Global Security

This course provides an overview of current and future challenges in global security.  We will use a regional approach to explore key, contemporary security issues in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.  We will also study and discuss current, relevant security concepts including inter-state conflict, ethnic conflict, nuclear deterrence, arms control, WMD proliferation, collective security/alliances, cyberspace, and terrorism.  The course will also examine transnational and emerging threats and opportunities in global security.  Major goals of the course include increasing understanding of the various regional security issues, identifying competing national interests, and analyzing potential U.S. national security policy options given the current intentional environment.

Student materials are available at the OU Bookstore Website at https://ou.textbookx.com/institutional/index.php. The website has book selling, renting, buying, returning, and order tracking capabilities. If you need help with an order, or if you have any questions contact the toll-free phone at 1-(855)-790-6637, agents are available from 9a – 5p (EST) Monday – Friday. Text prices are available online.

Additional course materials consist of academic/international security journal articles.  There additional readings are from journals such as Foreign Affairs, International Security, Foreign Policy, Survival, etc. as well as material from official government sources.  Non-book reading materials for this course are posted on the OU Canvas system. 

Access Canvas at https://canvas.ou.edu.  Enter your OU NetID and password and select the IAS 5043 course to access the reading material.  If you require assistance with Canvas, please click on the Help icon.  You can search the Canvas guides, chat with Canvas support, or contact OU IT.  To optimize this learning opportunity for you and other class members, please read all the material for each class period prior to each class session.

After this course, students will have gained an improved understanding and appreciation for the following:

1. The leading theoretical approaches to international security
2. Key security concepts
3. The role international institutions play the maintenance of international peace and security
4. Current regional/topical issues in the international security environment
5. Transnational security issues and the future of international security

After this course, students will have gained an improved understanding and appreciation for the following:

1.      The leading theoretical approaches to international security

2.      Key security concepts

3.      The role international institutions play the maintenance of international peace and security

4.      Current regional/topical issues in the international security environment

5.      Transnational security issues and the future of international security

Additionally, students will have the ability to use a framework of analysis to better comprehend the complex world of international security, identify key national interests from the perspective of other nation-states, and identify potential policy options which will enhance U.S. national and international security.

We will use the following learning formats in this course:  readings, lectures, question and answer, class discussion, and audio/video documentaries

Class Schedule

·        Class 1 – Tuesday, 20 Sep – International Security Organizations

·        Class 2 – Wednesday, 21 Sep – Euro-Atlantic Security:  Resurgent Russia

·        Class 3 – Thursday, 22 Sep – Nuclear Deterrence/Arms Control/Nuclear Proliferation

·        Class 4 – Friday, 23 Sep – Regional Conflict:  North Korea

·        Class 5A – Saturday, 24 Sep – Emerging Great Power:  China

·        Class 5B – Saturday, 24 Sep – Terrorism

·        Class 6A – Sunday, 25 Sep – Cyber Security

·        Class 6B – Sunday, 25 Sep – Global Issues:  Future Trends

There are five graded components to the course which are summarized in the table below:

The instructor will be available for consultation via-email and phone to provide students guidance on the papers and answer any other questions regarding the course.  All students should check Canvas regularly starting 30-days prior to the first class session for additional information/communication from the instructor.  Please us the American Psychological Association (APA) style or other appropriate academic writing standard (MLA, Chicago, etc.) for your pre-and post-course paper.  Additional formatting guidance can be found at the OU Writing Center: http://www.ou.edu/content/writingcenter/.html.  The instructor will provide student grades and feedback via Canvas.

Pre-Class Research Paper

Select and focus on one current international security issue from the following list:

• Collective Security - NATO
• Euro-Atlantic Security - Resurgent Russia
• Nuclear Deterrence/Arms Control/Nuclear Proliferation
• Potential Regional Conflict - North Korea
• Emerging Great Power - China
• Terrorism
• Cyber Security

Based on the course readings in Canvas and additional research, write a 1500-word paper (5-6 page paper) which briefly addresses each of the following questions relative to the one international security issue you selected from the list above:

• What is the historical background and what are the causes of the current international security issue/conflict?
• What are the key national security interests/objectives of the nation at the center of this issue?
• How does this issue affect other nations/groups in the region? What are the national interests of others regarding this international security challenge?
• What policies have these other nations/groups adopted to meet the current security challenge?
• How effective are these policies in managing the security challenge?

Concentrate your research and writing on how nations (other than the United States) and regional/international organizations perceive and manage this international security challenge.

