IA 401 International Perspectives

Fall, 2000

Module: International Political Economy

 

  Instructor: L. Christopher Reardon

Office: 214A Horton Social Science Center

Phone: 862-1858 E-mail: chris.reardon@unh.edu

Web Page: http://unh.edu/political-science/reardon.html

 Office hours: TTH 3:40-5 or by appointment

 

Syllabus

 

I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

 

This module introduces basic concepts in international political economy. It surveys the evolution of the Bretton Woods system, with special emphasis on international economic organizations (the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the World Trade Organization) and non-state actors (multinational corporations and producer cartels). The module will also examine the obstacles faced by developing nations and the growing controversy over globalization.

 

II. REQUIREMENTS

 

This as a lecture-discussion course, so you will want to do several things to assure that you get the most out of every session: 1) attend class regularly and complete the listed reading assignments before you come to class; 2) participate actively in class discussions and debates; 3) submit your assigned policy paper on time; and 4) prepare for quizzes on the assigned dates.

Each student will be assigned to a STUDY GROUP. Individual groups will be responsible for discussing readings on specific weeks, organizing debate positions and proofreading written assignments.

The final grade will be based on CLASS PARTICIPATION (20%), QUIZZES (40%), POLICY PROPOSAL (5%) and POLICY PAPER (35%).

 

III. COURSE READINGS

Students should purchase one text:

  • Spero, Joan E. and Jeffrey A. Hart. The Politics of International Economic Relations, Fifth Edition. NY: St. Martin’s Press, 1997.
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    Students are also required to read all weekday news relating to the global economy in The New York Times.

     

    IV. EXAMINATIONS

     

    There will be a quiz offered on every Tuesday (October 17, 24; November 2, 7) covering the text for the coming week and the NYT from the previous week (40%). Students will NOT BE ALLOWED to alter testing dates, unless a Doctor's certificate is provided or three exams are scheduled for the same day and this is the middle exam.

     

    V. POLICY PROPOSAL AND PAPER

    1. Students are required to submit a policy proposal on 24 October. The two-page proposal (typed, double-spaced, one inch margins, fonts no larger than 12) outlines a particular international economic problem facing a particular country’s leader. While enjoying considerable flexibility in selecting topics, students are STRONGLY advised to talk with the instructor before submitting the proposal. The proposal will also include a listing of bibliographic sources; INTERNET sources cannot exceed 50%.

      Based on the Instructor’s comments and approval, students will complete a policy paper (35%) that is due on 9 November. The paper (eight pages, typed, double-spaced, one inch margins, fonts no larger than 12) will included the revised problem section, key factors influencing policy positions, a statement of the state’s interests, and an argument for a particular policy option. The policy papers must include a title page, complete endnotes and a bibliography, which will not be included in the total page length. It is MANDATORY for each student to: 1) proofread meticulously and paginate the proposal and the paper; and 2) attach the approved policy proposal to your final policy paper.

     

    VI. COURSE SCHEDULE

    I. The Major Players

    Tuesday, October 10

    The Evolution of Bretton Woods and the IBRD

    Spero and Hart, Chapter 1, pp.1-7.

    NY Times

    Thursday, October 12

    The International Monetary Fund

    Spero and Hart, Chapter 2, pp. 8-48.

    NY Times

    Tuesday, October 17

    The World Trade Organization

    Spero and Hart, Chapter 3, pp. 49-95.

    NY Times

    Thursday, October 19

    Multinational Corporations

    Spero and Hart, Chapter 4, pp. 96-148.

    NY Times

     

    The Challenges of Development

    Tuesday, October 24

    Debating Theories of Development

    Spero and Hart, Chapter 5, pp. 149-166.

    NY Times

    Thursday, October 26

    International Aid and the Debt Crisises

    Spero and Hart, Chapter 6, pp. 167-214.

    NY Times

    Tuesday, October 31

    "Engines of Development"

    Spero and Hart, Chapter 7, pp. 215-275.

    NY Times

    Thursday, November 2

    Producer Cartels

    Spero and Hart, Chapter 8, pp. 276-315.

    NY Times

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  • Friday, November 3 -- New Hampshire International Seminar (MUB, Rm. 330, 4.00)
  • "The New Multilingualism of the Former Yugoslavia"
  • Prof. Robert Greenberg, UNC
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    • III. Whither Globalization?

    Tuesday, November 7

    The New International Economy

    Spero and Hart, Chapter 9, pp. 316-364.

    NY Times

    Thursday, November 9

    The Post-Seattle Debate over Globalization

    Spero and Hart, Chapter 10, pp. 365-370.

    NY Times

     

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