POLS 383: Changing World Political Economy

Fall 2004

Instructor: Susan M. McMillan, Ph.D.

Office: Zulauf 402

Office Hours: Tue 10 am-12 noon, Thu 2-3 pm, and by appointment

Office Phone: 753-7055

Home phone: 630-904-5334 (Please call before 9:30pm)

This course is designed to introduce you to the study of international political economy (IPE) as a sub-field of international relations. We will be examining the complex relationship between politics and economics in the global system. We will study such topics as the key theories about international economic politics, the politics of international trade and monetary management, and the effects of globalization on development, the state, democracy and human rights provision, and on security. Upon completing the course you should be able to identify the key issues and debates in the study of global political economy, and be able to apply analytic perspectives in efforts to understand those issues.

The requirements for this class are for you to read the assigned materials prior to coming to class, to actually attend class, and to complete all assignments/exams. The lectures will assume that you have done the readings, but will not necessarily review those readings. In some cases, the schedule outlined below leaves the required readings "TBA" (to be announced). You are responsible for finding out what those assignments are in time to do the reading. The text, Theodore Cohn’s Global Political Economy: Theory and Practice (3^rd ed), is available for purchase. Other readings will be on reserve or available online.

I will not always take attendance, but it is to your advantage to come to class. First, as noted above, you will be responsible for information provided in class. Second, I will give unannounced ("pop") quizzes. The quizzes may be administered in the traditional sense, or they may take the form of in-class assignments. Third, to the extent possible given the size of the group, we will be having in-class discussions that should help you understand the subject matter. There is really no substitute for the synergy that exists in the classroom.

The exams will be administered in class or during the final exam period, and will consist of short-answer and essay questions. The mid-term exam is scheduled for Thursday, October 14. The final exam will be cumulative, but heavily weighted toward material from the 2^nd half. Make-up exams will be scheduled only for documented university-approved absences.

You will be required to write an original paper on a topic that will be assigned in the first few weeks of class. More details on my expectations for the paper will be presented in class. The paper is due in class on Thurs., November 18. Late papers will be docked 10% per day, but will not be accepted after Nov. 22.

Your grade for this course will be based on three components; quizzes (a proxy for attendance and participation), a paper, and exams. The breakdown for how each of these will contribute to your grade is as follows:

Quizzes 20%

Paper 25%

Midterm Exam 25%

Final Exam 30%

I expect all work you turn in – quizzes, exams, papers, and any other assignments – to be your own, with no copying of any one else’s work. You must identify and acknowledge all sources of ideas and information that you use in doing your assignments. I will deal with any cheating or plagiarism as harshly as University policies allow.

The Department of Political Science will recognize, on an annual basis, outstanding undergraduate papers written in conjunction with 300-400 level political science courses or directed studies. Authors do not have to be political science majors or have a particular class standing. Winners are expected to attend the Department’s spring graduation ceremony where they will receive a certificate and $50.00. Papers, which can be submitted by students or faculty, must be supplied in triplicate to a department secretary by February 28. All copies should have two cover pages – one with the student’s name and one without the student’s name. Only papers written in the previous calendar year can be considered for the award. However, papers completed in the current spring semester are eligible for the following year’s competition even if the student has graduated.

Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, NIU is committed to making reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. Those students with disabilities that may have some impact on their coursework and for which they may require accommodations should notify the Center for Access-Ability Resources (CAAR) on the fourth floor of the Health Services Building. CAAR will assist students in making appropriate accommodations with course instructors. It is important that CAAR and instructors be informed of any disability-related needs during the first two weeks of the semester.