Course 2020-2021 a.y.

30485 - CURRENT POLITICAL PHENOMENA II

Department of Social and Political Sciences

Course taught in English
Go to class group/s: 31
BIG (3 credits - II sem. - OBS  |  SPS/04)
Course Director:
KERIM CAN KAVAKLI

Classes: 31 (II sem.)
Instructors:
Class 31: KERIM CAN KAVAKLI


Suggested background knowledge

Background knowledge on approaches to international politics (e.g. "Realist" and "Liberal" approaches) are useful for students. In addition, knowledge on 20th century world history is useful.

Mission & Content Summary

MISSION

What are the causes of conflict and cooperation between states? During periods of conflict, what are the economic and diplomatic tools that states use to improve their gains and minimize their costs? To answer these questions, we survey the literature on International Relations with a special focus on three topics: (1) economic tools of statecraft (e.g. trade sanctions, foreign aid); (2) migration as a coercive tool, and (3) state sponsorship of rebel groups fighting rival states.

CONTENT SUMMARY

This course presents a broad and in-depth overview of the recent research on international politics. In particular, we will focus on non-military tools of coercion used by states in international politics.The course is organized into 2 parts:

 

Part I:

- Economic coercion (general introduction)

- Economic sanctions

- Migration as a coercive tool

 

Part II:

- State sponsorship of rebel groups

- Role of secrecy in coercion

 

 

 

 

 


Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

At the end of the course student will be able to...
  • ​​​​​​Describe the relationship between economic and political tools of statecraft.
  • Recognize the trade-offs that states face when employing different diplomatic tactics.
  • Explain current trends in international relations from a historical point of view.

APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

At the end of the course student will be able to...
  • Identify the sources of economic and diplomatic power of state actors.

  • Evaluate the merits and drawbacks of various tactics that are used in interstate bargaining.

  • Evaluate the possible implications of domestic political changes on interstate relations.


Teaching methods

  • Face-to-face lectures
  • Online lectures

DETAILS

  • Lectures are structured according to the standard format: the instructor presents and elaborate on the material contained in the required readings, which the students have read before class.

  • Attendance is not required, but strongly recommended. Some of the assigned readings feature a high degree of sophistication in terms of methods of analysis. Although no formal prerequisites are required, the lectures provide students some necessary (yet informal) background that help them gain a better understanding of those readings that include a technical component.


Assessment methods

  Continuous assessment Partial exams General exam
  • Written individual exam (traditional/online)
  x x

ATTENDING AND NOT ATTENDING STUDENTS

  • Student assessment is based on two main components, a take-home assignment (or term paper) and a general written exam.
  • Component will make up 50% of your course grade. 
  • The exam will be based on a mix of multiple choice and open questions. 
  • The purpose of multiple choice questions is to evaluate your ability to retrieve definitions and facts.
  • The purpose of open-answer questions is to evaluate your ability to apply their knowledge to a particular case or present a coherent argument.

Teaching materials


ATTENDING AND NOT ATTENDING STUDENTS

The required readings for this course are scientific articles, book chapters and policy reports that represent the key and/or state of the art contributions to the different topics analyzed. A complete list of the required and suggested reading is provided at the beginning of the course and is available on Bboard.

Last change 19/01/2021 16:44