Language Centre

                                     Faculty of Social Studies

                                         MASARYK UNIVERSITY

                              Joštova 10, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic




                                              CJVA454

                                   English for Political Science


                                             Syllabus







Course Information

Class day/time                      Spring semester, Mondays, 16:00–17:40, U36

Number of credits                 2

Class type                              Lectures and class discussions

Lecturers                                Colin Kimbrell

Contact                                  442840@mail.muni.cz

Office Hours                           Tuesday, 16:00–16:45 (or by appointment)


Course Description

This course is intended for master’s students of political science and related fields. The main
focus of the seminar is on discussing current issues in Czech and world politics, based on watching
videos concerning these issues and reading newspaper or journal articles. Great attention is also
devoted to building vocabulary both from the field of political science and Academic English as
such. The content of the course will be adjusted to students’ needs and preferences discussed in
the first seminar.



Course Requirements

1) Given the seminar structure of the course, students are expected to attend all sessions (up to 2
unexcused absences), with exceptions stated by the Masaryk University Study and Examination
Regulations.

2) Students are expected to do required readings/viewings for each lecture. The readings serve to
initiate discussion but also to expand students’ vocabulary and exposure to authentic English.
Links to required readings can be found in the syllabus or under the Study Materials → Learning
Materials folder in the Information System.

3) During the semester, students will be required to cooperate in the preparation of one weekly
presentation on a topic of interest.

4) PowerPoint presentations from lectures will be provided in the Study Materials.






Course Schedule



1) 17. 2. 2020 - Introduction and content negotiation
  * Pop quiz
  * Narrowing the topic and negotiating the course content



2) 24. 2. 2020 - Topics research and intro to the role of modern media in political discourse
  * Finalizing course content and syllabus
  * Discussion of the media’s role in modern society and politics


Recommended reading/viewing:

·
https://www.ted.com/talks/christiane_amanpour_how_to_seek_truth_in_the_era_of_fake_news#t-272100



3)  2. 3. 2020 - Global security


Subtopics:

·        Role of international organizations

·        Nuclear proliferation

·        Arms trade

·        Crises/conflicts



4) 9. 3. 2020 – Regional security complexes


Subtopics:

·        Refugees & migration – Rohingya, climate refugees, Australian immigration policy

·        Middle East & North Africa – ISIS, Sunni vs. Shia Islam

·        Arctic

·        EU & N. Africa

·        CEE foreign policy





5) 16. 3. 2020 – (Global) free trade


Subtopics:

·         Brexit and the future of the British economy

·         Poverty and inequality in a globalized economy

·         International political economy and int’l trade organizations



6) 23. 3. 2020 – (de)Democratization


Subtopics:

·         Defining and measuring democracy

·         Rise of the far right in Europe

·         Secessionist movements & democracy

·         U.S. primaries



7) 30. 3. 2020 – Rise of populism and nationalism


Subtopics:

·         Defining populism: populism in word if not in deed?

·         Left- vs. right-wing populism

·         Current political movements in Europe and around the world



8) 6. 4. 2020 – Guest lecture: Current social movements in France


Required reading/viewing:

·         TBD



9) 13. 4. 2020 – Easter Monday

No lecture – reading week



10) 20. 4. 2020 – Political psychology


Subtopics:

·         PP & modern media

·         PP & elections



11) 27. 4. 2020 – Energy transition


Subtopics:

·           Energy transition vs. energy security

·            Climate change

·            Germany’s Energiewende

·            Energy democracy and energy justice



12) 4. 5. 2020 – U.S. Foreign Policy


Subtopics:

·         FP under the Trump administration

·         Relations with… Iran/Russia/China/N. Korea

·         NATO and the EU

·         Hegemonic stability theory – is the US still THE hegemonic superpower (or, indeed, has it
every been)?



13) 11. 5. 2020 – Rise of China


Subtopics:

·         The Belt & Road Initiative

·         China in Africa

·         Huwaii & Europe’s 5G infrastructure

·         China’s human rights record – current case of the Uighur


Cheating and plagiarism

Cheating in any other part or aspect of the course will result in failure of the course. Plagiarism
will not be tolerated and will also result in a final grade of an F. The Disciplinary Commission
will be notified about any cases of plagiarism.