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Conflict and Cooperation: Classics - Fall 2014

Vak
2014-2015

Description

Objective: 1. The aim of this course is to introduce students to some of the classic works in political science.
Objective: 2. During the course they will learn to critically read, reflect on, and discuss the key theories presented in each of the examined publications.

Content: This course is centered around three classic political science books on the theme of conflict and cooperation. Each of these books provides analysis of a particular type of conflict: a domestic conflict in deeply divided societies, an inter-state conflict in the international arena, and an economic conflict within advanced industrial democracies. Each of these books advances a particular argument for how cooperation, peace and prosperity can be achieved in the wake of these conflicts. Each of these books is also a classic text in a particular subfield of political science: comparative politics, international relations, and political economy. We will deal with these classic texts by, first, discussing the book itself and, second, by looking at the literature and analysis that was inspired by ideas and approaches contained in the books.

Methods of Instruction

Seminar style form of instruction, consisting of close readings and class discussions. The seminars are based on questions about the literature that are provided in advance to each session.

Study Material

Arend Lijphart (1977). Democracy in Plural Socieites (New Haven: Yale University Press)

John J. Mearsheimer (2003). The Tragedy of Great Power Politics (New York: W.W. Norton)

Peter J. Katzenstein (1985). Small States in World Markets (Ithaca: Cornell University Press)

A selection of journal articles and book chapters, available from Blackboard at the start of the course.

Examination

A written essay of 4000-5000 words on questions that will be provided by the lecturers.

Admission Requirements

N/A.

Registration

During the first class meeting students can indicate if they are interested in transferring to the Research Master.
The institute secretariat will register research master students and students interested in the research master for workgroup 1 after the first class meeting. Master students can register for the workgroups in uSis from 12.00 hrs on 2 September 2014 until 5 September 2014.

Schedule

Lecture
Monday 1 September, 11.00-13.00 hrs in 1A20

Workgroups
Workgroup 1*: Monday 8 September, 11.00-13.00 hrs in 1A33, 15&29 Sept. 5A42, 22 Sept. & 6 until 20 Oct. 5B14
Workgroup 2: Monday 8 September until 20 October, 13.00-15.00 hrs in SA23
Workgroup 3: Monday 8 September and 6 October, 11.00-13.00 hrs in 6C03 Monday 15 September, 11.00-13.00 hrs in 0A33 Monday 22 September, 11.00-13.00 hrs in 1A33 Monday 29 September, 11.00-13.00 hrs in 1A24 Monday 6 October, 11.00-13.00 hrs in 6C03 Monday 13 and 20 October, 11.00-13.00 hrs in 1A15
Workgroup 4: Monday 8 September until 20 October, 13.00-15.00 hrs in SA29

*This group is for research master students and students interested in transferring to the Research Master only.