This course explores the role of transnational nongovernmental organizations (TNGOs) in world affairs. TNGOs are deeply involved in many aspects of global governance, including humanitarian relief and development, human rights activism and environmental advocacy. However, while scholars increasingly acknowledge the significance of TNGOs in the international system, disagreement persists over the nature of TNGO influence. Some assert that TNGOs are agents of change that use norms and ideas to transform world politics on behalf of global civil society. Others claim that TNGOs are essentially subcontractors advancing the interests of states and corporations. These competing interpretations pose an important puzzle for international relations theory. Does the growing power and influence of TNGOs presage global transformation or further entrenchment of the status quo?
We will begin to address this question by examining several case studies that illustrate the strategies and activities TNGOs employ to advance their missions. We will then cultivate a deeper theoretical understanding of TNGOs by surveying scholarship in international relations. The final sections of the course examine TNGO legitimacy, accountability and effectiveness.
Students will be introduced to contemporary practitioner perspectives through the Transnational NGO Initiative'sInterview Series and will participate in the Wikimedia Foundation's Public Policy Initiative to improve Wikipedia articles pertaining to TNGOs and US public policy.
Assignment overview
This describes the assignment. It is intended for both students and Wikipedians, to explain in broad strokes what the students will be doing on Wikipedia, and what related assignment activities will happen outside of Wikipedia.
Schedule
The table below will replace the illustrative outline.
Week
Activity/Assignment
Week 1 (Jan 18, 20)
Introduction to the Public Policy Initiative
Week 2 (Jan 25, 27)
Campus Ambassadors introduce Wikipedia
Intro to Wikipedia as Collaborative Community
What Wikipedia is and is not
Anatomy of an Article
Neutral Point of View and Verifiable Sources
Purpose of the Public Policy Initiative
Article Rating for the Initiative
Week 3 (Feb 1, 3)
Example
Week 4 (Feb 8, 10)
Example
Week 5 (Feb 15, 17)
Campus Ambassador Reviews following topics and engages students in:
Setting up user account
Populating user page with content
Setting up and describing role of Sandbox
Adding name to course page
Review of Article rating System
Review of Article Classes
Review the evolution of Wikipedia articles
How to take a "screen shot" of your article as you work on it
Editing Basics
Review of Public Policy Initiative page
Overview of support network
Students should begin looking for online ambassador support
Professor reviews ways in which students will be expected to participate in editing articles
Article evaluations assigned
Week 6 (Feb 22, 24)
Article evaluation assignment due
Discussion of articles and topics
In-class demonstrations
My contributions pages
User talk pages
Article discussion pages
Gathering sources assigned
Week 7 (Mar 1, 3)
Example
Week 8 (Mar 8, 10)
Gathering sources assignment due
Week 9 (Mar 22, 24)
Example
Week 10 (Mar 29, 31)
Example
Week 11 (Apr 5, 7)
Example
Week 12 (Apr 12, 14)
Example
Week 13 (Apr 19, 21)
Example
Week 14 (Apr 26, 28)
Student presentations and peer evaluations
Week 15 (May 3)
Student presentations and peer evaluations
Students
This is a list of students and their articles, which students will sign up for at the appropriate time.