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Academic Year 2003/2004
Technology and the International System
GOVT 312 SP
This course will focus on the impact of technological advances on the historical evolution of the international system. Specifically, we will explore how technological changes and advances have affected the economic
incentives
and opportunities as well as the security concerns and power capabilities of states over time. Major ¿revolutions¿ in warfighting, communications/information, and transportation technology have not only changed the
trade-offs
states make between military and trading strategies, but have changed how power is actually defined in the international system. There will be a special emphasis on the relationship between a state's size and the nature
of its foreign economic and security policies.
MAJOR READINGS
Readings consist of several books, including:
Paul Kennedy, THE RISE AND FALL OF THE GREAT POWERS: ECONOMIC CHANGE AND MILITARY CONFLICT FROM 1500 TO 2000
William McNeill, THE PURSUIT OF POWER :TECHNOLOGY, ARMED
FORCE, AND SOCIETY SINCE A.D. 1000
Alvin Toffler, THE THIRD WAVE
John Mueller, QUIET CATACLYSM
Richard Rosecrance, THE RISE OF THE TRADING STATE
Thomas Schelling, ARMS AND INFLUENCE
Eugene Skolnikoff, THE ELUSIVE TRANSFORMATION: SCIENCE,
TECHNOLOGY, AND THE EVOLUTION OF
INTERNATIONAL POLITICS
Readings will also include several articles from both the international political economy and the security literature of international relations.
EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Assignments will include a short paper based on the theoretical readings, a substantial research paper (an early draft of which is due part way through the course), a short critique of a fellow-student¿s research paper
draft, and class participation,
including an oral presentation of the long research paper.
COURSE FORMAT:
Lecture/Discussion
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Level:
UGRD
Credit:
1
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS GOVT
Grading Mode:
Graded
Prerequisites:
GOVT155
SECTION 01
- Instructor(s): Steele,Cherie M
- Times: ...W.F. 11:00AM-12:20PM; Location: PAC413
- Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 20)
- SR. major: 6 Jr. major: 6
- SR. non-major: 4 Jr. non-major: 4 SO: 0 FR: X
Special Attributes:
- Curricular Renewal: Speaking, Writing
Links to Web Resources For This Course.
Last Updated on MAR-19-2004
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Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459