Security Issue Presentations 1 and 2 (in-class, group projects)

The instructor will assign students to participate in one of several groups.  The various groups will be provided an international security crisis and then will conduct a role-playing exercise simulating the decision-making process of a national security council.    Finally, each group will present the findings from their discussion group to the class.  The instructor will provide additional instructions and answer any questions regarding these in-class, group presentations during the introduction period on the first day of class.

Attendance and In-Class Discussion Participation

To maximize learning opportunities for all members of the class, we will engage in frequent, open discussions during the course.  The success of the course is dependent upon the quality of discussion.  The instructor will evaluate the quality of the discussion/participation as a component of the final course grade for each student.

Post-Class Research Paper

Select one of the two following assignment options and write a 2000-word (7-8 page paper) research paper:

Option 1 - Given the multiple, international security challenges we have reviewed in class and trends as articulated in Global Trends 2040:  A More Contested World (available on Canvas) or at DNI Global Trends 2040, write a paper which outlines your view of the long-term future of the international security environment.  Include the following in your paper:

1. Identify emerging international security challenges
2. Explain why these issues are important and how they affect the relevant players in the international security arena
3. Outline the key issues from a U.S. national security perspective
4. Identify and analyze potential solutions for these problems

Option 2 - Select one of the seven key international security issues from the list provided above in the section concerning the pre-course assignment.  Do not use the same issue you selected for the pre-course assignment.  Analyze how the United States has addressed the issue.  Include the following in your paper:

1. Summarize the historical background and current situation regarding the issue
2. Identify the current national security objectives of the U.S. and each regional state/actor
3. Analyze the effectiveness of past and current U.S. policies regarding the issue
4. Elaborate on prospects for the future. How do you asses the current issue evolving and what additional measures should the U.S. take to achieve U.S. objectives for this issue?  Explain why you believe these potential policy solutions would be effective.

Grading:

This is a letter-graded course: A, B, C, D, or F.

Notice: Failure to meet assignment due dates could result in a grade of I (Incomplete) and may adversely impact Tuition Assistance and/or Financial Aid.

Modest extensions required by urgent circumstances may be granted for written work if requested well in advance.

A grade of “I” is not automatically assigned, but rather must be requested by the student by submitting to the instructor a “Petition for and Work to Remove an Incomplete Grade” form. An “I” can never be used in lieu of an “F” nor can an “I” be assigned because of excessive failure to participate in class activities.

Attendance/Grade Policy

Attendance and participation in interaction, individual assignments, group exercises, simulations, role playing, etc. are valuable aspects of any course because much of the learning comes from discussions in class with other students. It is expected that you attend all classes and be on time except for excused emergencies.

Excused absences are given for professor mandated activities or legally required activities such as emergencies or military assignments. It is the policy of the University to excuse absences of students that result from religious observances and to provide without penalty for the rescheduling of examinations and additional required class work that may fall on religious holidays. Unavoidable personal emergencies, including (but not limited to) serious illness; delays in getting to class because of accidents, etc.; deaths and funerals, and hazardous road conditions will be excused.

If you are obtaining financial assistance (TA, STAP, FA, VA, Scholarship, etc.) to pay all or part of your tuition cost, you must follow your funding agency/institution’s policy regarding “I” (Incomplete) grades unless the timeline is longer than what the University policy allows then you must adhere to the University policy. Students who receive Financial Aid must resolve/complete any “I” (Incomplete) grades by the end of the term or he/she may be placed on “financial aid probation.” If the “I” grade is not resolved/completed by the end of the following term, the student’s Financial Aid may be suspended make the student ineligible for further Financial Aid.

Students are responsible for meeting the guidelines of Tuition Assistance and Veterans Assistance. See the education counselor at your local education center for a complete description of your TA or VA requirements.

OU faculty will submit grades online through ONE not later than 30 days after the course end date. Course end dates are approximately one calendar month after the final seminar date on this syllabus and are provided on the official scheduling website for reference.

Academic Integrity and Student Conduct 

Academic integrity means honesty and responsibility in scholarship. Academic assignments exist to help students learn; grades exist to show how fully this goal is attained. Therefore all work and all grades should result from the student's own understanding and effort.

Academic misconduct is any act which improperly affects the evaluation of a student’s academic performance or achievement. Misconduct occurs when the student either knows or reasonably should know that the act constitutes misconduct. Academic misconduct includes: cheating and using unauthorized materials on examinations and other assignments; improper collaboration, submitting the same assignment for different classes (self-plagiarism); fabrication, forgery, alteration of documents, lying, etc…in order to obtain an academic advantage; assisting others in academic misconduct; attempting to commit academic misconduct; destruction of property, hacking, etc…; intimidation and interference with integrity process; and plagiarism. All students should review the Student’s Guide to Academic Integrity at http://integrity.ou.edu/students_guide.html 

Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining an appropriate learning environment. All students should review policies regarding student conduct at http://studentconduct.ou.edu/ 

Accommodation Statement

The University of Oklahoma is committed to making its activities as accessible as possible. For accommodations on the basis of disability, please contact your local OU Site Director.

