Geopolitics Syllabus/CurriculumGeopolitics requirements:

I. Attend class. (You must provide a note for lateness and absence.) There are no formal exams. Therefore class attendance is  extremely important. Unexcused lateness and absences will result in  reduction of  grade.

II. Timely completion of  reading and written Assignments. Periodically unannounced quizzes will be given.

III. Participation in class discussions is expected.

IV. Completion of two Book Reviews.

IV. Completion of Group Project (TBA).

Failure to adhere to any of the above will negatively affect the grade and may result in a failing grade for the course.

Breakdown:

Participation/Attendance 33%

Reading/Homework/Written Assignments 34%

Quizzes/Project 33%

Reading/Quizzes/Written Work/ Participation/Attendance /Projects/Reviews 100%

BOOK REVIEWS 

 Below is a brief list of suggestions.

The Review will be due on:  

Recommended

The Diamond Age  Neal Stephenson 

Chung Kuo: Book I: The Middle Kingdom,  David Wingrove

Ishmael: Daniel Quinn

Brave New World: Aldous Huxley

Brave New World Revisited: Aldous Huxley

The Island- Aldous Huxley

Connectography:Mapping the Global Future,Parag Khanna

Asia's Cauldron: The South China Sea and the End of a Stable Pacific Robert Kaplan

The Hundred Year Marathon: China's Secret Strategy to Replace America,  Michael Pillsbury

China Shakes The World , James Kynge

The Improving State of the World: Why we are  Living more Comfortable Lives on a Cleaner Planet  by Indur Goklany

An Appeal to Reason: A Cool Look at Global Warming: Nigel Lawson

Abundance: The Future is Better Than You Think: Peter Diamandis

Clash of Civilizations by Samuel P. Huntington

The New Digital Age: Eric Schmidt and Jared Cohen

 

  

 

Criteria:I. Main Characters (May have to be a generalization for non-fiction titles)

II. Setting and Time Period

III. The Plot/ The Theme

IV. Relevance of the Book to present geopolitical events and concerns

V. Criticism of the Book

VI. Overall Opinion of the Book (and Details to Support Your Opinion)

VII. Three Page Maximum Length 

 Units and Assignments

I. Geopolitical History and Theory

#1 Geography Strikes Back (Robert Kaplan)

1.   Write at least one paragraph that explains the extent to which you agree or disagree with  Kaplan's essay.

Video: Revenge of Geography

2. Read the two short articles below.

Write: What do they tell us about the nexus between Politics (the struggle for power), Geography, Climate and History? The Upside of Global Warming

China Arctic Geography____________________________________________________________________

#2    Geopolitical Perceptions II   Read: The Effects of Representations of Space (bring to class as well)  Answer:  1.  Give your own example of each of the following ways that space is represented :  a. cartographic   b. political    c. Cartesian Perspectivalism    d. optical    e. transcendental    f.  biological 12 Maps That Changed the World Maps Your Textbook Won't Show You Animated Maps that will Change your Perspective Perspective Freaking Me Out     #3 The End of Geopolitics? Part I: Modern Geopolitics Answer: 1. What is Geopolitics? 

2. What are the three elements of Modern Geopolitical theory presented in The End of Geopolitics......3. In your own words, write the Grand Narrative that O'Toal argues is the essence of Modern Geopolitical thought. Make it clear and simple. ISIL Narrative 

  9/20 #6 Read Geopolitics Reborn   and  In Defense of Classical Geopolitics  Answer:  Define:  State, Nation-State, Sovereignty1. What is the Organic-State Theory?2. Explain the Geo-Strategic ideas of Alfred Thayer Mahan and Sir Halford Mackinder 3. What is Geopolitik?4. Explain the reasoning that Nicholas Speakman gives as to why the U.S. should project airpower across the globe. Why We Fight: The Nazi's Strike No joy in US or Chinese exceptionalism Mitt Romney: The Need for a Mighty U.S. Military

 #7 Read, print out, and  bring to class:  Aristotle: The Politics, excerpts on State and Government  Answer:

