POSC 354

I. Course Title: Ethics in International Affairs

II. Course Number: POSC 354

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits

IV. Prerequisites: None

V. Course Description: 

Role of morality in international affairs to explore how states and citizens act responsibly in international public life. Drawing on the traditions of realism, liberalism, and utilitarianism along with the just war tradition, the course examines the ethical implications of issues such as war, terrorism, globalization, and genocide.

Note(s): Humanistic or Artistic Expression designated course.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

Ethics in International Affairs is designed for students of politics and citizens to wrestle with the major approaches to ethics and how we can use those to analyze international affairs.  Subjects explored include the ethics of going to war, right conduct in war, humanitarian intervention, globalization, poverty, sanctions, indigenous persons, the environment, and multinational corporations.

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

This course uses lecture, discussion, group activities, reading, and films to explore Ethics in International Affairs.  

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

Students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of key philosophical approaches to ethics.
2. Critically evaluate the ethics of a policy or action taken in international affairs.
3. Prepare coherent and well-written essays that effectively use tone, mechanics, and style appropriate to a general audience.  
4. Deliver an effective and organized oral presentation which uses reason and arguments appropriate to debate over an ethical issue.

VIII. Assessment Measures:

Students will be evaluated based upon class participation, an individual/group writing project, and individual/group oral presentation, additional short writing assignments, and in-class exams.

Review and Approval

August 2020

March 01, 2021