Dr. George Emerson.
Office: Room 6219-28
Telephone: 305.237.2182

E-mail: gemerson@mdcc.edu

• Mondays: 12:00-12:35, 2:05-2:45
• Tues /Thurs: 7:00-8:15 a.m, 11:15-12:30, 2:05-3:05
• Wednesdays: 12:00-12:35
• Or, by appointment.
  Call ahead so I can reserve time for you.

Catalogue Description This course explores the nature of international relations, its history, the causes of leading political and economic problems and the efforts to remedy them. It examines the foreign policies of the major countries, the causes of war and peace, as well as international organizations, and major global issues, including globalization, integration, migration, poverty, environmental concerns, and the impact of technology on global affairs.

We'll use every tool in the teaching bag of tricks to learn: traditional as well as computer based instruction, simulations, discussion, etc. We will stress your using the internet: to connect you with the world, and develop your electronic communication skills for a lifetime of distance learning, and to build a sense of community among ourselves.

Textbook: Goldstein, Joshua. International Relations 3nd edition. Longman: New York, 1999.

Although it is not required to do so, students are strongly encouraged to read a good daily newspaper so they can follow the examples used in the lectures. The two best daily newspapers in the United States, the New York Times (http://www.times.com) and Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com) are available on-line at no charge. The student rate of 50% off the regular price for home delivery of the N.Y. Times is available to you by calling 1.800.NYTIMES and identifying yourself as my student.

Tools

Computers: will an active part of the course. At a minimum you must be able to operate and understand a web browser, adobe acrobat reader (available free), and a private email address. Your computer should have a good virus checker and at least a 28,800 modem.

Course Policies:

• You will be responsible for learning approximately 45 pages a week in your textbook, exploration and discussion, explorations and class reactions, becoming an expert on a country and sharing your new knowledge, and, of course, attending class.
  
  
• The level of success that you wish to achieve is possible in this class. It requires however that you commit to being an active participant. You must devote adequate time to your reading, complete your required assignments accurately and on time, and study. Participate in class by using our Web site, asking meaningful questions, forming a study group, and participating in collaborative group assignments. Ask questions, seek help, put forth your maximum effort and you will inevitably reap the benefits.
  
  
• Class attendance is extremely important. Roll will be taken at the beginning of every class. You are expected to be in class on time and you are expected to stay the duration of the class. Leaving class early or arriving late is extremely disruptive. If you're absent from a class, you are still responsible for assignments so don't fall behind. Obtain a peer's phone number to use if you're absent. Review course calendar and assignments to be familiar with our plan of study.
  
  
• There are no make-up exams. However, if you know that you will be absent on a scheduled exam day, you may arrange to take the exam early. Check the course calendar and talk to your classmates and the instructor for planning and confirmation of test dates. Bring #2 pencils to class on exam days.
  
  
• It is your responsibility to ensure that you are properly registered or withdrawn from this course via the Registrar.
  
  
• I do not keep any reports, tests, or other items you turn in for more than four weeks into the next term.
  
  
• Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Students involved in any form of academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.,) will receive a grade of "F" for the course.