1.     How does Aristotle define the State?

2.     According to Aristotle, what is a Citizen?

3.     List and describe the three forms of government and their perversions.

4.     What does he propose are the primary concerns/responsibilities of a government? 

 5.  Which form of government does he think best? Why?

 #14   Area Studies: CIA World Factbook   1. Use the links above and construct a bullet list of features about the country you choose.  Be prepared to locate on a world map. Include the following information:1. Land area 2. Coastline 3. Population. 4. Population growth rate and Life Expectancy 5. Arable land  6. Agriculture products 7. GDP, GDP per capita, and GDP growth rate 8. Exports 9. Imports 10. Export/ Import Partners 11. Current Account Balance and Debt. 12.Form of Government  13. Electricity Consumption and Production 14. Oil Consumption and Production 15. Natural Gas Consumption and Production 16. Primary language 17. Environmental concerns 18. Climate 19. Predominate religion 20. Literacy Rates 21. Internet Users  22. Neighbors of Note  23. Urbanization 23. Anything else you find interesting or of note.  

2. On a scale of 1-10, ten being the best, rate your state on its success in meeting the criteria that Aristotle proposes  as it pertains to Statehood. Comprehensive National Power Framework  

 #10 Read:   The End of Geopolitics? Part II: Postmodern Geopolitics ;   Postmodern Geopolitics in the 21st Century ;    If it Feels Right (nytimes)  and   Posteverything Generation (scroll to the comments as well) Answer: 1.  From your understanding of the reading, what is post-modernism?2.  Outline and explain the elements of  Post-Modern Geopolitics.  

 #10 What is Globalization?  Read: Thomas Friedman: A Manifesto For The Fast World   Dont Just Do Something. Sit There (Friedman)Globalization IGlobalization IIPax Sinica  Watch: New World Order      New World Order II        Trump vs. HillaryIs Nationalism vs. Globalism 2016   Obama on GlobalizationCourse CorrectionNigel FarageThe Trump Doctrine: Crosstalk RTGlobalism is DemonicNigel Farage on GlobalismCitizen of the World  Optional:Watch: Obama Speech to UN Sept 25, 2013            Obama Speech to the UN. Sept 25, 2012                 One World is Enough: The Police 1981Listen: Ghost in the MachineAffairs??

 

 #11  United States Geopolitical Strategy            Read: The National Security Strategy of the United States 2017 Position Paper #1 (To be collected and graded) 

  Use specific references from the assigned readings and  from all of the homework to date. Two page maximum, typed and double spaced.  Compare if you Dare : The National Defense Strategy of the United States 2008 :   The National Security Strategy of the United States 2010   

  #12 What is the new narrative?  Who is the United States?  What should we be?  Whoever Controls the Narrative Controls the World 1. What are the values we should seek to advance? Should those efforts be limited to within the borders of the United States?2. What should we seek to achieve, even if not supported by other countries.3. What should we seek to prevent, no matter how it happens, and even if alone?4. What should we not engage in even if urged by multilateral groups or an alliance?

#14  Read: Over Organization     Answer: 1. What are the characteristics of  the  New Social Ethic that Huxley's describes in his essay Over Organization?2. According to Huxley, how have Individuals been affected by technological advances in recent years?3. Make a list of the following:a. Television shows you watched on a regular basis as a young child...b.  Video Games you play on a regular basisc.  News Organizations you receive news from on a regular basis.d. Websites/Social Media you visit most frequently. 4.  How does the human "appetite for distractions" allow for an unforeseen type of manipulation? Optional  Readings: The Arts of Selling , Aldous Huxley Hooked on GrowthThe Psychology of PowerPropaganda in a Democratic Society Social EngineersSelfish Ledger_________________________________________________________________________

#15  In Class:  Frontline Documentary: The Persuaders           

Advertisement Analysis:  Choose two advertisements: One political and one commercial.   ( TV, Internet, Embedded, Print....your choice.) Bring the ad to class.Analyze:  1. What is the target market? i.e  Adults, Children, Male, Female, Ethnicity, Socio/Economic class.....2. To what extent does the ad seek to create Loyalty Beyond Reason? If so, how does it do this.3. Is there a coded message? To what extent does the ad appeal to  unconscious/ reptilian/ non-rational passions?4. Read: What They Know Optional  Readings:  Academic Dream Team Helped Obama's Efforts The Arts of Selling , Aldous Huxley Advertising Code of Ethics: American Marketing Association . The Vatican's statement on advertising .  Apple is Obviously a Cult NeuroPolitics

