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[Cain]

So.... I'm designing an introduction to IR class to possibly teach over this summer.  I have a good idea of what I'd like in it, a good idea of what is sensible to have in it and a good idea of what would be allowed in it.

However.

There is always the doubt that I have missed something obvious, or interesting.  Because of this, I have given notes on my class plans to many of my friends who are studying or have studied IR, asking for their input.  And I am asking the same here.  What would you like to see in such a class?

There are roughly 12 classes spread over three weeks, subject to change based on the school's new camp directors.  These sessions are about an hour long and taught three times in the morning, again, subject to change (to clarify, there is one class from 9am-10am, 10am-11am and 11am-12pm roughly, and I would teach the same material three times over).

Demographic information of interest:  My recommendation is for this class to be taught to the oldest students, the 16-19 year olds, though with some adjustment I could tailor it for the 13-15 year old set.  The majority of students will have an Arabic, American or Russian background most likely, with several Italians, then Europeans and Latin Americans filling out the mix.  Former students have included the children of the very rich, especially Saudi Princes and Russian organized crime figures.  The school itself is American, with many American staff.

The class suggestions are as follows:

Lesson One: An Introduction to International Relations
Lesson Two: Key Approaches to IR Theory
Lesson Three: A Short International History of the Cold War
Lesson Four: Unipolarity in the post Cold War Era
Lesson Five: The Post 9/11 Era
Lesson Six:  The Post-Bush Era in Foreign Policy
Lesson Seven: International Terrorism
Lesson Eight: World Trade and International Economics
Lesson Nine:  Globalization and Organized Crime
Lesson Ten:  Strategy in International Affairs
Lesson Eleven: Forging Peace
Lesson Twelve:  Scenario Role-Playing

Additional class ideas I have had:

Special Switzerland Day Class:

A class on the history of Switzerland in Europe.  Mostly concentrating on the history of the Swiss confederation, the role of Swiss mercenaries in the Italian Renaissance Wars, the various intrigues of the House of Savoy and whatever else I can find which would interest a class.

Open Class

A class on whatever the students would like to discuss, but with a focus towards current events.  Perhaps organized as a Q&A session.

Neoconservatism in theory and practice

A class discussing the controversial label of Neoconservatism, what it really means, what it actually proscribes etc

The China-India-Pakistan triangle

The potential for future conflict arising from the various policies of these three nations

WMD Proliferation

Discussing the problems of WMD, potentials for proliferation among both nations and sub-state groups, and methods for using these weapons.

Genocide, Ethnic Cleaning and War Crimes

Discussion on these particular crimes against humanity, the "right to protect", international law and prosecution of agents responsible for such actions

Obviously my key worry is political interference in the Post 9/11 class, either by the school or by the students, so that will be the most contentious class to teach.  I'm fairly sure I can do it, but touchy people abound...also it is third part of a four part arc of what is essentially a primer in modern international history, so I'm hoping locking it in like that will prevent school attempts to subvert the class, should they arise.

That aside....what would you like to see on such a course?  Note, while my specialist subjects are international security and terrorism, I have a very sizeable reference library of material, so don't be afraid of straying outside of my expertise.

[LMNO]

Woah.  That sounds pretty cool.  I'd want to take that class.

The lesson subjects are wide enough that they could cover most everything... I'd personally like to see some things about South America/Mexico, but that's probably because they will end up affecting the US.

Also, maybe a lesson on Facts and Myths about Asian politics and internal/external relations.

[Cain]

I was going to put a little in on the Mexican drug war in the Organised Crime class, and the rise of Brazil in the Post-Bush Foreign Policy class, but more may be a good idea.  It's funny how so long after being a fucked up trouble zone for the world South America is largely problem free now, at least on the overt and state level.  Could all still go to hell, naturally, but the trends are promising.

Which particular facts and myths of Asian politics did you have in mind? 

Also, just to add to the post above, the main focus of this class, above and beyond acting as a introductory course is also to emphasis the continuing importance of geopolitics on the international level, beyond the proffered explanations derived from nationalism, religion and high motives.  This wont be obvious, except maybe in the Cold War and Unipolarity classes.

[LMNO]

Which particular facts and myths of Asian politics did you have in mind? 

I was thinking of that thread about North Korea, and how Kim Jong Il probably isn't as crazy as the standard narrative makes him out to be; and how there are probably a lot of preconceived notions regarding Asia that are at best a little off, and at worst dangerously wrong.  Again, this is probably a personal thing, because I honestly don't know that much about the political culture and the domestic frictions that drive Asian politics.

[Bebek Sincap Ratatosk]

Awesome Cain, I would love to take that class 

[Cain]

No, that's fair enough.  I could probably slip some of that into the more current affairs lessons, but a class devoted to Asian security dynamics may be a good one.  Thanks.

[Jenne]

Middle Eastern Politics?  Russian vs. Chinese Communism?

Those stood out to me while studying Poli Sci IR.  But your syllabus looks awesome as is.

[the last yatto]

Vietnam and cold war might be enough for a lesson by itself.

[Golden Applesauce]

I'd ask the class if there were any particular regions / conflicts they were especially interested in, and use that feedback to drive some of your examples and/or the role-playing at the end.

[Cain]

Thanks Jenne.  I think those will slot naturally into the Post 9/11 and Cold War, but I did consider, based on what LMNO and someone else said that regional studies could be included.

GA, yes, that's a good suggestion, asking the students.  One of the reasons I am planning for as many classes as possible so that I can switch it around based on objections and class dynamics.

[the last yatto]

To that end, include a quiz with a dozen or so weird events and ask them for the year

[Cain]

Well, the first class should give me ample opportunity to ask and assess them for that.

I've sent off an initial proposal to the school now.  If they accept my recommendations, I should have at least another three weeks to work on some more in depth lesson plans.  I got on quite well with the guy I'm applying to, and I know they've been looking for someone to plan a model UN session for the summer school for a while, so this is likely an acceptabe alternative.  If they've actually found someone to run that though, I've suggested I coordinate with them so we can cover material in my class which would be useful for them in their sessions.

So we'll see.

[Placid Dingo]

Cain; I've sent a PM, with a few bits BUT,

As far as Asia goes the Japan-Korea-China bitchfight is worth a peek.

Also Yakuza being one of the worlds biggest people smugglers atm.