April 1999
Reinhard Heinisch
heinisch+@pitt.edu
Course Description and Objectives
Seminars differ from lecture courses both in terms of format and substance. The smaller setting allows for a less rigid and more discussion-oriented format. In terms of substance, seminars depend to a much greater extent than lectures on the participation and contribution of students. In this seminar we shall examine different forms of political extremism and their effect on foreign policy and international relations. The extremist ideologies that we shall examine will include nationalism, imperialism, radical anti-communism, the different forms of fascism, as well as Stalinism/communism. The objective is to understand the origins and nature of these ideas as well as their popular appeal. Once we have gained some understanding, we shall look at the consequences of these ideas in terms of international politics, such as the nazi-inspired German quest for "Lebensraum" that led to WWII.
Course Requirements
It is important that you attend classes regularly. You will be expected to participate and contribute regularly (30% of your grade will rest on discussion). Furthermore, you will give at least one in-class presentation on a selected topic. There will be one exam at the end of the term (details will be announced in class). Students participating in this seminar will form small groups and select a partcular research topic on which they will independently research, report in class and write an individual research paper.
Required Texts
- Terence Ball and Richard Dagger (1991) Political Ideologies and Democratic Ideal Harper Collins.
- Reader -- otherswise as above --.
- Literature pertaining to your topic. I will provide you with a list of suggested literature, however, you will be responsible for compiling the sources you need for both your presentation and your paper.
Topics:
- Imperialism (English, French, Amerian neo-imperialism)
- Nationalism (Racism/Chauvinism)
- Fascism (German Nazism/Italian Facsism)
- Red-Scare/Radical Anti-Communism (support for right-wing dictatorships)
- Communism/Stalinism
If you volunteer or when you are selected for one of the above topics you will be part of an informal research group, each corresponding to one of the above topics. Each group should approach each topic as outlined below. (How these components are covered or assigned within each group is up to every group. It is important, however, that all three components are adequately covered). Each topic has the following components:
- origin and history
- implementation, organization, nature
- foreign policy consequences
Presentation:
- Allow aprox. 50 min. for each of the above components (this includes about 20-40 min. presentation and a 10-20 minute discussion.
- Have a typed summary of your presentation (with bib. references) ready to be copied and distributed.
April 1999
Reinhard Heinisch
heinisch+@pitt.edu