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II. The Geopolitical Implications of Human Consumption  #16.  Read: The Long Descent   Chapter 1 The End of the Industrial Age   (pgs 1-34 )   1. What is Hubberts Curve? What does it predict?2. What are the arguments made by the book "Limits to Growth". Do you find them to be valid?3. Why has petroleum been so important in modern civilization? Be specific. Explain the reasons why it will be so difficult to replace petroleum.4. Do you agree with the authors supposition that the Ancient Maya are a relevant example to what is happening in our civilization now? Explain.5. What is your Carbon Footprint? Calculate yours using one of the following sites. Simple  BP Carbon Footprint Calculator Detailed   Personal Emissions Calculator (US Dept. of Environmental Protection)Watch:  The MOST Important Video You'll Ever See (9min)  Geo Engineering 

 #17  POPULATION  Read:  War of the WorldAnswer: 1. According to the article above, what are three obstacles to population control2. What are the ways in which those obstacles can  be overcome? Optional: The Coming Anarchy  (199Population and Ikea BoxesThe Only Way to Stop Population Growth   Converging World

200 Countries, 200 Years7 Billion Optional: Thomas Malthus: Essay on Population           and       William Godwin Responds Answer: 1. What is the general view toward human behavior and economy in the writing of Thomas Malthus?                2. Why does William Godwin disagree? What is his reasoning?Optional: The Coming Anarchy  (1994)

#18 How are the World's Largest Petroleum Companies Operating in the 21st Century? Geological ExplorationReserves/Countries of OperationNew TechnologiesCommunity and Charitable OutreachGovernment SubsidiesConflictsEmployment...What types of Jobs are available at the company? Where are these jobs located? What skills are required? BPExxon MobilChevronPetro ChinaPetrobrasRoyal Dutch ShellConoco PhilipsTotal

_________________________________________________________________ ___What's Wrong With This Picture ,      The National Entertainment State        Media Ownership  The Death of Journalism Choose one of the Media Companies below and answer the following: a. What is the global reach of the company? How many countries do they broadcast to?b. How diversified is media is the company i.e...... How many different types of media do they own?c. What are some of the brands that the company markets?d. How many people does the sum of the media's holdings reach? CBS Corporation  NBC Universal Comcast TimeWarnerV iacom News Corporation The Walt Disney Company

Read: The Top 200 Global Corporations: Read: The Rise of Corporate Global Power   and  Business Doesn't Rule 1. In your assessment why would Sarah Anderson feel threatened by Corporate Power?  

2. Explain two reasons why Philippe Legrain doesn't believe that corporations pose a significant threat to life as we know it.  3.  Read: WORLD: Corporate Balancing Act (Financial Times);     Corporate Leadership for the 21st Century: Sustainability Experience Required   What questions does the article from the Financial Times raise about corporate power? To what extent do corporations bear responsibility for social problems? What responsibilities do you think corporations should  have toward a society that government does not? Is it fair to blame corporations for poverty, disease, and environmental pollution? If so why? If not, who is to blame? 

 Corporate Reports: Source:  Fortune.com/CNN: Company ProfilesComplete a report on the company that you were assigned in class. Answer the questions below as best as possible. Use the resources provided as well as your own searches. Answer each question with a separate paragraph heading. (See example)Answer:What is the name of the company?How old is the company?What is the "home" country of the company?What is the main business of the company? (What does the company sell)What are the totals in Revenue, Assets, and Profits of the company?How many people does the company employ?In what countries does the company do business?To what degree is the company involved in Philanthropy?What is the company's status with regard to  human rights and the environment?Include any items of interest and items worthy of mention.Resources: *Be sure to visit your company's website! (There are links through the Fortune.com site)Fortune.com/CNN: Company ProfilesCorpWatch.orgCorporate Philanthropy

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#19 Urbanization:      Time and Google: Time Lapse Climate and Development

Urbanization:    Best Practices presentations

Be prepared to tell us the best practices associated with your urbanization category.

