POLS4502 Gender and Ethnicity in International Relations

POLS4502Gender and Ethnicity in International Relations Gregory C. Dixon gdixon@westga.edu www.westga.edu/~gdixon

Who am I? • Dr. Gregory C. Dixon • Specialty – International Relations • Areas of interest / research: • International Institutions • Conflict Management • Globalization and Global Governance

Office Hours and Contact • Office: Pafford 125 • Office Hours: • T/Th12:30 – 2pm; 3:30 – 6pm • W noon – 2pm • and by appointment • Email: gdixon@westga.edu

CourseDen • Syllabus • Course Pack • PowerPoint • Electronic submission of assignments • Exams • Papers

Learning Outcomes • Discuss the basic nature, structure, and historical origins of the international system • Survey the core vocabulary used in the study of international relations • Impart a basic understanding of world geography and its role in international politics • Explore the major theoretical approaches to the study of international relations • Discuss a range of key issue areas in contemporary international relations

Assignments • Take Home Exams (3) 30% each • lowest score dropped • Term Paper • Research Proposal 2% • Literature Review 3% • Completed Paper 25% • Discussion Facilitation 10%

Exams • Take-home essay exams • A selection of five questions from which you will answer two • These are each roughly equivalent to a 5 – 7 page single spaced paper • Exams are included in the Course Pack • Exams are to be submitted electronically through Course Den

Don’t wait until the last minute to start the exams

Paper Assignment • Articulate a research question related to the course • Do detailed research to answer your research question • Write a research paper that answers your research question • Papers will be 3,000 – 3,600 words in length

Discussion Facilitation • Small groups (2 – 3 students) • Lead discussion for one week • The readings • The audio lectures

Grading • 90% and up = A • 80 – 89% = B • 70 – 79% = C • 60 – 69% = D • 59% and below = F • No curves or mathematical adjustments will be applied to the grades

Assumption of Adulthood • All students are assumed to be adults and will be held to adult standards of accountability and decorum. • You are expected to familiarize yourself with the requirements of the course. • You are expected to meet the requirements of the course without having to be reminded of such clearly posted things as exam due dates. • It is expected that you will do the required reading for the course. • It is expected that you will complete all required assignments.

Class Participation • It is expected that students will participate in class • Education is not simply a one-way process • The subject matter in this course is complex at times and may require clarification • Students are encouraged to ask questions

Late or Missed Assignments • Late assignments will suffer a penalty of one letter grade for each business day late • The exams are take-home, so extensions will be extremely rare • Absolutely no extensions will be given for the final exam due date

Special Needs • Students with special needs as identified by the University will be accommodated in accordance with University policy

Attendance • Attendance will not be taken and is not required as part of the course grade • Attendance is vital to success in this course • Students are forewarned that missing lectures may significantly reduce their chances of passing the course • It is the responsibility of the student to get the notes from that day of class from another student in the class

Acts of the Gods • On very rare occasions truly terrible things happen • If such an event happens, don't wait until the last day of the semester to deal with it

Privacy and FERPA • New, stricter rules this year • Nothing related to grades, exams, or any other course information specific to a student will be discussed via normal email - period • Grades and related information will only be discussed in person (during office hours or after class) or via CourseDen email

Classroom Decorum • Please arrive on time • Please turn off any device that makes noise • Please do not read the newspaper, sleep, send text messages, or work on material for other courses during the class time • Mutual respect and politeness is required in the classroom at all times • Violations of appropriate classroom decorum will result in penalties in accordance with the syllabus

Academic Honesty • All students should be aware of the University rules regarding academic honesty. • Cheating, fabrication, and/or plagiarism of any kind will not be tolerated. • Any student caught committing any violation of the Honor Code on any assignment will receive an F in the course and will be reported to the University for further action as per University policy • The professor reserves the right to seek the harshest possible penalty for any and all violations of the University of West Georgia Honor Code regardless of the value of the individual assignment

Academic Honesty • If you are unsure as to what constitutes academic dishonesty, please consult the University of West Georgia Student Handbook • Ignorance of the Code will not be accepted as an excuse for violations of it • Many things which are perfectly acceptable in high school are considered cheating in college • If you have a question about cheating, ask, don’t just assume that you are ok

POLS4502 Gender and Ethnicity in International Relations