Devry POLI457 2019 September Full Course Latest

POLI457 International Relations

Week 1 Discussion

DQ1 HISTORICAL UNDERSTANDING

Comment on what you have previously been taught or what you believe to be the two most significant events of global world history. At least one should not involve the United States at all. Explain your reasoning and comment on the contributions of other classmates’ responses.

DQ2 GLOBAL LITERACY

With regard to your understanding of globalization, explain and discuss why developing skills and abilities, such as understanding different cultures and being able to speak foreign languages, is advantageous to an individual in the modern world.

 

POLI457 International Relations

Week 2 Discussion

DQ1 STATES AS CENTRAL ACTORS

Realists see states as the central actors in international relations. Using the United Nations as an example, how might liberalists suggest collaboration could be a more attractive policy than unitary action?

DQ2 FROM ANARCHY TO INSECURITY

Realists argue that in a world driven by chaos and anarchy, the only means of survival is self-defense. How might a nation’s desire to possess nuclear weapons be consistent with realist thinking about self-defense while at the same time contributing to a tendency known as the security dilemma?

 

POLI457 International Relations

Week 3 Discussion

DQ1 ISSUES OF DEMOCRACY

What are some of the positive aspects and strengths of a democratic system of government? Do you feel that democracy has any downfalls or shortcomings? If not, comment on shortcomings that other classmates have suggested.

DQ2 ECONOMIC SYSTEMS

Elaborate on the economic systems of capitalism, socialism, and communism. Which do you find preferable as an economic system? Make sure you use concrete examples to illustrate your assertions.

 

 

 

 

POLI457 International Relations

Week 4 Discussion

DQ1 FOREIGN POLICY, NATIONAL INTEREST, AND INTEREST GROUPS

In Chapter 5, the author mentions the many roles that interest groups play in affecting foreign policy and national interest. How might interest groups involve themselves in a debate in which the United States considers establishing diplomatic relations with Gaza, a territory adjacent to Israel and home to Palestinian Arabs?

DQ2 THE FOREIGN POLICY PROCESS

In many respects, American foreign policy is the domain of the executive branch. But the process of making foreign policy tells us other actors can become involved. Where would the legislative and judicial branches factor into an executive branch decision to attack Iran?

 

POLI457 International Relations

Week 5 Discussion

DQ1 CAUSES OF WAR

Apply one of the theories to a 20th- or 21st-century war that has occurred or is currently happening. Be sure to use concrete examples from the wars and the lecture. Also, comment on two other classmates’ posts, relating the different causes to their choices.

DQ2 TERRORISTIC THREATS AND RESPONSES

Much has been made about the United States’s use of drone strikes to root out terrorist threats, mainly in the Middle East. Comment on this as a preemptive strike against terrorism, but also comment on how some may see it as an act of terrorism.

 

POLI457 International Relations

Week 6 Discussion

DQ1 THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR SQUAWKING

An American consumer wants to buy a pair of boots. He finds what he’s looking for at Walmart. They are imported and are 40% cheaper than any other competitor’s price. He buys them, takes them home, puts them on, and steps into an international economic debate among liberalists, realists, and feminists on the merits of globalization. How?

DQ2 LIBERALIZATION AND FAIR TRADE: THE ODD COUPLE?

We have increased free trade through the process of liberalization by reducing barriers. Some nations have prospered, whereas others claim to have been hurt because the process is not fair. Where is the disconnect between free trade and fair trade, and what role can international relations play to close the gap?

 

 

 

POLI457 International Relations

Week 7 Discussion

DQ1 INTERNATIONALLY CONNECTED ECONOMIES

Recently, the European debt crisis had rippling effects on economies all over the world. Why are the economies of the world so interconnected in the 2010s? Use concrete examples from the reading and the lecture in your responses.

DQ2 THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE UNITED NATIONS

The United Nations has been both effective and ineffective in its mission since its creation, according to many observers. Give one example of both (you may do so in two different threads), and comment on one of your classmates’ examples with regard to the mission of the United Nations.

 

POLI457 International Relations

Week 1 EXERCISE

Should World Leaders Consider Morality in the Conduct of International Relations?

The United States was recently confronted with two humanitarian crises: The hardship of Haitians recovering from the devastation caused by the 2010 earthquake, and the ongoing violence stemming from Mexico's drug wars. The governments of both nations were unable to care for the thousands of people affected by these tragedies, and appealed to the United States to relax immigration barriers. Assume the role of an adviser to the President of the United States and write a briefing memo either in support of or in opposition to the request.

You are required to write a one-to-two-page paper showing depth of thought and analysis of the material. Use references from the book and outside sources, properly cite and create a reference list with all sources used, and ensure that you review your work for spelling and grammar mistakes.

Don't forget to submit your assignment.