The Greatest Migration  Below is a list of possible resources.  Dhaka: Fastest Growing Mega-City Future MegaProjectsHow do we Build the Cities of Tomorrow? Jakarta: Bursting at the Seams (video)  Going Green in Abu DhabiCities May Sprout Vertical FarmsDynamic Architecture in Dubai

City MayorsTianjin: The Future of Cities?WebUrbanistCities That Are Running out of WaterFuture TimelineCool City Maps (REALLY!) 

   #20   Read: Anarcho-primitivism: Encyclopedia II  1. What is the main belief of the Anarcho-Primitivist?2. What are the mechanisms of Domestication?3. What is their attitude toward technology? Why?4. Some have called Anarcho-Primitivist ideology Apocalyptic. Do you agree or disagree. Explain.

 

 #21 Divided Reading: National Security and the Threat of Climate Change   The Encyclical (Pope and Climate Change)  Everyone Reads pgs. 13-18 and 41-43Group One: read and outline  pgs. 20-23Group Two: read and outline pgs.24-27Group Three: read and outline pgs. 29-31Group Four: read and outline pgs. 31-35Group Five:  read and outline  pgs. 36-41Read

 #22 Alternatives to Consider Welcome to the Third Industrial Revolution The Third Industrial RevolutionJeremy Rifkin at the HuffingtonPostCapitalism Cannot Save Us From Climate Change Optional:Watch: TED : COLLABORATIONLess Stuff More HappinessIn Praise of Idleness (Bertrand Russell 1932)Becoming China's Farm TeamBiomimicryApple Campus II Optional : The Hunt For Black Gold (cnbc)     The Earth is Full   Abundance is our Future The Real Cost of Climate ChangeHans Rosling: Development

The Secret of the Seven SistersPost Carbon.org (videos)German Green Village 

 #23 Group Project It may be  valuable to consider the distinction between "citizen" and - "consumers."  We humans  are referred to collectively as "the consumer".  Have our identities  been diminished to entities whose primary role is compulsive consumption of unneeded goods? What are the ecological, political, and cultural impacts of this shift in virtue? -  .....a related yet separate topic. Reflect on the question: what would it take to upgrade ourselves to CITIZENS again?  Create a Slogan, a jingle and a brochure for a  product that fits into  the concept of a Consumer Cultural  Revolution for Sustainability.

Criteria:What is the Product?What are its benefits?What does it Cost?How is it Delivered?Why should people buy it?* Provide a  Slogan, a jingle and a brochure 

ResourcesTechnology Review (MIT)Science DailyPopular MechanicsDiscover MagazineEnergy Information Administration GreenTV Federal Energy Tax Incentives

 

III. The Asian-Pacific Century:#24  Read The Geopolitics of China: A Great Power Enclosed and Renaissance!

Answer: 

 1. What are China's three geopolitical Imperatives? For each of these imperatives explain how China is attempting to address it.

Surf the  China Daily   and Global Times

http://www.atimes.com/after-syrias-partition-will-xinjiang-be-destabilized/

 

Sesame Credit Jiang Zemin Scolds Reporter So Many Secrets in the East China Sea

 China's Peaceful Development

China to Nurture 7 Strategic Industries in 2011-2015

Alibaba Group

America's Pacific Century

Social Credit Punishment

Journalist Banned

Our Tech Nightmare (Skinner Box)

Is China Becoming a Black Mirror Episode

China's XiJinPeng moves from President to Emperor

Xi Jin Peng Makes Chilling Grab for Power in China

Xi Jin Peng Thought Explained: New Ideology for a New Era

China 2020 Paper Tiger

 

The China Africa Project

China's Naval Strategy and Shipping Routes

China in Africa

Chinese Cabin Crew

How to Make Leaders

China's English Language Propaganda

The Song of the 13th Five Year Plan

When China Met Carolina

Britain Meets China

China's Geographic Challenge

Will China Colonize North Korea?

