IRE106 Global Politics: Current Issues

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2021
Extent and Intensity
0/2/0. 8 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Barbora Halašková, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Kateřina Fridrichová, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Martin Chovančík, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Martin Chovančík, Ph.D.
Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Olga Cídlová, DiS.
Supplier department: Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Mon 14:00–15:40 exP52
Prerequisites
You are expected to have a good command of English – a minimum of B2 level (CEFR) or equivalent – in order to follow the course. You should be able to understand oral presentations as well as the main ideas of academic texts on different topics. You are encouraged to engage in class activities and discussions. Throughout the semester you will be asked to produce three position papers on an assigned topic.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 50 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/50, only registered: 0/50
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
This course is designed to provide you with an understanding of the key dynamics, most essential topics, and fundamental debates in contemporary Global Politics. This means looking at the broad range of actors, structures, and issues on the international scene. The main objective of this course is to acquire empirical knowledge about Global Politics and to provide a solid, elaborate picture of forces at play in the global context.
Part I provides you an introduction to Global Politics and how the current international system came into being. This part presents a conceptual and theoretical framework on how to study global politics. We also look at the effects of globalization and different actors on the world stage, in particular states, international organizations, and non-state actors. In addition, we explore the political aspects and logic behind the creation of alliances and relations among them. We conclude the first part with the problems connected to energy security, climate, environmental issues, implications of COVID-19, and the role of gender.
In Part II we look at the effectiveness of soft power in world politics. We also get familiar with the role of religion in IR well as the ethics in International Relations. Additionally, we will study the economic aspects and explore the major trends in the contemporary world, such as international trade, population growth, migration, development, and debt crisis. We will conclude the semester with the challenges connected to global peace and conflicts.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
• define the theories, concepts, and approaches employed in the study of Global Politics and International Relations to both historical and contemporary events and processes
• discuss the major historical developments in Global Politics and International Relations
• explain the role of important actors and their influence on the economic, political, cultural and security dimensions of the international system
• identify relevant forces which define the dynamics of Global Politics
• interpret contemporary issues and concerns of modern life
Syllabus
  • W1 Introduction to the course: The nature of Global Politics
  • W2 Post-Cold War order
  • W3 Globalizatization
  • W4 Actors in World Politics
  • W5 Human security and environmental issues
  • W6 STUDY WEEK, NO LECTURE
  • W7 Gender in World Politics
  • W8 Effectiveness of Soft Power
  • W9 Religion in IR
  • W10 International ethics in IR
  • W11 International development
  • W12 Population growth and migration
  • W13 Peace and conflict in Global Politics
Literature
    required literature
  • LAMY, Steven L. Introduction to global politics. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013, xxxiii, 51. ISBN 9780199934072. info
    recommended literature
  • HEYWOOD, Andrew. Politics. 3rd ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2007, xvii, 478. ISBN 9780230524972. info
  • • Richard J. Payne. 2011. Global issues : politics, economics, and culture. Boston: Longman.
  • • Paul Collier and David Dollar. 2002. Globalization, Growth and Poverty. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • • Daniel W. Drenzer. 2008. All Politics Is Global : Explaining International Regulatory Regimes. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press.
Teaching methods
The course includes lectures by the course lecturers, class discussions, readings and written assignments (3 position papers). Students are expected to actively participate in the lectures: do the required readings for each class; come with notes and questions for the lecturer and other students; actively engage in the class activities.
Assessment methods
Time spent to complete this course: 200 hours = 8 ECTS
online lessons: 26 hours (13 weeks) > 1 ECTS
assigned readings (512 pages): 50 hours > 2 ECTS
3 position papers: 75 hours > 3 ECTS
preparation for the midterm test: 25 hours > 1 ECTS
preparation for the final test: 25 hours > 1 ECTS

To complete the course and be eligible for a grade, you are required to:
1) Submit three position papers (PP) on the given text from the provided list. Each PP needs to have a length of 5 pages (equals 1250 words +/-10%) including the literature. Follow the instructions in the INTERACTIVE SYLLABUS.
2) Pass a Midterm written test. The test is composed of multiple-choice questions from the lectures and required readings. In order to be accepted for the Final test, you need to pass the Midterm test. If necessary, you will have a chance to repeat the Midterm test.
3) Pass a Final written test. The test is composed of open questions from the lectures and required readings.

GRADING
• Position papers (PPs) - maximum 45 points (3 x 15 points); required minimum to pass is 60% (= 9 points for each position paper)
• Midterm test - maximum 20 points; required minimum to pass is 60% (= 12 points)
• Final test - maximum 25 points; required minimum to pass is 60% (= 15 points)

In order to take the Final test, you need to pass all requirements. If needed, you will have a chance to repeat the Midterm test or rewrite the PP(s). To pass the course you must pass all three requirements with a minimum 60% (PPs + midterm test + final test).

FINAL GRADE SCALE
A = 90-86 points
B = 85-78 points
C = 77-70 points
D = 69-62 points
E = 61-54 points
F = 53-0 points

A minimum of 54 points is required to pass the course.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
The course is taught annually.
Listed among pre-requisites of other courses
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020.
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