PS 245 - Great Decisions

Description
This course is devoted to current geopolitical issues, such as global climate change, migration, human trafficking, epidemic disease, and war and terrorism, which are a part of the Great Decisions Lecture Series hosted by the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan. Students engage in a critical assessment of US geopolitical strategies in the world today. Lectures delivered by distinguished professors, diplomats, and journalists, provide a foundation for discussion of complex issues deeply affecting world affairs, society, and the environment.

Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 3
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: None
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: No
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Course is a Requirement:
Pre-International Relations, A.A. (General Transfer)

General Education Requirement:
None
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
NA
Course Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate an understanding of the interconnections between society and the environment in regions shaping current world affairs.
Employ critical thinking to analyze how the development and application of policies influence commerce, culture, environmental conditions, and diplomatic relations, which affect regions across the globe.
Understand the complexities of geopolitical problems facing the world today and the efforts in conflict resolution intended to ameliorate these problems.
Using analytical writing, demonstrate how systems thinking is employed to engage in problem solving related to global issues.
Create a written summary of the main ideas extracted from information gathered.
Know and use active listening skills.
Use high-quality, credible, relevant sources to support writing.
Clearly and completely state and describe a problem/issue.
Evaluate information to identify limitations and biases.
Identify the best solution to a problem or issue.
Describe how knowledge and learning from the academic study/field/discipline relates to one’s participation in civic life, politics, and government.
Discuss how communities, countries, or cultures differ in their values, politics, communication styles, beliefs and practices.
Identify ethical dilemmas associated with environmental, social or cultural issues.
Understand that there are different perspectives on community, national, and international issues.
Articulate views through persuasive argument.
Complete work accurately, with attention to detail.
Manage time effectively.

Course Outline:
PART ONE: GEOPOLITICS: AN INTRODUCTION

I. American Interests and U.S. Involvement in the World Today

A. Dictators and their Disciples in a Dangerous World

B. Leadership and the Development of Conflicts

II. The Geography of Global Political Issues

A. The Persistence of Colonialism

B. Environmental Issues

C. Disease

III. The U.S. Abdicates its Moral Authority in World Affairs

A. “America First”

B. Nationalism

C. Authoritarianism

D. Disinformation

E. Sectarianism

F. Endless War

G. Xenophobia

PART TWO: GREAT DECISIONS LECTURES

The Foreign Policy Association determines 8 Great Decisions issues in September of each year, which are presented as the themes presented in the following Winter’s Great Decisions Lecture Series. These themes change from one year to the next. Each is examined in the following manner:

I. Lecture 1 (or 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8)

A. The Nature of the Issue

B. The Character of the Region(s) (People and Environment) Identified by This Issue

C. U.S. Involvement

D. Conflict Resolution

PART THREE: EPILOGUE

I. Geopolitical Reflections

A. Resolving Environmental Issues

B. Conflict Resolution

C. Regaining Moral Authority

Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
No
Instructional Strategies:
Lecture (and video viewing): 30%

Discussion Board: 30-50%

Writing, Review, and Response: 20-40%
Mandatory Course Components:
None
Equivalent Courses:
None

Accepted GRCC Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Credit: None
AP Min. Score: NA
Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: None

Course prepares students to seek the following external certification:
No
Course-Specific Placement Test: None
Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
None

Course Type:
Program Requirement- Offering designed to meet the learning needs of students in a specific GRCC program.
Course Format:
Lecture - 1:1
Total Lecture Hours Per Week: 3
People Soft Course ID Number: 102487
Course CIP Code: 45.10
Maximum Course Enrollment: 36
High School Articulation Agreements exist?: No
If yes, with which high schools?: NA
Non-Credit GRCC Articulation Agreement With What Area: No
Identify the Non Credit Programs this Course is Accepted: NA

School: School of Liberal Arts
Department: Social Sciences
Discipline: PS
Faculty Credential Requirements:
Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement), 18 graduate credit hours in discipline being taught (HLC Requirement)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
Master’s Degree in one of the Social Sciences disciplines (Geography, Political Science, Economics, Anthropology, History, and Sociology) or a related field, in addition to some demonstrated interest in geopolitics.

Last Revision Date Effective: 2017-03-03 20:59:26
Course Review & Revision Year: 2025-2026