Requirements and Grades

In addition to the reading, there are several different types of course requirements.

• Class participation 10%
• Midterm 1 20%
• Midterm 2 20%
• Final Exam 30%
• Two Response Papers 20%
• Extra Credit 20%

There are three books required as well as set of articles available (marked with an "*") as a reading packet from Wordsmiths. A copy of Michael Veseth's Selling Globalization will be passed out the first day of class. The texts are:

Reading is an active and interactive process between the reader and the text. If you're really reading a text you are also reacting to it. I've included a wide range of texts in order to provoke a wide range of responses from readers.

Reading should also be a reflective process. To really understand an article deeply it is usually necessary to read it and think about it, and then read it again, and think about it, and discuss it with others, write about it and read it yet again. I've found that even after many readings, when I read a text in order to explain it to someone else I get new perspectives on the author's arguments and assumptions and on the text's strengths and weaknesses.

So when I say "do the readings," I mean "engage yourself with the ideas of the text." I understand that some of the texts are quite complex and that not all of them are entertaining. But struggle is part of the reading experience. If something is not clear, if it's confusing, talk about it with others outside of class, and/or bring it up in class. If it's a long or complex reading, don't try to do it all in one sitting; take breaks, come back to it, read it in small doses. Taking notes on a text while you read it or re-read it is also a very good way to engage the text and to make sure you understand it.

If you do not understand the readings after we discuss them in class, please see me immediately. Some of the readings are very challenging, and I expect you to speak with me if anything is not clear.
 

Exams

There are three examinations in the course. The two midterms are given in class and cover only material covered just prior to the exam. The midterms will consist of short answers, identifications and an essay. One exam is scheduled for Thursday, February 24. A second midterm is scheduled for Thursday April 6.. Each midterm is worth 20 percent of your final grade. The final exam, worth 30 percent of your grade.

Short reading Papers

On two weeks of your own choosing, you will submit a short paper that examines one of the "Referenced Readings". In addition to summarizing the readings, the essay should provide a brief comparison with the core readings for the week. Each paper should be approximately three double-spaced typed pages in length. You may choose any two weeks during the semester to write your reaction papers. A sign-up sheet will be passed out during the first week of class and then posted on the class website. Each essay is worth ten points. Grades will be based on substance and style (grammar, spelling, and organization). The short essays are due at the beginning of the week the readings are assigned. The essays must be submitted in two forms: first, electronically on the Monday; and second as a hard copy on the Tuesday during class. The electronic copy will be emailed to the entire class. Papers will be graded down a full letter grade for each day they are submitted late.

Extra Credit Options

Each student has the opportunity to accrue up to 20 additional points by completing one of the following additional assignments. Please note that extra credit assignments are optional. NB: all assignments must first be approved by the professor.

Option 1: Attend a university talk, colloquium, rally, or public meeting on a topic related to issues discussed in this course such as a trade, globalization, development, the WTO, etc. Write a short paper (3 pages) that summarizes the central points made by the speaker and how they relate to one or more of the readings in the class. (10 points)

Option 2: Do both of the following. Subscribe to a list serve in an area related to trade, globalization or economic development. Write a short (one paragraph) description of the list and your sense of it from monitoring messages for one week. Print out one copy of a message to attach to your report. See me about signing up for a list. Also, locate a website of an area related to globalization, trade, or economic development. Write a short description of the site and add it to your bookmark collection to check it regularly. Write a short description of the search process that led you to the site. (10 points)

Option 3: Choose three journal articles on a single question or issue that interests you and is related to globalization, trade or economic development. A good way to approach this assignment is to focus on a policy problem faced by countries, firms, or workers. The articles may be from several journals, but need not be (for example, if there is a symposium issue on your topic). Submit a short annotated bibliography. The annotation should be a paragraph or two at most. Begin with the correct citation (either Chicago Manual, APSA, or Blue Book citation style), then include a sentence summarizing the argument. A brief description of the method and sources used to further the thesis and a brief evaluation of its merits should follow.

Rather than use general evaluative words, such as "this is an interesting article" you need to precisely convey what specific quality made it so. For example, "By comparing the origin with the later development of three different state policy domains – the civil service, the military and the regulation of business – Skowronek demonstrates the role bureaucracy contributes to a state’s capacity." Journal titles must be approved by the professor. (10 points).

Option 4: Develop a paper you have already completed for another class by incorporating ideas from this class. The purpose of this option is to give you the opportunity to build on work you've already completed and apply this course is some sort of cumulative way. Given the unstructured nature of this option, all assignments must be approved by the professor prior February 24. You must make an appointment to see me. A written and electronic copy of the paper you are revising must be turned in prior to February 24 along with a short statement describing how you intend to further develop the paper (10 to 20 points).

Additional assistance

I would like to hear from anyone who has a disability that may require some modification of seating, testing, or other class requirements so that appropriate arrangements may be made. Please do not hesitate to contact me after class or during my office hours.