Political Research Seminar (395-0-20)

Topic

How International Institutions Influence National

Instructors

Karen Alter
847/491-4842
Scott Hall #318

Meeting Info

University Hall 312: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

International organizations are designed to facilitate cooperation between states, addressing problems and issues that affect all nations, the global commons and humanity in general. But for the goals of international organizations to be achieved, usually a change of domestic policy is needed. This seminar examines the questions of if, when and how international actors influence a state to change its policy so as to promote objectives of international institutions and altruistic or self-interested actors. We also examine why international institutions so often fall short, and the experience of communities that are on the receiving end of international ‘help.

The course includes policy memos and three class presentations. The memos and presentations feed directly into the final research project.

Registration Requirements

Political Science Majors/Minors only

Evaluation Method

Participation (40%) includes three two-page memos + presentations to the seminar.
Final research paper is (60%) of the grade.

Class Attributes

Advanced Expression