Examines inter-American relations and the foreign policies of selected countries in the region. It also explores various themes such as democratization, populism, military authoritarianism, economic development and the relationship of Latin America and the Caribbean with the United States.
2 hr./wk., plus conf.
Course offerings include, but are not limited to, the following:
B6100 Theories of International Relations
Offers an introduction to contemporary theories and concepts in the discipline of international relations. It examines the competing paradigms offered by realism, institutionalism, the English School, and constructivism. The course is designed to advance students’ knowledge of international relations by focusing on the ways in which theory can help them grasp the complexities of relationships among international actors. 3 hrs./wk.; 3 cr.
2 hr./wk., plus conf.
Analyses the major global and regional organizations and institutions that provide for cooperation among states with an emphasis on the United Nations system. In particular, the course examines how these organizations attempt to address problems of peace and security, economic and social development, human rights, and humanitarian assistance.
2 hr./wk., plus conf.
Examines the role and function of public international law in regulating the relations among sovereign states. Among other areas, the course focuses on the rights and duties of states, multilateral treaties, sovereignty, human rights, and the laws of warfare, the use of force, refugees, and international criminal tribunals.
2 hr./wk., plus conf.
Students may earn three credits for an internship with an international organization, non-governmental organization, government agency or policy think tank involved in the practice of international relations. Those doing so must get permission from the Program Director and work seven hours per week at the agency, keep a journal, and write a paper. The student must provide to the MPIR office a letter from the agency/organization confirming his or her appointment and outlining his or her duties.
This course is an IR political science course on developing student skills in conducting research, formulating an argument, and finding evidence to support that argument. The course is intended to help students research a topic and establish a strategy for writing their MA thesis.
3
Explores the political, psychological, sociological, cultural, and economic sources of international conflict. Topics include contemporary regional and global conflicts, and methods of conflict resolution such as negotiation, coercion, diplomacy, and war.
2 hr./wk., plus conf.
Explores the political dynamics that define Asia as a region, with a particular focus on the East Asian areas of China, Japan, South Korea and Singapore. Topics include the rise of nations and the formation of modern states, the impact of imperialism, political economy, and the growing role of China and Japan in world politics.
2 hr./wk., plus conf.
Analyzes the political relations among African states and nation/states outside the region. Topics include: imperialism, slavery, and colonialism; wars of independence; inter-state relations and economic cooperation; intrastate conflicts; and the role of international organizations in promoting human rights and the resolution of conflicts.
2 hr./wk., plus conf.
Examines how international relations are conducted at the dawn of the 21st century, from both a theoretical and empirical perspective. The course provides students with an understanding of the principles that underlie the practice of diplomacy in bilateral and multilateral settings & the concrete tools utilized by diplomats in their work.
2 hr./wk., plus conf.
Analyzes the relations among Middle East states and between the region as a whole and the rest of the world. The course pays special attention to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, relations among Arab states and the role of the United States and Europe in the region.
2 hr./wk., plus conf.
Examines efforts by regional and international organizations to facilitate negotiation and peacekeeping in the pursuit of international peace and security. It covers the period from the U.N.'s first inception up to current operations in the field, focusing on the Middle East, Africa, Central America, the former Yugoslavia, Cambodia, East Timor, and elsewhere.
2 hr./wk., plus conf.
Explores the theories that explain the dynamics of the international economy, and examines the institutions that provide for cooperation in international trade, monetary exchange, and investment. It focuses on the World Trade Organization, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, U.N. development agencies, and globalization.
3 hr./wk., plus conf.
Explores the development and implementation of human rights norms within the international system. It discusses the debates surrounding human rights in world politics and investigates efforts by states, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations to implement such norms at the national, regional and inter-national levels.
2 hr./wk., plus conf.
Examines the role of the European community and its major states in world politics. In particular, the course explores the development of European politics from the Napoleonic period in the early nineteenth century through the creation of the European Union in the late twentieth century. Topics will include interstate war, security, economic integration and political relations among the states.
2 hr./wk., plus conf.
Explores the various conceptions of international security offered by scholars, policy analysts, journalists, and activists from different parts of the world. The class includes traditional concepts such as deterrence, arms races and arms control, alliances, warfare, and balance of power as well as more contemporary notions such as human security, environmental security, community violence, civil war and weapons of mass destruction.
2 hr./wk., plus conf.
Examines the theory and practice of decision making and how it affects the formation of foreign policy. Grounded in the literature on political psychology, it explores personality, group dynamics, and perception and misperception, and investigates how belief systems establish a framework for how policymakers make decisions.
2 hr./wk., plus conf.
Examines questions of state power, democratic institutions, and their relationship in contemporary comparative and international relations. The course is divided into three sections: (1) origins, definitions and theories of the state and of democracy; (2) dynamic changes in state and democratic politics, particularly those that have occurred over the past several decades; (3) world of policy, investigating prescriptions that have emerged in an effort to produce broader and more complete democracies.
2 hr./wk., plus conf.
Students may pursue a program of independent study under the direction of a faculty member, with the approval of the Program Director. Such a program may not be pursued in lieu of a course that is already offered by the program.