2. Purpose of Course
The goal of this course is introduce you to the International Relation
field.
How do we do this?
By introducing you to the major components and
theories and methods of Analysis of the International Relation
Field.
This course will be to educate you on how to use empirical
evidence to support arguments about your notions in
International Relations field.
3. The tools we use
Basic thinking techniques are used,
The Archaic categorizations
Epistemology, reasons and justifications why did they do it?
(Assumptions about reality, )
Phenomenology, What is the situation
(Explaining the situation – physical and metaphysical-)
Ontology, the parts of the situation, to categorize items
(Defining parts of the assumptions)
Phrenology , how did this situation emerge from the past
(Explaining of causes of behavior to the situation)
The basic paragraph and paper format and
cogent argument formula (P.I.E)
Point, Notion about Actuality, Hypothesis,
Information, Empirical Source, Ontology, Phenomenology
Explanation, Epistemology, Phrenology
4. Phrenology and Epistemology of I.R Theory
We discussed past established patterns of International Relation
behavior-this is called -
Realism, Rational Choice –Military might- Security Power Seeking
Liberalism, Rational Choice- Economic- Leisure Seeking-
Modern Theories- Sociological , Cultural, equal treatment, human
rights
Rational Choice argues human nature motivates policy behavior
Modern Theories argues motivates policy behavior
5. The Ontology of International
Relation
The parts of International Relations ,
States, Countries i.e Iceland and Turkmenistan
Multi National Corporation, Bechtel , Coca Cola, and Micro-Soft
Ethnic Groups, The Lapp People of Scandinavia , The Flemish
Nations of People, Turkmen Identity
International Governmental Organizations, United Nations,
Non Profit Organizations, Amnesty International, and Oxfam
Treaties, Laws of Nations, Rome Statue, Geneva Convention
Political Economy
Globalization, Multi-state interactions
Environmental Issues, Global Warming, Energy scarcity
International Conflict Mechanisms, International Court of Justice
6. Phenomenology of International Relations,
Structures of International Relations, relationships of States and actors
World Systems,
Bi-Polar, Cold war, Soviet Union and N.A.T.O
Multi-Polar, World Trade Organization
Hegemony , Domination of other states through economic and military influence
Soft Power- Social, Cultural, and Economic
Hard Power- Military
Levels of Analysis
International – State- Institutions- Leaders
Governance System versus Government Systems
Democracy versus Totalitarianism and its forms
Human Rights: interest versus Necessity
7. What is expected from the
student?
To listen, to me and others with a “Mindfulness”
All questions are about clarifications of the subject we
are discussing at that moment.
The topics are to thought about in World System and
Basic thinking modes of Analysis.
Opinions are to be logged on you Blackboard discussion
boards, this is were you can debate your fellow students.
( I give extra credit for discourse and cogent arguments)
Be respectful of other emotions, and feelings, We are
here to learn.
8. What is the course work?
Attendance/ Group analysis
Newspaper Articles: 10 analysis of ontology, phenomenology and an
analysis method.
Mid term: Scan-Tron / analysis of situations : Definition Test
Final: Scan-Tron / analysis of situations : Definition Test
Written Paper is optional, if you want to improve you grade or
replacement of a test.
If you get a passing grade on definition test minimum C grade it is
optional on the final test.
9. Grading policy
Attendance can have negative effects on grade,
Loosing points, is arbitrary. After three absents
lateness affects everyone.
Midterm test: 35% showing mastery of concepts of
International Relations
Final test : 35% Showing mastery of concepts and
applications of concepts.
Newspaper Articles : 30%
Bonus paper to save grade and boost to A status over B
status. This paper can move you from D to C+.
10. Newspaper article assignment
The Form of the answer :
Create portfolio
Author , Title of Article, Source , Date Publisher pg # Cite
Who is it? State or Non State Actor? Why
Subject of Article: Hard Power or Soft Power issue; Why?
Levels of Analysis: State, Institution or Individual; Why?
Bonus: Realist, Liberal or Neo Marxist epistemology of actor Why? .5% towards grade.
1 page per article each Article done properly is worth 3% of the grade, Poor:
1% , Competent: 2% , Excellence: 3%
11. Help me construct an Argument
Kantian Dialectic: Look it up
A=b and if B=C then A=C
Costco is a corporation, Corporations are institutions then Costco is an
institution.
B is in C; C is in A thus B is in A.
Clean water is about Quality of Life, Quality of Life issues are human rights
issue,
Clean Water is a human rights issue.
12. Is there more to Argument
Building?
Medieval Argumentation: Look it Up
If P is the situation then R is true,
If P is not the situation then R is not true,
If Gaddiffi is buying oil tankers then it is a soft power issue.
If Gaddiffi is not buying tankers then it could be a hard power issue.
The complex model of argumentation.
If A and B is in the situation then G is true,
If they are looking for security and deterrence then they could be a Realist.
