April 1999
Reinhard Heinisch
heinisch+@pitt.edu
Course Description and Objectives
This course provides students with the opportunity to analyze major issues of world politics since the end of WWII. The course will introduce students to important concepts and themes of international relations and examine the role of the United States in the international arena.
It is my hope that each student will develop an increased awareness of the importance of the relationship between the United States and the international system. It is further hoped that students will be motivated to follow contemporary domestic and foreign political issues in order to participate more fully in the political process.
Course Requirements
- Students will be required to complete three quizzes during the semester and a cumulative take home final. Q1=15%, Q2=15%, Q3=15% Final Exam=30%. Additionally the students will participate in a series of in class debates-presentations.
- Students are encourage to take advantage of small class size and the seminar atmosphere to participate very actively in class discussions, this may make a big difference in the grade!
- Note that students interested in improving their standing always have the opportunity to write a 8-10 page paper on an agreed-upon topic relating to the course topics.
- Students should complete the assigned reading prior to the class discussion. Students are also expected the come to class regularly. Attendance will be spot-checked and recorded. Attendance and class participation is a part of your final grade. Missed exams have to be made up, respectively you may be required to write a paper (see above). Make-up exams have to be arranged prior and will be held at my convenience.
- Be assured that you shall always find an open door if you have questions or concerns related to class materials.
Required Texts
- Michael Roskin, Nicholas Berry (1993) -- An Introduction to International Relations (Englewood NJ: Prentice Hall)
- John T. Rourke (1996) Taking Sides -- Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in World Politics (Sluice Dock Guilford CT: Dushkin Publishing)
April 1999
Reinhard Heinisch
heinisch+@pitt.edu