This is the course homepage for students enrolled in Rhode Island College's Spring 2006 Global Politics class taught by Professor David Rice.

On this page you will find the course syllabus, which includes assignment dates, policies and procedures, course schedule and readings, and the overall objectives of the class. This site also includes links to relevant news outlets and resources to prepare for class, exams, and conducting research for your Issue Analysis.

As the topic of global issues is inherently dynamic, students should consult this page site regularly for suggestions on additional readings as world events unfold throughout the semester since these events will be discussed in class and students will be expected to participate.

Course Description
The course is designed to inform, to provoke, and inspire students to think seriously about pressing political, economic, social, and ecological concerns in the contemporary world. Upon completion of the course, all students will emerge with a more sophisticated understanding of important core concepts, awareness of alternative perspectives on global dilemmas, and with an enhanced confidence in students' own ability to articulate informed positions on important issues.

This introductory course is about the theory and contemporary history of global politics from an international relations perspective. The course focuses on the theoretical frameworks of international relations and examines selected international issues, emphasizing transnational and interdependent relationships. "Global" issues are those that affect people throughout the world regardless of national boundaries such as population, resources, trade, conflict, terrorism, North-South development, governance, democratization, increasing important of multinational corporations and civil society, environmental problems, human rights, and sustainable growth. In looking at these issues in greater detail, students will also gain a greater understanding of the international governance system, how it functions and what the problems are, as well as think through creative ways to improve it.

Course Objectives
The course objectives are to develop students' competency in the following areas:

• Introductory knowledge of theoretical frameworks for international relations
• Comprehension of the global system of governance
• General knowledge of the essential global issues
• Overview of international institutions including nongovernmental groups and other actors
• Awareness of current events and trends of global significance
• Ability to analyze global issues from a variety of viewpoints
• Capacity to conduct research and provide a comprehensive analysis on a specific topic

• Primer on International Relations Theory
• "Asia's Widening Technology Gap - Building A Bridge to Social and Economic Prosperity", David Rice
• "Multilateral Intervention Force to Arrive in Embattled Solomon Islands Tomorrow."