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Political Science 203
Introduction to International Relations
Winter 2003
Prof. James Caporaso
220 Kane Hall Office, Gowen 144
Phone 543-2398
Introduction to International Relations
The purpose of this course is to acquaint the student with some of
the basic principles of international politics. It is not a course about
current events per se though an effort will be made to integrate newspaper
reports into the lectures. Some material used to illustrate the basic
principles is historical; other material is contemporary. When talking
about the formation of the state system, it is difficult to avoid the
seventeenth century. Understanding the balance of power implies knowledge
of how coalitions formed during the nineteenth century and before WWI
and WWII. By contrast, the Cold War took place much closer to the present
period. Terrorism, since 9/11, is thought to be a modern phenomenon but
actually has a long history.
The course is organized in three parts. Part I attempts to establish
the foundations of international politics. It discusses nation-states
and the forces that underlie them, e.g. nationalism and state-building.
Also dealt with are the different levels of analysis which we may use
as vantage points for understanding international relations, in particular
the individual, the nation-state, and the international system. The second
part of the course turns toward important international processes, including
war and the use of force, alliances, balance of power, international
law, international institutions, and morality. The theoretical perspectives
informing all of these sections are realism and liberalism. Part III
turns our attention toward the global political economy. Here we examine
the relations among rich and poor in the world economy, the rise of newly
industrializing countries, regional economic growth in Asia, North America
and Western Europe, the European Union and economic interdependence.
Readings. There is one book required for the course. It is Charles W.
Kegley Jr and Eugene R. Wittkopf, World Politics: Trend and Transformation,
eighth edition, St. Martin’s Press, 2000. It is available at the
University Book Store. In addition to the text, required readings are
placed on electronic reserve at the Reserve Room in the undergraduate
library. These readings are available online under either the course
title (PS 203) or my name (Caporaso). It has become prohibitively costly
to make readers. Placing material on electronic reserve is the best alternative.
All the reading material that is not in Kegley and Wittkopf is on electronic
reserve .
Grading. Course grades will be based on three in-class exams (two “mid-terms” and
a final) and performance in your quiz section. The first exam will be
given on Wednesday January 29, the second will be given on Monday, February
24, and the final will take place as regularly scheduled during the final
exam period. Do Not Miss the Exams. Only a written excuse from a doctor
that you were unable to attend will be accepted. The two “mid-terms” count
20% each, the final counts 40% and performance in your quiz section counts
20%. All students who know about scheduling problems at the beginning
of the course are expected to make these conflicts known to the instructor
and the TAs.
Quiz Sections. A teaching assistant will be the instructor for your
quiz section. These sections are designed to give students the opportunity
to discuss and debate ideas presented in lectures and readings. The TAs
will work to clarify concepts, elaborate important points, and help students
to prepare for exams. The TAs are responsible for all the grading. Students
who actively participate in sections find that it pays off. The TAs will
also hold office hours. The purpose of these office hours is to give
the students a chance to obtain extra assistance or to talk about issues
pertaining to the course. Take advantage of your TA’s office hours.
I will post and hold office hours in Gowen 144. My phone is listed at
the top of the page. I ask you not to contact me by email.
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