 

POLI457 International Relations

Week 2 Case Study

Realism and Liberalism on Trial

After thoroughly defining Realism and Liberalism as they pertain to international affairs, examine the following 20th-century atrocities: the Nazi war crimes of WWII; the attempted genocide led by Serbian leader, Slobodan Milosevic; and the reign of Saddam Hussein. Relate each to Realism and/or Liberalism, and argue how each theory could be used as justification for prosecution under international law.

You are required to write a two- to four-page paper showing depth of thought and analysis of the material. Use references from the book and outside sources, properly cite and create a reference list with all sources used, and ensure you review your work for spelling and grammar mistakes.

 

 

POLI457 International Relations

Week 3 Case Study

Capitalism Versus Communism: The United States Versus the Soviet Union in the Cold War Years

Describe and examine the forms of government, economic systems, and foreign policies of the United States and the U.S.S.R. (Soviet Union) during the Cold War years (1945-1991). Also discuss the ultimate outcome of the Cold War: who won, who lost, and the results that impact the world today.

You are required to write a two- to four-page paper showing depth of thought and analysis of the material. Using references from the book and outside sources, properly cite and create a reference list with all sources used, and ensure that you review your work for spelling and grammar mistakes.

 

POLI457 International Relations

Week 4 EXERCISE

How Might Economic Concerns Influence Foreign Policy?

Research the cost of a barrel of imported oil from 1960 to 2008. Try to pinpoint significant global events that might affect the price of oil, and write a reflective essay connecting those events to any changes in U.S. foreign policy.

You are required to write a one- to two-page paper showing depth of thought and analysis of the material. Using references from the book and outside sources, properly cite and create a reference list with all sources used, and ensure you review your work for spelling and grammar mistakes.

 

POLI457 International Relations

WEEK 5 CASE STUDY

WTO in Action

Using the information in the text, describe how the World Trade Organization would mediate a dispute between the United States and Bangladesh. The United States has gained access to Bangladesh's markets to sell computer software but has imposed restrictions on the export of rice. In your analysis, describe what steps the WTO would take in such a matter.

You are required to write a two- to four-page paper showing depth of thought and analysis of the material. Using references from the book and outside sources, properly cite and create a reference list with all sources used, and ensure that you review your work for spelling and grammar mistakes.

 

POLI457 International Relations

WEEK 6 CASE STUDY

Trade Wars

For some reason, the world is awash in milk, and it all seems headed for American kitchens. It looks and tastes like American milk, but it is cheaper. The U.S. dairy lobby is up in arms; unless the government intervenes, dairy farmers face certain ruin. How should the United States respond? Impose quotas or tariffs? What about higher subsidies for farmers or stiff regulations on food imports? The president of the United States has asked for guidance. Pick one of the options and draft an action memo explaining why. Be sure to include your assessment as to what your recommendation might mean to the United States's position in the international political economy.

You are required to write a two- to four-page paper showing depth of thought and analysis of the material. Using references from the book and outside sources, properly cite and create a reference list with all sources used, and ensure that you review your work for spelling and grammar mistakes.

Don't forget to submit your assignment.

 

POLI457 International Relations

Week 7 EXERCISE

E-Shopping

Go online and price two items from one of the following categories: shirts (or blouses), trousers, coats, or shoes. One should be made domestically, whereas the other should be imported. The origin, composition, and cost of the products, as well as the impact of buying imported versus domestic, should be part of a reflective essay on the international political economy.

You are required to write a one- to two-page paper showing depth of thought and analysis of the material. Using references from the book and outside sources, properly cite and create a reference list with all sources used, and ensure that you review your work for spelling and grammar mistakes.

 

POLI457 International Relations

Week 4 Midterm Exam

(TCO 1) Examine how Napoleon helped codify the balance of power theory

(TCO 2) Describe the Westphalian system and explain its importance in terms of modern international relations

(TCO 3) Compare and contrast the different economic systems in the world. For each, give an example of the country that follows this economic system by citing specific examples.

(TCO 4) Explain feminism by outlining its goals for the international stage.

 

 

 

 

 

POLI457 International Relations

Week 8 Final Exam

Question 1 (TCOs 1 and 2) Analyze the political landscape before the Peloponnesian War. How did it change after the 30 Years’ Peace? Describe the three historical events that threatened international relations and the common bond they shared in usurping international relations.

Question 2 (TCOs 3 and 4) Describe how the various branches of the U.S. government influence foreign policy. After you have completed that, use the Vietnam War as an example and discuss the models of influence. Be sure to reference how this played on the international stage.

Question 3 (TCOs 5 and 6) Discuss the differences between defense and deterrence. Under what conditions and for what purpose would a country choose defense or deterrence? Discuss the various justifications for going to war. Relate this to defense or deterrence.

Question 4 (TCO 7) What is the feminist critique of the traditional theories of international political economy? What does the feminist perspective argue about how women should be viewed as agents of development?

Question 5 (TCO 8) Using drugs as a focus of your discussion, identify the various actors involved in controlling drug trade, the security problem drugs pose, and the economic problem posed.