Course Syllabus

INR 4436 SYLLABUS

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INR 4436 > INTERNATIONAL NEGOTIATION

 

This course will introduce students to the main components of international negotiation. It will detail the terminology, process, theory, and strategy surrounding international negotiation. Through various cases, the course will discuss the types of negotiation as well as the factors and emotions that influence negotiation. It will highlight the background, interests, and goals that each personality/party to the conflict brings to diplomacy. The course will provide a brief historical survey of international negotiation via discussion of various cases of international conflict at the regional and global level. It will analyze the application of theory by considering these case studies.

 

By the end of the course, students will be able to think analytically about the importance of both international negotiation and the role negotiators play in world affairs. Doing so will enable students to consider the topic of international negotiation and have them decide how best critically treat these ideas in their academic progress and future pursuits. The course is reading and writing intensive, designed to stimulate the student’s analytical skills through questioning and discussing the most relevant themes of international negotiation.

 

Most of the course will detail several examples of international diplomacy offering insight into both the processes of, and personalities to, international conflict. It will evaluate the successes and failures attempting conflict resolution through several forms of international negotiation.

 

I. REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS

  • ​International Relations as Negotiation by B. R. Urlacher/ ISBN: 9781612054162 / 2015 / Paradigm Publishers
  • Breakthrough International Negotiation: How Great Negotiators Transformed the World's Toughest Post-Cold War Conflicts by Watkins and Rosegrant / ISBN: 9780787957438 / 1st Edition (2001) / Wiley Publishers

 

Other (tentative) Supplemental Readings

(a) Kautilya — Arthashastra of Chanakya [English].pdf   by Kautilya

Professor will supply excerpts from above work for WEEK 3

(b) History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides

Professor will supply excerpts from above work for WEEK 3

(d) Diplomacy by Henry Kissinger

Professor will supply chapter from above work for WEEKs 11 and 12

 

II. COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completing this course, students will be able to:

  • Identify key moments in international negotiation
  • Compare the theories used by scholars researching international negotiation
  • Evaluate the different components and processes of international negotiation
  • Create a proper understanding of international negotiation

 

II. EXPECTATIONS OF THIS COURSE

  • This will be an online course, which means all course work will be conducted online. Expectations for performance in an online course are the same for a traditional course. In fact, online courses require a degree of self-motivation, self-discipline, and technology skills which can make these courses more demanding for some students.
  • Throughout the semester, readings, announcements, notes of clarification and some, not all, grades (official grades will be recorded in an external grade sheet) will be placed in the FIU Canvas classroom.

 

  1. Students are expected to:
  • Review FIU Online ‘Getting Started’ info, policies & additional resources available in the ‘Student Resources’ section on the Canvas class homepage.
  • Review syllabus and follow the course calendar and weekly modules
  • Take practice quizto ensure your computer is compatible with the Canvas learning management system
  • Interact online with instructor and peers
  • Respond to instructor emails within 48 hours (if necessary)
  • Submit assignments by the corresponding deadline (questions/diplomatic updates)
  • Take quizzes and exams online during or by the allotted timeframe

 

B. The instructor will:

  • Respond to emails within 48-72 hours (on weekends, expect a 72-96-hour response)
  • Grade participation assignment within 1 week of submission—corresponds to questions/diplomatic updates
  • Grade quizzes within 3-4 days of submission
  • Exam grading should be automatic except in cases of sentence/short essay/bonus questions
  • Be available each week during the posted office hours (online or in-person)

 

DATES TO REMEMBER

  • INR 3030 Course Begins — TUES JAN 12
  • MLK Day (University Closed / No Classes) — MON JAN 18
  • Last Day to Add/Drop — TUES JAN 19
  • Last Day to Drop with a DR Grade — MON MAR 22
  • There is no Spring Break scheduled
  • Finals Week — MON-SAT APR 19-24
  • Grades Available for Students — THURS APR 29

 

III. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

A. CANVAS — Access Canvas via https://canvas.fiu.edu

Before starting this course, please review the following pages:

 

B. ZOOM

  • Zoom — A video conferencing tool used to interact with your professor and fellow students by sharing screens, chatting, broadcasting live video/audio, and taking part in other interactive online activities.
  • We will be utilizing this tool to conduct office hours, and questions about the course and assignments.
  • Zoom Meetings will be held on the following dates/time: TUES/THURS from 2:05-3:20pm

 

=> Zoom Test Meeting Room

Use this link to access the Zoom Test Meeting Room. This meeting room is available to test out the software before joining an actual session. Reference the provided links to access Zoom student tutorials to learn about the tool, how to access your meeting room, and share your screen.

 