Alibaba and Jack Ma

The Alibaba Story (Bloomberg)

 

 

Sesame Credit

High Speed

CGTN

China's Future Megaprojects

How China Builds Railroad Tunnel

Belt and Road VOX

China Rise: China or Bust

Turning Obedience Into a Game

Chasing the Chinese Dream

China's Silky Road to Glory

China's Belt and Road

One Belt One Road Initiative

 

   Politics of China's Rise:

  Read   :      

China's Peaceful Development

 Read: Where the Yangtze Meets the Congo

China's New Leaders Ban Red Carpets

South China Sea Maps

Surf the  China Daily   Here

Video: China The New Superpower

China Shapes the World (Choose one Article and write a brief review)

I.  Economic Explosion

   Read: The Next Big Future: Infrastructure

   China's Orbit  

                China or the U.S.

                Chimerica: A Marriage on the Rocks?

Answer:

1. How does China's economic development compare to the economic development of European and American powers? Is there anything China lacks? Is there anything they do better?

2. How is China using economic policies to maintain and increase stability?

3. What is Chimerica? Do you see this as a positive or negative arrangement?

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#25 CGTN: Opinions

Choose one of the articles. Write a summary of the opinion AND the issue. Be prepared to present the issue and opinion to the class

  #26 North Korea

Nuclear Arsenal

Watch: "Party   Rock Anthem" North Korean Style

Frontline: Secret State of North Korea Jan 2014

Read: The Korean Enigma

Browse: Korea Times

Korea Video Clips

All About North Korea

Inside Undercover

South Korea Education Fever South Korea Nation to Watch Tech Schools Smart City Seoul The New Technologies in South Korea

Where to Find the Worlds Fastest Internet

IV. South West Asia  

#27 Read and outline A Concise History of Islam and the Arabs.  Pay particular attention to the terms listed below : (This will be collected!)

Kaaba

Muhammed

Khadija

Hijra

Abu Bakr

Ali

Caliph

 

Umma

Battle of Karbala

Ummayad

Abbasid

Safavid

Ottomans

Sykes Picot Agreement

Balfour Declaration

Pan Arabism

Hizbollah

Ayotollah

Muslim Brotherhood

Islamism

Sunni-Shia Split

 

#28 SAUDI ARABIA

 The Middle East's Durable Map

Saudi Arabia: A Brief History

Saudi Arabia:: How Charity Begins

House of Saud re-embraces Totalitarianism

#29 IRAN

Read:

How Iran became an Undemocratic Democracy

Iran: History and Culture (from Lonely Planet Guides)

Iranians ignore Sanction Pinch

An Oil Strategy In Case Iran Shuts down the Strait of Hormuz

Hormuz: Danger Waters

Oil, geopolitics and war with Iran

How Iran will fight back 

 #30 You Can't Understand ISIS if You Don't Know the History of Wahhabism in Saudi Arabia Pt 1  Alistar Crooke

Middle East Time Bomb: The Real Aim of ISIS Is to Replace the Saud Family as the New Emirs of Arabia  Alistar Crooke

Answer:

What is Wahabbism?

What has been it's goal in the Islamic World?

What had Saudi Arabia's role been in the development of Wahabbist Ideology?

What is the relationship of ISIS to Wahabbism?

FYI

Bulldozing the Border

The Doomsday Ideology

Saudi Time BombMigration Rebuilding the Asylum System George Soros

Twitter HerdMobs

 

 Migrations

V. HUMAN TRAFFICKINGIn Class: Trafficking(Vid)

Top Ten Countries for Trafficking

 

Group Project Guidelines

Each group will delegate a part of the topic to research to group members. During daily debriefing each group will share their research. Daily consultation with Mr. Badgley to help construct a coherent presentation for each group that will be given to the entire

class. Bring in articlles and detailed statistics in summary form that relate to your topic.

 

Group 1: Human Trafficking

Define the types of Trafficking

Global Statistics

Three Geographic Examples

Proposed Solutions

Select one Current Policy and explain its efficacy

 

Group 2: Human Rights

What are Natural Rights?

What are Property Rights?

