INTL 5550: War and Diplomacy

Course Description

This course examines the roots of conflict between nations, and the mechanisms through which international conflicts are resolved, i.e., diplomacy and war. During the examination of the causes of war this course will also utilize theory and history. What are the influences that affect the decision of leaders in conflict situations to choose war? These factors may include culture, public opinion, and structure of the government. This course will use theory to examine some of these factors and will view these factors by discussing case studies.

Students examine the evolution of diplomacy and warfare in international relations. Specifically, students examine the roots of conflict between nations and study the mechanisms through which international conflicts are resolved.

Course Objectives

Listed below are the long-term objectives you should be striving towards as a participant AND contributor in this course.

Students will be able to articulate or assess:

At the completion of the course, students will understand the contending philosophies underlying the issues and the institutions of modern international organizations, and they will understand the political aspects found within these organizations.
The changing nature of international conflict in the 20th and 21st Century.
Theories of conflict by studying factors in decision making.
Factors which influence policymakers' decisions for war.
Case studies for analysis of the above factors.

Prerequisites

It is assumed the student has adequate writing and analytical skills. Also, as for all Internet courses, the student must be disciplined and self-motivated.

Course Materials

Please go to MBS Direct to find the appropriate textbooks for this course.

Please be aware when purchasing your textbooks that the International versions of the text may differ from the Domestic (North American) version required for your course.

Click here for more information about textbooks for online courses..

Course Activities

The course will be conducted entirely online. Students are expected to participate in all course activities as assigned by the instructor. Course activities may include extensive reading, papers, presentations, discussions, exams, and/or group projects.

Learning objectives will be accomplished by using online discussion and written assignments. These assignments will enhance your ability to summarize the work of scholars. Additionally, they will help you analyze concepts and themes (places where ideas connect) found in the work of several authors.

Paper:
Students will complete a paper based on the assigned reading. Students should then relate these reading assignments to the ideas and concepts found in their textbook and several documentaries concerning diplomacy and war.

Final Paper Assignment:
The final paper assignment will allow the student to develop their research skills. It will also help the student learn to apply International Political Theory by using historical events as case studies.

Simulation Activity:
In this exercise students will be apart of a decision-making group in your country. Each student will play a role such as President, Prime Minister, Ambassador, UN Representative and so forth. You will be able to meet with your countrymen online in private as well as meeting with other diplomats privately in WebCT Discussions area. Details concerning the members of each country, each student's role, expectation for participation and the crisis itself will be provided by the instructor so students may begin to prepare.

Policy Statements

You are required to submit all assignments in a timely manner via WebCT Assignments area. WebCT will stamp your submission date/time automatically. You are also recommended to contact your instructor right away and submit your assignments to your instructor's personal email account as suggested if encountering WebCT difficulties.

Assignments should be submitted by midnight of the Saturday of the week the assignment is due. I will NOT accept late papers. Considerations will be made for time related differences for students outside the St Louis area.

Beware of Plagiarism:
When writing papers students should be very careful to give proper credit within the text of the paper for the information, ideas, and concepts they are using. In addition, a footnote or endnote is required for ALL quotes and ideas and concepts that you have learned in your research, and information that is not considered "common knowledge" (such as the date of a war). If any student is suspected of plagiarism appropriate action will be taken.

Webster University strives to be a center of academic excellence. As part of our Statement of Ethics, the University seeks to preserve academic honor and integrity by repudiating all forms of academic and intellectual dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, and all other forms of academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty is unacceptable and is subject to disciplinary action. The University reserves the right to utilize electronic databases, such as Turnitin.com, to assist faculty and students with their academic work. Students who are discovered cheating or committing plagiarism will be awarded a failing grade for the course, and may be subject to dismissal or further discipline.

This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.

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