Polar & Ocean Politics (RI425) | GSÜ - ECTS Information Guide

Content

Objective

-This course aims to introduce students to the political, economic, legal, and environmental developments in both the polar regions and the world’s oceans over the last 50 years, and to examine these developments through the lens of international relations. In this regard, the course analyzes the dynamics of international cooperation and competition in maritime and polar spaces by exploring key issues, ongoing challenges, and emerging opportunities.

The course seeks to raise awareness about these critical geographies, which have gained growing prominence in the global political agenda—particularly due to the impacts of climate change, resource competition, and shifting power balances—and to provide students with a perspective capable of evaluating their increasing significance in contemporary global politics.

Course Content

-Week 1 – Introduction and Background;
Overview of the Polar Regions and the world’s oceans: geography, governance, economy, society, and culture. Why oceans and polar regions matter in international relations.
Week 2 – Climate Change in the Polar & Oceanic Regions
Effects of global warming on the Arctic, Antarctic, and marine ecosystems. Ocean acidification, sea-level rise, and climate linkages.
Week 3 – Historical Background in the Polar Regions
Discovery of the Polar Regions, Scientific Research, International Polar Year Tradition, Economic - Political Outlook
Week 4 –Law of the Sea, Ocean Governance and Polar Regions
Development of international maritime law: UNCLOS, EEZs, continental shelf, high seas. Maritime sovereignty, Polar Code, and Article 234 in the context of polar regions.
Week 5 – Historical Development of Arctic Politics
Political Outlook in the Arctic, Arctic in the 19th Century, Sovereignty Issues, Svalbard Agreement, Arctic in the 2nd WW,
Week 6 – The Arctic Region and the Cold War
Arctic Region during the Cold War, Arms Race, International Disputes, Economic and Environmental Importance, Law of the Sea
Week 7 – Development of Arctic Cooperation
Murmansk Initiative, Arctic Environmental Protection Strategy, Arctic Council Establishment and Structure, Cooperation initiatives,
Week 8 – Mid-Term Exam
Week 9 – Arctic Politics in the Era of Climate Change
Key Issues and Challenges in Arctic Cooperation, Ilulissat Declaration, Arctic and Global Politics, Arctic Regime Expansion
Week 10 – Arctic Politics in the Era of Climate Change (2)
Annexation of Crimea and Arctic Politics, Rearmament of the Arctic Region, Great Powers Competition in the Arctic Region,
The Ukraine War and the Latest Situation in Arctic Cooperation
Week 11 – Historical Development of Antarctic Politics
Sovereignty Claims, Sharing of Antarctica, Antarctic Treaty, Purpose, Parties and Functioning, Antarctic Governance
Week 12 – Antarctic Politics in the Era of Climate Change
Development of the Antarctic Agreements System, Agreements and Functioning, Environmental Protection and Scientific Cooperation
Current Discussions and Expectations on Antarctic Politics
Week 13 – Oceans as Strategic Spaces
Freedom of navigation, chokepoints, maritime security. Blue economy, fisheries, seabed mining, environmental tensions.
Week 14 – Current Challenges in Ocean Politics
Contemporary disputes in ocean governance. South China Sea disputes, Eastern Medittarenan, Spartly Islands and others.

Course Learning Outcomes

• Acquiring knowledge about the Polar Regions and Oceans, including their geographical, legal, and political significance,

• Raising awareness about the effects of climate change on the polar and marine ecosystems,

• Gaining an understanding of the political, economic, social, and environmental dynamics shaping both the Polar Regions,

• Developing a perspective that can historically and analytically evaluate the evolution of international regimes and governance structures in polar and oceanic contexts,

• Acquiring the ability to establish interdisciplinary connections with other IR courses such as environmental politics, global governance, security studies, and international law,

• Enhancing critical thinking and analysis skills to evaluate current developments from an IR perspective,

Weekly Contents

Theory Topics
Week	Weekly Contents
1	Introduction and Background
2	Climate Change in the Polar & Oceanic Regions
3	Historical Background in the Polar Regions
4	Law of the Sea, Ocean Governance and Polar Regions
5	Historical Development of Arctic Politics
6	The Arctic Region and the Cold War
7	Development of Arctic Cooperation
8	Arctic Politics in the Era of Climate Change
9	Arctic Politics in the Era of Climate Change (2)
10	Historical Development of Antarctic Politics
11	Antarctic Politics in the Era of Climate Change
12	Oceans as Strategic Spaces
13	Current Challenges in Ocean Politics
14	Overview & Current Issues

Assessment System

Contribution to Overall Grade
Activities	Number	Contribution
Contribution of in-term studies to overall grade	50	50
Contribution of final exam to overall grade	50	50
Total	100	100

In-Term Studies
Activities	Number	Contribution
Assignments	2	50
Presentation	2	50
Midterm Examinations (including preparation)	0	0
Project	0	0
Laboratory	0	0
Other Applications	0	0
Quiz	0	0
Term Paper/ Project	0	0
Portfolio Study	0	0
Reports	0	0
Learning Diary	0	0
Thesis/ Project	0	0
Seminar	0	0
Other	0	0
Make-up	0	0
Total	4	100

Relation of Proficiency

No	Program Learning Outcomes	Contribution
No	Program Learning Outcomes	1	2	3	4	5
1	To have a detailed knowledge on the principal concepts, actors and components of the international system				X
2	To master the fundamentals such as history, law, economics, sociology and political science required by the multidisciplinary nature of International Relations				X
3	Pouvoir analyser la pratique à partir d’une infrastructure théorique assimilée				X
4	To have acquired the capability of specializing on a particular theme and/or region					X
5	In the light of Galatasaray University’s traditional and institutional links with Europe, to have developed the ability to contribute to Turkey’s accession process to the EU in a concrete manner				X
6	To interpret and explain Turkish foreign policy through its domestic components as well as from the perspective of the international system	X
7	To have reached the necessary level of competence to be able to undertake a career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as other state institutions and/or the private sector	X
8	Possess the required skills to work at various international organizations and NGOs			X
9	To be in perfect command of French, teaching language of Galatasaray University, and of English, its mandatory language, at the academic -with a view to write a thesis/project/book in the field of International Relations- as well as the professional level				X
10	To have the capacity to utilize the methodological instruments acquired throughout the studies at any conceptual and/or academic work				X

ECTS

Activities	Number	Period	Total Workload
Class Hours	12	3	36
Working Hours out of Class	0	0	0
Assignments	2	3	6
Presentation	2	3	6
Midterm Examinations (including preparation)	0	0	0
Project	0	0	0
Laboratory	0	0	0
Other Applications	0	0	0
Final Examinations (including preparation)	1	3	3
Quiz	0	0	0
Term Paper/ Project	0	0	0
Portfolio Study	0	0	0
Reports	0	0	0
Learning Diary	0	0	0
Thesis/ Project	0	0	0
Seminar	0	0	0
Other	0	0	0
Make-up	0	0	0
Yıl Sonu	0	0	0
Hazırlık Yıl Sonu	0	0	0
Hazırlık Bütünleme	0	0	0
Total Workload			51
Total Workload / 25			2.04
Credits ECTS			2