FRS 002HH — Sec.
001 —(2 units) — CRN 55905 — R 11:00-1:00pm — 273
SSH
Why Can’t States Get Along? Cooperation and
Conflict in the
International System
Instructor: Michael Koch, Department of Political Science, College of
Letters and Science
Description: This courses addresses why it appears
to be so difficult
for states to cooperate in the international system. Using a wide
variety of teaching
techniques we will explore how the fundamental problem of politics “who
gets what where when how and why” is exacerbated by the anarchic nature
of the international system. In doing so we will examine many of the dilemmas
that all political systems are fraught with such as the free rider
problem, over
coming the collective action problem and determining the allocation
and distribution
of scarce resources. Information will be presented through informal lectures,
readings, and discussion. The broad goal of the class is for students to have
a better understanding of how international relations work as well as
how international
events affect their daily lives. In addition the class is designed to
help students
think more rigorously and analytically about international events the relations
between states and politics in general.
Format: The seminar will meet for two hours each
week. The time
will be divided between informal lecture presentations, discussion, and student
presentations. Reading material will be provided. There is no text
for the course.
Students will be asked to read 1 substantive article a week related
to the topic
in question for that week. Grading: Students
will be required
to prepare a short paper on a topic to be chosen in consultation with
the instructor.
The course grade will be based on the quality of their written paper -- 5 to 7
pages (1/3) and oral presentations (1/3) and on the frequency and
quality of their
participation in class discussion (1/3).
About the Instructor: Michael Koch is a lecturer of
the faculty
in the Department of Political Science His research interests include
the causes
and consequences of war and political institutions and policy choices Current
projects include research on casualties, terrorism and duration and outcome of
international conflict. He currently teaches courses in US and
European Security.