Intro to International Studies
INTS 100
Meets Tues 6:30-9:20 (TBD)
In COPH 253
Fall 2013
Instructor: Amy Rundstrom
Office hours: M-F, 8-5
Office: MSAB 140 (Academic & Career Services)
Phone: 308-865-8068
Introduction to International Studies is an interdisciplinary course required of all international studies majors and
available as an elective to any students who wish broaden their perspective on a variety of international topics
and deepen their understanding of an increasingly interdependent world. Course lectures and readings will
address a wide variety of topics broadly categorized into three basic themes relating to Global cultures, identities
and the arts; Global economics, trade and development; and Global society and politics. This course is also a
General Studies course within the Social Sciences Category. The content matter of this course is of direct
relevance to every student’s general education as globalization affects every person worldwide. That relevance
will become increasingly evident as we discuss such issues as global warming, poverty, the internet, and religious
conflict.
Required Readings
Steger, Manfred. Globalization: A Very Short Introduction
Sites, Kevin. In the Hot Zone.
Beah, Ishmael. A Long Way Gone
The Economist: go to : https://www.economistsubscriptions.com/students/us/
Readings on electronic reserve or Blackboard as assigned.
Assignments and Grading
Students will be expected to keep up with the assigned readings and participate in regular group discussions (10%
of grade). Students will write weekly Discussion Board and/or Journal entries on the assigned readings and the
Economist. (20% of grade). In addition, students will write three 4-5 page essays on assigned topics (each worth
15% of grade.) Finally, all students will write one 5 page book review on ‘Ishmael Beah’s book, A Long Way Gone.
(25% of grade) Each International Studies major will keep a portfolio of written work prepared for the class using
TaskStream. (Task Stream licenses are available online at www.taskstream.com).
Policies
Regular class attendance and participation is expected of all students. I do not take roll, but since lectures and
discussions form the basis of examinations and papers, non-attendance will show up in your grades. Any form of
academic dishonesty will result in failure for the class and possible expulsion from the university. Grades are
based on a 100 point scale.
97-100
A+
4.0
73-76
C
2.0
93-100
A
4.0
70-72
C1.67
90-92
A3.67
67-69
D+
1.33
87-89
B+
3.33
63-66
D
1.0
83-86
B
3.00
60-62
D.67
80-82
B2.67
<60
F
0
77-79
C+
2.33
Tentative Schedule (The dates below are subject to change as guest lecturer availability may change.)
Date
Topic
Aug. 27
Introductions and Expectations
Sept 3
Concepts and Values: Globalization
Globalization and History
Global Economics, Trade, and Development
Sept. 10
Economic Foundations of Globalization
Professor S. Amundson
International Networking
Readings for the week
Steger Chpts 1-2
Sites pg 1-52
Steger Chpt 3
Sept 17
Global Economics, Trade, and Development
Dr. Joan Blauwkamp—Environment
First Economist Assignment due this Friday!
Steger Chpt 6
Readings on Blackboard
Sept.24
Sept. 24-25 World Affairs Conference
Keynote Speaker Sept. 24, class will meet at this event
Oct. 1
Global Economics, Trade and Development
Dr. Frank Tenkorang - Economics
Sites pg 52-99
Global Society and Politics
Oct. 8
Global Society and Politics
Dr. William Aviles (cancelled)
Economist Assignment due Friday (11th),
Responses due Monday at 8 a.m. (14th)
CHANGE world regions for this one!
Readings on Blackboard
Oct. 15
Global Society and Politics
Ethnic Conflict, War, and Security
In-class discussion of “South of the Border”
Steger Chpt. 4
Oct. 18
1st Essay/Exam Due by 5:00 p.m.
Oct. 22
Fall Break
Sites 103-154
th
Sites journal emailed to me by Friday, Oct. 25
(not turned in in class since we don’t HAVE class!)
Oct. 29
Global Society and Politics
US national identity and foreign policy
Dr. Chuck Rowling
Economist Assignment due Friday
Readings on Blackboard
Nov. 5
Global Society & Politics/ Global Cultures,
Identities, Steger, and the Arts
Global Culture Dr. Suzanne Maughan
Steger Chpt. 5
Sites 157-196
Global Culture, Identities, and the Arts
Nov. 12
Global Cultures, Identities, and the Arts
Gender and Family - Professor Toni Hill
Economist Assignment due Friday
Nov. 19
Global Cultures, Identities, and the Arts
Religious Issues—Beth Katz, Project Interfaith
2nd Essay/Exam Due
Nov. 26
In-Class Discussion about book review books and assignment
Dec. 3
Global Cultures Identities and the Arts
Literature and the Arts
Professor Julie Flood
Economist Assignment due Friday
Dec. 10
Wrap up & Careers in Int’l Studies
Traci Gunderson, ACS
3rd Essay/Exam Due
Dec. 17
FINAL (Book Review) DUE
Steger Chpt 7
Sites 199-249
Sites 253-294
Steger Chpt 8
Students with Disabilities or Those Who are Pregnant
Students with disabilities or those who are expecting are encouraged to contact me for a confidential discussion
of their individual needs for academic accommodation. It is the policy of the University of Nebraska at Kearney to
provide flexible and individualized reasonable accommodation to students with documented disabilities or those
who are pregnant. To receive accommodation services for a disability, students must be registered with UNK
Disabilities Services Coordinator, David Brandt, in the Academic Success Office, 163 Memorial Student Affairs
Building, 308-865-8214 or by email [email protected]. For those needing accommodation due to pregnancy,
you need to visit with Student Health. The following link provides information for students and faculty regarding
pregnancy rights. http://www.nwlc.org/resource/pregnant-and-parenting-students-rights-faqs-college-andgraduate-students
Attached is the link to the above statement for your convenience.
http://www.unk.edu/offices/disabilityservices.aspx?id=13673
Success Coaching
Success Coaching is a one-on-one appointment with a Learning Strategies staff member. Success Coaching is
tailored to support the student’s specific needs and goals. A partial list of services include: Time Management,
Goal Setting, Study Skills, Getting to know your faculty, Academic Planning, Test Preparation, Note Taking and
Listening, Test Taking, Memory Improvement, Interpersonal Communication, and Self-Management. Contact:
Shelley Yentes, Instruction Coordinator, Learning Strategies, 2nd floor Library, 308.865.8997, [email protected]