Professor Changrok Soh

Korea University

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World Politics: Theory and Practice

I. Course Overview

  • This course examines leading contemporary theories of world politics, showing how each theory contributes uniquely to the larger literature. The main objectives of the course are to provide students with a useful set of analytical tools, an appreciation of the different approaches to it, and an understanding of some of the major issues facing contemporary policymakers. The course will also discuss current issues such as regionalism and humanitarian interventions. In addition, it offers students an opportunity to refine presentation and discussion skills.

II. Requirements

  • Students are expected to read all required readings each week and participate in discussions regularly during lectures.
  • There will be group presentations. Students will be divided into several groups and each group will make the presentation on the chosen topic.There is no group paper. Extra readings for these presentations are recommended.
  • There will be a midtermand final examination. The midterm will consist of multiple choice and short answers and it will be an in-class exam. The final will be a take-home 24-hour essay exam. Citations are required! Plagiarism in any form will result to a lowered or failing grade.
III. Evaluation
  • Course Participation: 20%
  • Presentation: 30%
  • Examinations: 50%
IV. Textbooks

▪John Baylis and Steve Smith, The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations

▪World Politics Supplement Reading Packet

V. Topics and Readings for the Course3/4Introduction: What is World Politics?

▪Baylis and Smith: Chapter 1

3/11History of International Relations: Globalization of World Politics

▪Baylis and Smith: Chapter 2-4

▪Supplementary readings:

  • Francis Fukuyama “The End of History”
  • Jack Snyder “One World, Rival Theories”
  • Thucydides “Melian Dialogue”

3/18International Relations Theories: Realism

▪Baylis and Smith: Chapter 5

▪Supplementary readings:

  • Hans J. Morgenthau “A Realist Theory of International Politics and Political Power”
  • John Mearsheimer “Anarchy and the Struggle for Power”
  • Samuel Hungtingon “The Clash of Civilizations”

3/25International Relations Theories: Liberalism

Contemporary Mainstream Approaches: Neo-realism & Neo-liberalism

▪Baylis and Smith: Chapter 6-7

▪Supplementary readings:

  • Michael Doyle “Liberalism & World Politics
  • Hedley Bull “Does Order Exist in World Politics”
  • Robert O. Keohane “Neorealism and its Critics”

4/1International Relations Theories: Marxism, Social Constructivism,

Poststructuralism, & International Ethics

▪Baylis and Smith: Chapter 9-11

▪Supplementary readings:

  • Immanuel Wallerstein “The Rise and Future Demise of the World Capitalist System: Concepts for Comparative Analysis”
  • Alexander Wendt “Anarchy is What States Make of It: The Social Construction of Power Politics”
  • Robert Cox “Social Forces, States and World Order”

4/8International Relations Structures & Processes: War, Security, & Political Economy

[Group 1 Presentation] Ch.16: Gender in World Politics

▪Baylis and Smith: Chapter 13-15

▪Supplementary readings:

  • Carl Von Clausewitz “War as an Instrument of Policy”
  • Barry R. Posen “The Security Dilemma and Ethnic Conflict”
  • Robert Gilpin “The Nature of Political Economy”

4/15International Relations Structures & Processes: International Law, Regimes, & the United Nations

[Group 2Presentation] Ch. 20: Transnational Actors & International Organizations

▪Baylis and Smith: Chapter 17-19

▪Supplementary readings:

  • Stephen D. Krasner “Structural Causes and Regime Consequences”
  • Robert Keohane and Joseph S. Nye “Power and Interdependence” (Ch.2)
  • Robert Alexrod “The Evolution of Cooperation” (Ch.1-2)

4/22Midterm Examination

4/29International Issues: Terrorism and Globalization, Nuclear Proliferation & Global Trade and Finance

[Group 3Presentation] Ch. 22: Terrorism & Ch. 23: Nuclear Proliferation

[Group 4Presentation] Ch. 27: Global Trade and Finance

▪Baylis and Smith: Chapter 22, 23 & 27

5/5No Class - Holiday

5/13International Issues: Nationalism & Regionalism in International Affairs

[Group 5 Presentation] Ch. 24: Nationalism

[Group 6 Presentation] Ch. 26: Regionalism in International Affairs

▪Baylis and Smith: Chapter 24 & 26

5/20International Issues: Environment, Culture, Poverty and Development

[Presentation Group 7] Ch. 21: Environmental Issues & Ch. 25 Culture

[Presentation Group 8] Ch. 28: Poverty, Development, and Hunger

▪Baylis and Smith: Chapter 21, 25 & 28

5/27International Issues: Human Security, Human Rights & Humanitarian Intervention

[Presentation Group 9] Ch. 29: Human Security

[Presentation Group 10] Ch. 30: Human Rights & Ch. 31 Humanitarian Intervention

▪Baylis and Smith: Chapter 29, 30 & 31

6/3Conclusion: Future of World Politics

▪Baylis and Smith, Chapter 32-33

6/10Final Examination