COURSE INFORMATION
Course Title: WORLD POLITICS
Code Course Type Regular Semester Theory Practice Lab Credits ECTS
PIR 431 B 1 3 0 0 3 6
Academic staff member responsible for the design of the course syllabus (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) NA
Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours: Avdi Smajljaj , Tuesday 14:00-17:30 hours
Second Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours: NA
Teaching Assistant(s) and Office Hours: NA
Language: English
Compulsory/Elective: Elective
Classroom and Meeting Time: E 311
Course Description: This master level course examines various theoretical, historical and contemporary perspectives on world politics. Topics include international peace and security, international political economy, and global economic and social issues such as the environment, human rights, international migration, poverty, and international public health. Throughout the course, we will focus on several overarching questions: How do both states and non-state actors shape world politics? To what extent are relations among states in the international system characterized by conflict and rivalry? Why do disagreements sometimes escalate to the point of war? What conditions impede cooperation among states, and what factors foster global cooperation? To what extent do non-state actors challenge the power and effectiveness of states in world politics? What are the primary obstacles to promote peace, cooperation, prosperity and human well-being in contemporary world politics?
Course Objectives: The course has for the objective to familiarize students with scientific approach and methods in studying world politics, and to develop capacities of students in using theoretical level of understanding and practical knowledge in following and dealing with developments in world politics.
COURSE OUTLINE
Week Topics
1 Introduction to the course
2 Theoretical approaches in world politics
3 Great power rivalries
4 Armament and military strategies in world politics
5 Alliances and balance of power
6 Conflict resolution and diplomacy
7 Collective security
8 Midterm exam
9 North-South division
10 Global markets and globalization of finances
11 The demographic and cultural dimensions of globalizations
12 Human rights protection in world politics
13 Global environmental protection
14 Concluding the course
Prerequisite(s): N/A
Textbook: Kegley, Ch. W. & Blanton , Sh. L. 2017 Eds. World Politics: Trends and Transformations. WADSWORTH Cengage Learning Little, R. and Smith, M. 3rd Eds. 2006. Perspectives in World Politics. London and New York, Routledge Calvocoressi, P. 9th Eds. 2009. World Politics Since 1945. Pearson Longman.
Other References: N/A
Laboratory Work: N/A
Computer Usage: N/A
Others: No
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
1 Approach developments in world politics through theoretical perspectives
2 Build a critical thought perspectives towards world politics
3 Identify the interests of actors in world politics
4 Use scientific methods in studying world politics
5 Apply skills and competences in practical level of conflict resolution methods in world politics
COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES
(Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution)
No Program Competencies Cont.
Master of Science in Political Science and International Relations (Old) Program
1 Having and using advanced knowledge and comprehension supported by textbooks including actual knowledge in political sciences and international relations literature, materials and the other scientific resources. 5
2 Analyzing data, ideas and concepts of current political issues and international relations, determining complex events and topics, making discussions and developing new suggestions in accordance with researches. 5
3 Having knowledge and thought about actual topics and problems together with their historical, social and cultural aspects. 5
4 Introducing those who are interested in politics and international events with the topics of Political Science and IR and teaching clearly the problems and the types of solutions. 5
5 Improving skills of working together with the main social science disciplines and other disciplines which are related to Political Science and International Relations. 5
6 Improving critical thinking and skills in making research independently. 5
7 Developing solutions about the problems and conflicts which are common in national and international arena. 5
8 Improving skills for leadership and research and analyze capacity of those who is responsible with national and international ones. 5
9 Knowing any foreign language enough to communicate with colleagues and understand actual researches and articles. 5
10 Gaining IT skills to use computer and technology) in order to reach actual knowledge. 3
11 Gaining skills to follow societal, scientific and ethic values during collecting, interpreting, conducting of data related to social and political developments. 5
12 Having consciousness about human rights and environment. 5
13 Gaining the skills to follow actual developments and pursue long-life learning. 5
COURSE EVALUATION METHOD
Method Quantity Percentage
Midterm Exam(s)
1
25
Project
1
30
Final Exam
1
35
Attendance
10
Total Percent: 100%
ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)
Activities Quantity Duration(Hours) Total Workload(Hours)
Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours) 16 3 48
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice) 16 2 32
Mid-terms 1 15 15
Assignments 1 35 35
Final examination 1 20 20
Other 0
Total Work Load:
150
Total Work Load/25(h):
6
ECTS Credit of the Course:
6