C. Other Technical Requirements

  • Throughout the semester, readings, announcements, notes of clarification, and most grades will be placed in the FIU Canvas classroom. Be certain to do a browser check-up to ensure all features in the FIU eCampus classroom work properly.
  • At least 2 working internet browsers (i.e., Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari) in case one fails download of PDFs (or is slow to) load properly, and/or email communication fails.
  • Access to a PDF viewer such as (Mac) Preview or download and access Adobe Acrobat Reader for free by clicking on the link: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/alternate.html.
  • Technical problems can sometimes occur unexpectedly. Students should have a backup plan for internet access in the event the primary home or work computer connection goes off-line or crashes. Always keep a back-up copy of all assignments, questions, and emails in a safe place. Remember that individual technical problems are not an acceptable excuse for late assignments.
  • ALL quizzes and exams WILL REQUIRE download/use of RESPONDUS LOCKDOWN BROWSER. Take the appropriate steps to ensure that you have this application for tests. Instructions for downloading and using RespondusLockdown Browser can be found in the ‘Technical Support’ section on the homepage or if you encounter any technical difficulties, please contact LMS Help Support Services as soon as possible.
  • A practice quiz is available after the start of the semester. Students should take the practice quiz prior to each assessment to test their computer settings. Remember, individual technical problems are not a valid excuse for missing an exam. Additionally, mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets are not appropriate for online exams. DO NOT attempt an assessment using a mobile device.
  • All assessments will auto-submit when (1) the timer runs out OR (2) the closing date/time is reached, whichever happens first. For example, if a quiz has a closing time of 5:00 pm but the student begins the exam at 4:55 pm, the student will only have 5 minutes to complete the quiz. Assessments in this course are not compatible with mobile devices and should not be taken through a mobile phone or a tablet. If you need further assistance, please contact FIU Online Support Services.
  • All technical problems should be directed to the FIU LMS Phone Support at 1 (877) 3-ELEARN or online at https://canvas.fiu.edu/support/. Be certain to request and note the “trouble ticket” number, which will be used to verify any claims of a system failure. In the event of a technical problem, students must first report the issue to FIU LMS Help or Canvas Phone Support. The student should then contact the professor with a description of the problem and the trouble ticket number. Remember, individual technical problems are not a valid excuse for missed or late coursework.

Remember: Any student who does not take a quiz/exam during the allotted time will receive a zero for that test. Tests will be made available AFTER the THURSDAY ‘live’ lecture on the scheduled date in calendar. Any arrangements concerning an assessment must be made prior to the quiz/exam and approved by the instructor.

 

IV. GRADE ASSESSMENT [1]

A. * Active Participation point total is subdivided into 2 segments

1. Active Participation (Assigned Questions): 12 PTS

  • 2-3 questions will be posted to ALL students each week. The questions will be posted each Thursday night/Friday morning for the following week of assigned readings in the weekly course module.

2. International Negotiation Updates/Reports OR Negotiation Simulation (6 PTS)

  • Students will be assigned roles to simulation negotiations surrounding a crisis at the UNSC over a disputed event or region

 

B. Quizzes (4): 32 PTS

Quiz questions are composed of assigned reading questions AND key points in lectures. Quizzes will involve specific questions that necessitate either one-sentence/word, listing, or short answers.

 

C. Mid-Term: 30 PTS

The mid-term will consist of the main concepts and key ideas in the first half of the course. Students should retain information from reading assignments, lectures and questions from the quizzes, which may aid them in preparation for the mid-term exam. Course policy due to the failure of attending the mid-term exam is stated below (IV).

 

D. Final Essay: 20 PTS

The essay will be based on the report if an international negotiation. Grading of essays will be based on certain criteria in the content of the report. I will provide an essay matrix that will guide your writing and categorize key areas from which your report will be graded upon. FINAL INT’L NEGOTIATION ESSAY DUE SAT 24 APRIL 11:59pm

 

V. Class Attendance: Absences and Make-Up Polices

  • No attendance will be taken. In addition, all lectures will be recorded
  • If a student misses the deadline for any quiz or examination, please notify professor as soon as possible for a make-up (either in-person or online repeat). However, only in extreme extenuating circumstances will there be consideration of EXAM make-ups. In extreme cases, the student will provide documentation. Canvas, quiz, and midterm technical issues should be directed to FIU Support Services Help https://lmshelp.fiu.edu/ or call 1-877-3-ELEARN.

 

VI. Other Considerations

A> Medical Emergencies:

A doctor’s note will NOT automatically excuse students from assignments, discussion posts, examinations, and class archives. Students must have a true medical emergency before the excuse will be considered. Colds, coughs, and bellyaches are generally NOT medical emergencies. The instructor must be contacted as soon as possible regarding the situation. Additionally, the acceptance of the medical excuse is at the complete discretion of the instructor.

 

B> Social Justice Statement:

Florida International University is committed to social justice. The instructor concurs with that commitment and expects to maintain a positive learning environment based upon open communication, mutual respect, and non-discrimination. Florida International University does not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, color, or national origin. Any suggestion as to how to further such a positive and open environment in this class will be appreciated and given serious consideration. Any student that anticipates needing any type of accommodation to participate in this class, please advise the instructor within the first week of class to make appropriate arrangements.  Please contact Disability Resource Center (305) 348-3532 with any questions.

 

C> Class Cancellation for Weather and other Emergencies:

At some point during the semester, it may be necessary for the university to cancel all or some classes due to poor weather, power failures, or other emergencies. Because of the very nature of an online class in which students are participating from all over the world, a university class cancellation or closure will not automatically apply in this course. The FIU eCampus will still be operational in times of a university shutdown. In times of a power outage or system wide failure, the instructor will make an announcement in the FIU eCampus classroom as soon as information becomes available. Assignment due dates are firm and will not automatically change if the university is closed. Always check the eCampus for updates and announcements concerning the class.

 

D> Student Evaluation of Instruction:

Effective teaching is a primary mission of Florida International University. Student evaluation of instruction provides the university and the instructor with feedback about the student’s experience in the course for review and course improvement. Results are strictly confidential and anonymous. Information about the evaluation will be provided towards the end of the semester.

[1] The grading scale is A = 100-94%; A- = 93.9-90%; B+ = 89.9-87%; B = 86.9-83%; B- =82.9%-80%; C+ = 79.9-77%; C = 76.9-70%; D = 69.9-60%; F = 59.9-0%