How do the rights of  Reproduction and Production relate to the above types of Rights

 

Group 3: Freedom of Expression

Social Media: Who is responsible and liable for Content? Corporation or Consumer

How does the government regulate expression?

Section 230 of the Communications and Decency Act of 1996: Describe and Explain how it relates to Expression and Trafficking

 

Group 4: Media and Journalism

How do Voices get heard?

Who decides what the "masses" hear? Editorial Process: Skype with Wash Post Journalist Craig Timberg

Womens March

Antifa

Group 5: Sesta/Fosta

What is the intent of the Law?

How might it change the way that social media and the internet has functioned? For the better or worse?

Is the law fair? Unfair? Necessary?

Will it be effective?

How will it effect the most?

 

VI. Geopolitics of the Future#32 Trans Humanism

Microchip Implants

International Drug Trade

Read:  

 Impact of Drugs on Society

Drugs: Iran and Afghanistan

  Drugs For Guns

  World failing to dent heroin trade, U.N. warns

Meth flourishes despite tracking laws

View: Drug Intelligence Brief: Anatomy of a Southeast Asian Heroin Conspiracy

Watch: Fault Lines: The High and the Mighty

CYBER POLITICS

Read: It's Time to Write the Rules of Cyber War

Choose one of the articles from the Related Stories column on the right of the page and write a review. Be prepared to read the review to the class.

#15 Read: CIA and Data Collection    

Target Hack

Data Brokers

kerseHacking News

TEDX Cyber

When the Whole World Has Drones

Banks Under Cyber Attack

Stuxnet: Anatomy of a Computer Virus

Stuxnet: A New Era of Warfare

Hackers Wanted

Anonymous Vs. North Korea

Anonymous: We Can Change the World

 

Space Report:

Find a company that is innovating for the space race. Report on the product (products) and how they will be used. This could range from Rockets, to Ships, to spaceports, to robotics, terraforming, mining, housing, energy, electronics.

Be prepared to show us images or video of the product and to answer questions regarding the economic prospects of the company. Below is an article that could get you started but I encourage you to find your own companies.

Wanderers

A New Cold War

6 Private Companies

Spaceflight Companies look to R&D

Larger List!!

 

Outer Space

 Read:

Shooting For the Moon

Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of Statesin the Exploration and Use of Outer Space,including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies

Space Law: FAQ (United NAtions: Scroll down for brief explanations)

Colonization of Space (NASA)

 Read

Space Fence

Star Wars: Lawmaker Touts Soldiers in Space

Air Force War Game Highlights Space Deterrent

Lack Of Space Assets Limits Chinese Military

  Space reports:

Write a brief report on your assigned area. Include current and future projects. Assess cooperation with other agencies and/or states. Also include the overall policy goals (as best you can).

Europe

Russia

China

India

Japan

Private Enterprise

United States

  

Search the Resources our  main page for info, also, the following  may get some of you started:       

 EIACountry Analysis Briefs ,  The Strategic Space of International Transportation,

More:

United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs

Global Security.org

NASA

CSNA (China Space Agency)

European Space Agency

Virgin Galactic

 Future Timeline

Unmanned drone attacks and shape-shifting robots: War's remote-control future

WATCH: Halfway Human

WATCH:   "The New City" and  Future States (PBS)      and   The Most Peaceful World Ever

 

  Read:The Fifth Horseman of the Apocalypse

 The Next 100 Years   George Friedman

Watch: Fighting in the Fifth Dimension

Answer:  One Page: With which of these predictions do you agree. Explain. Which do you find fanciful. Explain

  Turkey Takes over the Arab Spring

Turkey and Egypt seeking Alliance

The Next 100 Years

Future Shock: Welcome to the New Middle Ages

The Next Decade

Read: The Art of Selling

Toxic Colonialism

Global Forecast

Europe

Scenarios: The Future of the Nation-State

The Future of the Nation-State 

 Civil Society and the Future of the Nation-State

 The Asian World Order?

Answer: Which of the Four Global Futures do you deem most likely? Explain why you believe this to  be so.

Read:  Four Alternative Global Futures

Millenium 3000 Scenarios   (Excerpts from the State of the Future at the Millennium)

 Possible Geopolitical Futures