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Honors Political Science Fall 2000
Honors Global Issues (Fall 2000)
Prof. Michael Baun
Dept. of Political Science
247 West Hall
(912) 259-5082
mbaun@valdosta.edu
The goal of this course is to inform students of the issues and problems, as well as the long-term global trends, that will affect them and the future regardless of their chosen academic and career paths. It is no longer possible to isolate oneself from the consequences of globalization; these affect us everyday, in the air that we breathe, the consumer products that we enjoy, and the choices we are given in political campaigns.
Although this course is a Political Science department offering, it adopts a truly broad, multi-disciplinary approach to understanding current global issues. The classroom focus is on discussion and debate, with the instructor encouraging students to develop and give their own views and perspectives. In his presentations and discussion, the instructor will draw not only upon his twelve years of experience in teaching world politics and international relations, but also upon his own extensive research and travel in Europe. This should permit an interesting contrast and comparison to American perspectives on global issues.
It is impossible at this time to determine the required texts for the course, since relevant books and materials are appearing all the time on global issues. Students can be assured that only up-to-date and interesting readings will be selected. In addition to text books, readings from current newspapers and periodicals, and the publications of governmental and nongovernmental (NGOs) organizations will be used. Research projects and papers will allow students to develop specialized knowledge of particular global issues or aspects of globalization. They will also emphasize use of the Internet and other real-time and interactive sources of information for research.
Because the course parallels the U.S. Presidential election campaign, a key theme will be comparing the positions on different global issues of the Presidential candidates and their parties. Although this is yet uncertain, a graded project along these lines might be included.