Course Syllabus

Professor: Dr. Rock-Antoine Mehanna

Asst. Professor of Management & Economics

Office: WBC 106

E-mail: r.mehanna@wartburg.edu

Office Phone: (319) 352-8315

TIME AND VENUE

This section of Special Topics/Economics (EC 295) will meet as follows:

From 5/01/03 to 5/11/03: Washington, D.C.

From 5/12/03 to 5/19/03: every day from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. in room WBC 101

COURSE OVERVIEW AND DESCRIPTION (LS 295 & EC 295)

The purpose of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to investigate a timely topic of national and global significance.

In LS 295, the trip's pre-requisite, students studied the underpinning theories and determinants of terrorism; discussed the philosophies of different terrorist organizations; and examined what can and is being done to prevent future terrorist attacks. In a roundtable setting, students helped each other understand how to define terrorism and explored ways to counter it. Additionally, students examined several possibilities on how governments and international institutions can work together to spur economic and human development as tools of counterterrorism.

On the trip to Washington, D.C. (EC 295), the group will visit several national landmarks, museums, and neighborhoods to learn about the multi-cultural lifestyle there. The group will also visit several international embassies, the Pentagon, the World Bank, The International Monetary Fund, a number of non-governmental organizations, Al-Jazeera Television, the George Washington University, and the Center for Global South at the American University. The group will meet and discuss with Iowa Senator Grassley and Representative Harkin about counterterrorism efforts on the state, national, and international levels. Overall, the group will gain a new insight into how terrorism affects all aspects of life-- from the economy, to the media, to public sentiment. The culmination of the Washington, D.C. trip is a report where students will reflect on their learning experience.

RECOMMENDED READING MATERIALS

White, Jonathan. 2004. Defending the Homeland. California: Thomson Learning, Inc.

Additional reading materials and handouts, especially on economic development, will be provided by the instructor (sent also by email.)

COUSE OUTLINE

Part One: Economic Development

1. Introduction to Economic Development

2. Determinants of Economic Development

3. Sustainable Development in Developing countries

Part Two: Counterterrorism

1. Historical background

2. Kinds of terrorism

3. Determinants of terrorism

4. Counterterrorism: Long term and short term

5. Cases and discussions

MEETING DATES AND ACTIVITIES

Monday 4/28 @ 1:00 p.m.: Finalizing appointment and agenda.

Tuesday 4/29 @ 7:00 p.m.: “The Politics and Repercussions of War in the Middle East” at St. Mary’s Church in Waverly. Sponsored by the Waverly Ecumenical Commission for Peace and Justice (WECPAJ); Guest Speakers: Dr. Dan Thomas and Dr. Rock-Antoine Mehanna.

Wednesday 4/30 @1:00 p.m.: final touches and preparations for the DC trip.

Thursday 5/1-Sunday 5/11: Washington D.C. The group will be visiting several landmarks and meeting with several personalities such as: The Pentagon, The State Department, George Washington University, American University’s Center for Global South, Al-Jazeera Television, Iowa Representatives and Senator, IMF, World Bank, the Capitol, National Museums, several non-governmental organizations, international embassies and so forth. (NOTE: a detailed agenda will be provided as soon as all schedules have been finalized.)

Monday 5/12: No Class

Tuesday 5/13 @1:00: Roundtable discussion, Guest Speakers Dr. Kent Hawley and Emeritus Professor Arthur Frick, Topic: “Cultural, Social, and Development Perspectives: Evidence from Iraq and Afghanistan”

Wednesday 5/14 @1:00 p.m.: South Korea’s Economic Development and “lack” of Democracy: A Decade Ago. Video presentation followed by a roundtable discussion.

Thursday 5/15 and Friday 5/16 @ 1:00 p.m.: Debriefing Sessions

Monday 5/19: Final Report presentation (PowerPoint).

Note: The report should reflect on your learning experience in Washington, D.C.

GRADE DETERMINATION

Scale: 70-100% PASS

Below 70% FAIL

Criteria:

Final Assessment Report + Presentation 80%

Conduct, professional behavior, and interpersonal skills during meetings 20%

ATTENDANCE

Students are expected to attend each scheduled session, and they must be on time. Class attendance will be taken every day. Students who must miss class due to official College functions are responsible for all materials covered in class during their absence. Anyone who misses more than one class will be penalized by one-twelfth of their FINAL grade.

NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS OR REPORTS

Late reports will not be accepted.

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR

There are several forms of inappropriate behavior in this class. You may not sleep in this class; you may not have extended private conversations in this class; and you may not get up and leave this class without permission and unless you are ill.

ETHICAL CONDUCT

Students are expected to conform to Wartburg College regulations on ethical conduct. Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated. Any student caught cheating will receive a grade of “F” on the test or activity. Students are responsible for promoting honesty by opposing plagiarism and cheating and reporting dishonest work.

ACCOMMODATION

Any student needing special accommodation because of disability must inform the instructor at the start of the semester and mutually develop an accessibility plan.