Introduction to International Relations IR 007

Mr. Robert Silva M.A

Purpose of CourseThe goal of this course is introduce you to the International Relation field.

How do we do this? By introducing you to the major components

and theories and methods of Analysis of the International Relation Field.

This course will be to educate you on how to use empirical evidence to support arguments about your notions in International Relations field.

The tools we useBasic thinking techniques are used,

The Archaic categorizationsEpistemology, reasons and justifications why did they do it? (Assumptions about reality, ) Phenomenology, What is the situation

(Explaining the situation – physical and metaphysical-)Ontology, the parts of the situation, to categorize items

(Defining parts of the assumptions)Phrenology , how did this situation emerge from the past

(Explaining of causes of behavior to the situation)

The basic paragraph and paper format and cogent argument formula (P.I.E)Point, Notion about Actuality, Hypothesis, Information, Empirical Source, Ontology, PhenomenologyExplanation, Epistemology, Phrenology

Phrenology and Epistemology of I.R Theory

We discussed past established patterns of International Relation behavior-this is called Theory-

Realism, Rational Choice –Military might- Security Power SeekingLiberalism, Rational Choice- Economic- Leisure Seeking- Modern Theories- Sociological , Cultural, equal treatment, human rights

Rational Choice argues human nature motivates policy behaviorModern Theories argues empiricism motivates policy behavior

The Ontology of International RelationThe parts of International Relations ,

States, Countries i.e Iceland and TurkmenistanMulti National Corporation, Bechtel , Coca Cola, and Micro-SoftEthnic Groups, The Lapp People of Scandinavia , The FlemishNations of People, Turkmen Identity International Governmental Organizations, United Nations,Non Profit Organizations, Amnesty International, and Oxfam

Treaties, Laws of Nations, Rome Statue, Geneva ConventionPolitical Economy

Globalization, Multi-state interactionsEnvironmental Issues, Global Warming, Energy

scarcityInternational Conflict Mechanisms, International Court of

Justice

Phenomenology of International Relations,Structures of International Relations, relationships of States and actors

World Systems,Bi-Polar, Cold war, Soviet Union and N.A.T.O Multi-Polar, World Trade Organization Hegemony , Domination of other states through economic and military influence

Soft Power- Social, Cultural, and EconomicHard Power- Military

Levels of AnalysisInternational – State- Institutions- Leaders

Governance System versus Government SystemsDemocracy versus Totalitarianism and its formsHuman Rights: interest versus Necessity

What is expected from the student?To listen, to me and others with a “Mindfulness”

All questions are about clarifications of the subject we are discussing at that moment.

The topics are to thought about in World System and Basic thinking modes of Analysis.

Opinions are to be logged on you Blackboard discussion boards, this is were you can debate your fellow students.( I give extra credit for discourse and cogent arguments)

Be respectful of other emotions, and feelings, We are here to learn.

What is the course work?

Attendance/ Group analysis

Newspaper Articles: 10 analysis of ontology, phenomenology and an analysis method.

Mid term: Scan-Tron / analysis of situations : Definition Test Final: Scan-Tron / analysis of situations : Definition Test

Written Paper is optional, if you want to improve you grade or replacement of a test.

If you get a passing grade on definition test minimum C grade it is optional on the final test.

Grading policyAttendance can have negative effects on grade,Loosing points, is arbitrary. After three absents lateness affects everyone.

Midterm test: 35% showing mastery of concepts of International Relations

Final test : 35% Showing mastery of concepts and applications of concepts.

Newspaper Articles : 30%

Bonus paper to save grade and boost to A status over B status. This paper can move you from D to C+.

Newspaper article assignmentThe Form of the answer :Create portfolio

Author , Title of Article, Source , Date Publisher pg # Cite

Who is it? State or Non State Actor? Why

Subject of Article: Hard Power or Soft Power issue; Why?

Levels of Analysis: State, Institution or Individual; Why?

Bonus: Realist, Liberal or Neo Marxist epistemology of actor Why? .5% towards grade.

1 page per article each Article done properly is worth 3% of the grade, Poor: 1% , Competent: 2% , Excellence: 3%

Cite will get you a competent grade with all question answered.

Help me construct an ArgumentKantian Dialectic: Look it up

A=b and if B=C then A=C

Costco is a corporation, Corporations are institutions then Costco is an institution.

B is in C; C is in A thus B is in A.

Clean water is about Quality of Life, Quality of Life issues are human rights issue,Clean Water is a human rights issue.

Is there more to Argument Building?Medieval Argumentation: Look it Up

If P is the situation then R is true,

If P is not the situation then R is not true,

If Gaddiffi is buying oil tankers then it is a soft power issue.

If Gaddiffi is not buying tankers then it could be a hard power issue.

The complex model of argumentation.

If A and B is in the situation then G is true,

If they are looking for security and deterrence then they could be a Realist.