INT 200: Introduction to International Studies

Spring 2012, DHC 210                                                                      

I.  Course Description

Introduction to International Studies is an interdisciplinary course meant to help students understand other cultures and countries, and the forces of globalization that increasingly knit the world together. The course is taught according to a case study method to introduce the following concepts that are essential to operate successfully in an international environment:

·       The nature of cultural differences that can hinder cross-national communication and understanding.

·       The different levels of complexity involved in intercultural contacts (person to person, organization to organization, nation to nation).

·       An understanding of the accelerated pace of globalization over the past 200 years that has increased linkages and interdependencies in the world’s economy, politics, media, culture, and environment. Globalization has brought benefits, but also has increased tensions internationally.

·      The need for an interdisciplinary approach to facilitate an understanding of cross-cultural differences and globalization. Solving problems involves knowledge of global interconnections and the culture, language, history, geography, politics, and economies of particular countries and world areas. Studying and living abroad can facilitate effective cross-cultural interactions.

II.  Requirements for grading

1.  Complete assigned readings, attend class, and participate in class discussion (see Policy 1 below, 10%).

2. 2 research papers (30%)

3. 2 one-hour essay exams (30%)

4. Cumulative final essay exam (30%)

5. Extra credit: Write up to three papers describing and evaluating approved international cultural events, including the International Studies Film Festival (Weds. at 7 pm in GH Forum on Feb. 1, Feb. 29, Mar. 21, Apr. 4). Each paper should be 1 page maximum (double-spaced, 12-point font) and can earn up to a 5-point bonus on the attendance/participation grade.

III. Policies

1.  I take attendance at the beginning of each session. The attendance grade is based on the percentage of classes that you attend. For example, coming to 95% of class sessions is an A. If you participate in class discussion, you will receive a bonus on the attendance grade up to a maximum of 10 points. 

2. All electronic devices are banned in class, except for those used to take notes or view course readings. Recent educational research has shown that electronic communications, including text messaging, create distractions that hinder learning. Violations of this policy will result in a participation grade of zero for that day’s class session.

3. Make-ups on tests and other excused absences are not allowed unless you can document a serious illness, family emergency, varsity athletic event, military duty or religious observance. Students who were sick must give me a doctor’s note. For a family emergency, I require a phone call from a parent or guardian, or a death notice. Athletes should provide a memo from the head coach with the team schedule. If you have military duty, notify your dean’s office. They will send notification to all of your professors. The university’s policy on religious observances is the following: “At the beginning of each academic session (fall, spring, summer), the student will be required (in writing) to provide his/her faculty with the dates of scheduled religious observances.”

4.  Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. I encourage you to study together with other students, but all papers and exams must be written in your own words without the assistance of others. To prevent cheating, no cell phones, electronic devices, notes, papers, books or other objects may be handled or looked at during tests.  To prevent plagiarism, all papers must be submitted to the D2L Dropbox. Cases of academic dishonesty will be dealt with according to the policies described in the Undergraduate Catalog, pp. 25-26.  Failure to abide by university policies on academic dishonesty may result in a grade of “F” for the course.

5.  I assign letter grades used in the Shippensburg University grading system to the following numerical scores: