1) the information you are seeking and/or asking about is in the syllabus; 2) the information can be found on Blackboard; 3) I have addressed what you are inquiring about multiple times in class; 4) you ask me about a concept the night before an exam or date your assignment is due.
Important Policies:
Classroom Conduct:
Please be courteous at all times to your instructor and fellow students. Respect and tolerance is at the core of classroom discussion and I expect students and the professor to follow this at all times. All cell phones and similar devices should be switched off during class and should remain out of sight. Texting or surfing the web in class is NOT allowed. Participation is a large part of your grade and one cannot participate in classroom discussion if they are busy texting, on facebook, tweeting, etc. I also reserve the right to ban laptops and ipads if I feel this becomes too much of an issue.
Communications
The best way to communicate with me is during office hours. I hold office hours for that exact reason and I am always happy to schedule an appointment outside of office hours if you are unable to meet with me during that time. I encourage students to drop by and raise any issues or ask any questions they may have. You may also contact me by email. I will attempt to respond to emails within 24 hours, though please give me 48 hours to respond before sending a follow up, ACCEPT ON WEEKENDS. I do not guarantee that I will check my email regularly on weekends thus, if you email me on Saturday please do not expect a response until Monday. I will also, at times, communicate with you through email or BLACKBOARD. It is your responsibility to check your emails and BLACKBOARD for any communications.