Adjustment for Pregnancy/Childbirth-Related Issues

Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact the professor as soon as possible to discuss. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Please see http://www.ou.edu/content/eoo/faqs/pregnancy-faqs.html. 

Title IX Resources

For any concerns regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, or intimate partner violence, the University offers a variety of resources, including advocates on-call 24/7, counseling services, mutual no-contact orders, scheduling adjustments, and disciplinary sanctions against the perpetrator. Please contact the Sexual Misconduct Office at [email protected] or (405) 325-2215 (8-5), or the Sexual Assault Response Team at (405) 615 -0013 (24/7) to report an incident. To learn more about Title IX, please visit the Institutional Equity Office’s website at http://www.ou.edu/content/eoo.html 

Course Policies

Extended Campus (also and formerly known as Advanced Programs) policy is to order books in paperback if available. Courses, dates, and professors are subject to change. Please check with your OU Site Director. Students should retain a copy of any assignments that are e/mailed to the professor for the course. Neither duplicating services nor office supplies are provided.

Any and all course materials, syllabus, lessons, lectures, etc. are the property of professor teaching the course and the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma and are protected under applicable copyright.

For more information about OU Extended Campus, visit our website at: http://www.goou.ou.edu/

Statement on Respect

The classroom should provide a safe learning environment where students can express their views without fear of reprisal. That freedom of expression must be balanced by demonstrated respect for other’s viewpoints and appropriate and reasonable sensitivity, especially within the context of scholarly disagreement.  Disrespectful or uncivil dialogue (including, but not limited to, personal attacks, insults, or harassment) will not be tolerated.

Recording Devices/Phones/Computers

It is important for students to be fully present during class to fully benefit from lectures, discussions, and experiential assignments. Class sessions may not be tape-recorded. All telephones and pagers should be turned off or placed on silent mode. Computers may not be used during class. Students who require an exception to this policy should discuss exceptional circumstances with the professor.

Christopher M. Sartorius

Education

• Ph.D. in Political Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
• Master of Military Operational Art and Science, Air University, Maxwell AFB, AL
• M.S. in Strategic Intelligence, National Intelligence University, Defense Intelligence Agency, Washington, DC
• M.A. in Management, Webster University, St. Louis, MO
• B.S. in Political Science (International Public Administration), minor in History, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
• Professional Military Education:  Graduate - Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College

Current Position

• Instructor, OU College of International Studies, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
• Instructor, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, OU College of Professional and Continuing Studies, Norman, OK

Frequently Taught Courses

• IAS 5043 Global Security (OU College of International Studies)
• IAS 5940 U.S. Intelligence Community (OU College of International Studies)
• IAS 3003 – Intelligence and National Security (OU College of International Studies)
• IAS 3003 – Global Intelligence Challenges (OU College of International Studies)
• History of the Cold War (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute)
• Espionage in the Cold War (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute)
• Introduction to U.S. Intelligence (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute)
• Current Issues in International Security (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute)
• Foreign Intelligence Organizations (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute)
• History of US Intelligence – Colonial America to the Civil War (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute)
• Imagery Intelligence (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute)
• S. Presidents and Intelligence (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute)
• Israeli Intelligence Operations (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute)
• Women in Intelligence (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute)

Major Areas of Teaching and Research Interests

• Intelligence Studies and International Security Studies
• NATO History, Strategic Policy, and European Security Studies
• Cold War History

Representative Publications and Presentations

• Ph.D. Dissertation:  Warning Intelligence and Nuclear Crisis Management:  Avoiding Catastrophic Miscalculation
• M.S. Thesis:  Democratic Control of Slovak Defense Forces:  Structural Progress and Governmental Interference
• M.A. Thesis:  Capital Budgeting Techniques Used by Manufacturing, Processing Distribution, Assembly, and Printing Firms in Alexandria, VA
• NATO History and NATO Strategic Concept presentations at the NATO School in Oberammergau, Germany, and the General Staff Academies in Kiev, Ukraine; Thessaloniki, Greece; and Cherchell, Algeria
• WMD Threats, Intelligence Support to Peacekeeping Operations, and the Strategic Implications of Ballistic Missile Defense presentations at the NATO School in Oberammergau, Germany