PSC 371: Seminar in Third World Politics and Terrorism

Syllabus

Revised 19 Aug. 2007 with learning objectives; by Prof. Jeremy Lewis.

PURPOSE:

This course introduces you to the concepts and practice of third world politics, and explores the links to modern international terrorism. (We will interpret 'third world' broadly, including current and former communist countries, now part of the politics of the developing world.) We shall focus on selected major countries in each continent, having an impact beyond their borders.

Learning Objectives, at the upper level:

understanding of the problems and processes of political and economic development

critical thinking about the problems and processes of political and economic development

knowledge of the economic and political contrasts among richer and poorer states

critical thinking about the economic and political contrasts among richer and poorer states

knowledge of selected major countries of developing continents

understanding of the historical and contemporary problems of terrorism

critical thinking about terrorism and counter-terrorism

Expected Outcomes, at the upper level:

competent essays on the problems and processes of political and economic development

competent essays on the economic and political contrasts among richer and poorer states

competent essays on selected major countries of developing continents

critical discussion of the issues of political development

competent essays on the historical and contemporary problems of terrorism

competent essays on terrorism and counter-terrorism

a competent research paper

critical discussion of the issues of terrorism

We shall explore the events of 9/11 through the official report; then consider the responses tried by the US both in homeland security and in a global war on terrorism. We shall evaluate these responses in the light of historical and current experiences abroad, and philosophical arguments about the nature of terrorism.
The format will be a participatory seminar, with students expected to make frequent presentations of substantial readings. Students should expect to actively compare and analyze the materials, and to conduct original research.
Since materials for this course introduce both multiple less-developed countries and the complex issues of terrorism, you must expect to read voraciously and actively explore many new concepts. Despite our greater selectivity in readings since the initial run of the seminar, you must expect the workload for this course to be greater than in single-subject courses.
We shall occasionally analyze excerpts of video documentaries or recent news coverage where available. Current affairs, such as an international crisis, will be discussed even where this postpones part of the syllabus.

BOOKS (details are from 2005, subject to change):

Badey, Thomas, ed. Violence and Terrorism: Annual Editions. Dushkin/McGraw-Hill. 8e, 2005-'06, 0073012599, Used $18.75, New $24.75
Joseph, William, Mark Kesselman, & Joel Krieger, eds., Introduction to Politics of the Developing World. Houghton Mifflin, 3/e, 2004. 0-618-21447-X, Used $40.75, New $54.25
Howard, Russell and Reid Sawyer, Defeating Terrorism: Shaping the New Security Environment. Dushkin/McGraw-Hill. 2004, 0-07-287302-7, Used $15.00, New $19.95
National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. The 9/11 Commission Report: Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. W.W.Norton. Authorized Edition. 2004, Used $7.50, New $10.00
New, common sources, used in comparative and international courses:

FPA, Great Decisions, 2007, Briefings Book; selected issues TBD for discussion in first classes. About $10.
Allen, John, Student Atlas of World Politics. 7e, 2006. McGraw Hill. About $10.

Other resources:

Please attend at least one of the Alabama World Affairs Council's excellent guest speaker events, usually held at the Museum of Fine Arts, usually second Tuesday of the month at 6:15pm, following a reception at 5:30pm. Please dress smartly and obey the laws and HC policy about alcohol consumption. Huntingdon has subscribed for several students per session. See www.AWAC.US.

Other materials may be placed in a ring binder (marked Dr. Lewis) on Library Reserve -- or on web pages.

No longer required, based on feedback from the 2005 seminar:

Kettl, Donald. System Under Stress: Homeland Security & American Politics. CQ Press, 2004, 1-56802-888-1, Used $21.75, New $28.95

Sterba, James, ed. Terrorism and International Justice. Oxford UP., 2003, (Philosophical essays), 0195158881, Used $15.00, New $19.95

Houghton Mifflin, Rand McNally, Historical Atlas of the World, 0-395-89292-9, Used $9.00, New $11.75

Behavior: you are expected to comply with the HC Honor Code and with specific rules placed on our Requirements page above.

Students With Disabilities, HC notice:

"Huntingdon College makes every reasonable accommodation for disabilities that have been processed and approved through our Disability Services Committee in accord with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. In order to request disability-related services at Huntingdon College, students must seft-identify to the Disabilities Intake Coordinator, Sandy Montgomery, and provide appropriate and up-to-date documentation to verify their disability or special needs. After the accommodations have been approved by the Disability Services Committee, the 504 Coordinator, Dr. Sid Stubbs, will notify your professor(s) of the Committee's decision. If you have any questions regarding reasonable accommodation or need to request disability-related services, please contact Disability Services at (334) 833-4432 or e-mail disabilityservices@huntingdon.edu."