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's Interview Series and will participate in the Wikimedia Foundation's Public Policy Initiative to improve Wikipedia articles pertaining to TNGOs and US public policy.
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.
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
|
This is a list of students and their articles, which students will sign up for at the appropriate time.
Name |
Article focus |
Mentor
|
Jep1991 (talk · contribs) |
National Commission on the Disappearance of Persons and Evidence-based policy |
TBD
|
Ajcoll02 (talk · contribs) |
World Vision |
Elekhh
|
aerapp (talk · contribs) |
Rights-based approach to development |
TonyTheTiger
|
Photobymack (talk · contribs) |
Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers Pavee Point |
|
Orangefan32 (talk · contribs) |
UN Foundation and Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act |
TBD
|
fccolang (talk · contribs) |
Save the Children and Declaration of the Rights of the Child |
TBD
|
troth2 (talk · contribs) |
primary education, She's the First |
Visionholder
|
Lukey9706 (talk · contribs) |
World Social Forum and US Social Forum |
|
Lsmroczk32 (talk · contribs) |
Onondaga Lake |
Elekhh
|
MTGonzalez (talk · contribs) |
United States and the International Criminal Court, International Criminal Court |
User:Cullen328
|
AbbeyTurt (talk · contribs) |
Rights-based approach to development and related NGOs |
TonyTheTiger
|
Msdesmon123 (talk · contribs) |
Capacity Building, African Development Foundation, USAID, NGO |
ktlynch
|
falara (talk · contribs) |
Primary Education, Children International |
Kudpung
|
nirapandya (talk · contribs) |
ActionAid, United States Agency for International Development |
Sodabottle
|
HattieMichelle (talk · contribs) |
National Alliance to End Homelessness and Homelessness in the United States |
TBD
|
Aaparker (talk · contribs) |
CARE (relief agency), USAID |
TBD
|
Jahugh04 (talk · contribs) |
Education NGOs |
TBD
|
Katheb246 (talk · contribs) |
Chad-Cameroon Petroleum Development and Pipeline Project, Energy Task Force |
Rosiestep
|
jvele (talk · contribs) |
Grameen Foundation |
TBD
|
Agurizar23 (talk · contribs) |
UNICEF Tap Project |
TBD
|
Maria_cuse (talk · contribs) |
Center for Economic and Social Rights |
TBD
|
songlim28 (talk · contribs) |
TBD |
TBD
|
Adelmar0509 (talk · contribs) |
Fund for Peace |
TBD
|
amtesfay (talk · contribs) |
Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, Teach For America, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs |
TBD
|
masharmakuir (talk · contribs) |
Sudan |
TBD
|
Smfunk7 (talk · contribs) |
Wildlife conservation |
TBD
|