Department of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

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POL200ZA(政治学 / Politics 200)
International Organizations

Heiko Lang

Class code etc
Faculty/Graduate school Department of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies
Attached documents
Year 2023
Class code A6292
Previous Class code
Previous Class title
Term 秋学期授業/Fall
Day/Period 火4/Tue.4
Class Type
Campus 市ヶ谷 / Ichigaya
Classroom name 市外濠‐S602
Grade 2~4
Credit(s) 2
Notes
Open Program
Open Program (Notes)
Global Open Program
Interdepartmental class taking system for Academic Achievers
Interdepartmental class taking system for Academic Achievers (Notes)
Class taught by instructors with practical experience
SDGs CP
Urban Design CP
Diversity CP
Learning for the Future CP
Carbon Neutral CP
Chiyoda Campus Consortium
Duplicate Subjects Taken Under Previous Class Title
Category (commenced 2024 onwards)
Category (commenced 2020-2023) 200-level Intermediate Courses(中級)
Category (commenced 2016-2019) 200-level Intermediate Courses
International Relations and Governance

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Outline and objectives

This course provides students with the fundamental knowledge of the role and activities of International Organizations, with a focus on the United Nations System.

The course consists of four parts. The first part lays the foundations by discussing the theoretical basis of the study of International Organizations. In the second part, we will examine the activities of the United Nations in the field of peace and security. The third part will deal with human rights. In the fourth part, we examine the impact of the UN in the field of development, including contemporary issues such as climate change and global health governance.

Goal

The aim of the course is to provide students with theoretical and empirical knowledge about the role of the United Nations on important issues of relevance to their future roles as global citizens.

Students who have completed this course will be able to
-explain the basic theories and approaches in the study of International Organizations,
-explain the main roles and functions of the UN in the field of peace and security, human rights, and development, and
-critically assess the effectiveness and impact of the UN on contemporary issues and real-life global problems.

Which item of the diploma policy will be obtained by taking this class?

Will be able to gain “DP 1”, “DP 2”, “DP 3”, and “DP 4”.

Default language used in class

英語 / English

Method(s)(学期の途中で変更になる場合には、別途提示します。 /If the Method(s) is changed, we will announce the details of any changes. )

The teaching method will be based on a combination of lectures and discussion. You will be encouraged to engage in critical debate, thorough textual analysis, guided research and group work.
Classes are generally divided into three parts. The first part consists of a short warming-up discussion of the reading material, where we identify the main issues. This will be followed by a lecture by the instructor about the session’s topic. In the third part, discussion activities will give you the chance to ask questions and share your opinions with the class. You will be given timely feedback on your essays through Hoppii.

Active learning in class (Group discussion, Debate.etc.)

あり / Yes

Fieldwork in class

なし / No

Schedule

授業形態/methods of teaching:対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[オンライン/online]:Introduction: Why Do We Study International Organizations?

Introduction: Why Do We Study International Organizations?

2[対面/face to face]:Foundations (1):
The Emergence International Organizations

Historical Overview over the Emergence of Today’s International Organizations

3[対面/face to face]:Foundations (2):
Theories and Concepts

Examining the Key Theories and Concepts of the Study of International Organizations

4[対面/face to face]:Foundations (3):
The UN System

Examining the United Nations System

5[対面/face to face]:Peace and Security (1):
The Fundamentals of Conflict Management

Examining the role of the UN in the area of conflict management until the 1990s

6[対面/face to face]:Peace and Security (2):
Humanitarian Interventions

Examining the role of the UN in the area of humanitarian interventions

7[対面/face to face]:Peace and Security (3):
Contemporary Challenges

Examining Contemporary Challenges in the area of Peace and Security

8[対面/face to face]:Human Rights (1):
Overview

Examining the role of the UN in the area of human rights

9[対面/face to face]:Human Rights (2):
The Role of Experts and NGOs

Examining the Role of Independent Experts and NGOs in the Area of Human Rights

10[対面/face to face]:Human Rights (3):
International Justice

Examining the Role of the International Court of Justice

11[対面/face to face]:Development (1):
Sustainable Development

Examining the Role of the UN in the Area of Sustainable Development

12[対面/face to face]:Development (2):
Global Health

Examining the Role of the UN in the Area of Global Health

13[対面/face to face]:Development (3):
Environment and Climate Change

Examining the role of the UN in the Area of Global Environment Protection and Climate Change

14[対面/face to face]:Conclusion

Review of the Course Content and Guidance for the Final Exam

Work to be done outside of class (preparation, etc.)

Preparatory study and review time for this class are 2 hours each.

Students are expected to closely read the assigned texts before class, submit discussion points, and to be ready to engage in discussion each week.

Textbooks

Ian Hurd (2017): International Organizations: Politics, Law, Practics, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Weiss, Thomas G. et al. (2020): The United Nations and Changing World Politics, New York/London: Routledge.

The lecturer will provide further materials of interests (such as newspaper articles and UN documents) on a case-by-case basis.

References

A detailed list of required and recommended readings, and further materials for reference, will be distributed in class. All required texts will be uploaded to the online course management system.

Grading criteria

Participation and discussion: 20%
Two short essays: 40%

Final essay: 40%

In this course, 20% of your grade will depend on your participation and contribution to the class discussion.
You will also be required to submit three essays; this will form 80% of your grade: Two short essays of about 500-800 words, and a final essay of about 1500-2000 words. The topics of the essays and a detailed instruction on how to write them will be given in class. You will be given timely feedback.

Changes following student comments

Not applicable.

Prerequisite

None.