Course Descriptions and Syllabi

IR 101

Intro to International Relations

(3) [S]

The role of the sovereign state in a complex and interdependent state system; introduction to global political economy; labor migrations; internationalization of communication; international environmental issues; monetary, financial and energy issues; patterns of conflict and cooperation; international and regional state organizations; and non-state political and social movements.

 

 

 

IR 202

Trends in International Relations

(3) [S]

An examination of the basic factors and conditions that determine or influence relations among government and states. Attention is paid to the impact of non-state actors and international organizations, determinants of foreign policy, sources of national economic and political power.

 

 

 

IR 206

International Political Economy

(3) [S]

An examination of the interaction between policies and economies in international affairs. Attention is paid to the impact of foreign and military policies on economic relations; the internationalization of trade, finance, information and communication technology, and human resources. Issues such as the environment and security are discussed. Prerequisite: IR 101 or PLSC 101.

 

 

 

IR 210

Methods of Research in International Relations

(3) [S]

Introduction to scientific method, data gathering, research design, statistical analysis, and computer applications for international relations and comparative studies research.  Develops analytical skills that students need as active consumers of research findings. Prerequisite: IR 101 or IR 202. [Cross listed with PLSC 210]

 

 

 

IR 306

Global Political Economy

(3)

This course focuses on four major themes: globalization, Global North-North relations, Global North-South relations, and Global South-South relations. Considerable attention is also paid the Global East countries.

 

 

 

IR 307

IR of Arab States

(3) [S]

Historical and contemporary analysis of foreign policies of Arab states, as well as Intra-Arab states; Euro-Arab states, and East Asian-Arab states relations.

 

 

 

IR 309

Dynamics of Globalization

(3) [S]

Causes and consequences of contemporary global transformations. Is globalization today unique, or part of a recurring pattern in world politics? Analysis of the opportunities and vulnerabilities created by globalization, and of the politics of anti-globalization movements. Sophomore standing or permission of instructor. Prerequisite: IR 101.

 

 

 

IR 339

International Organizations

(3) [S]

The study of the origins, charters, organizational structure, activities, and performance of international organizations; the United Nations; the International Monetary Fund; the World Bank; the World Trade Organization, and others. Sophomore standing or permission of instructor. Prerequisite: IR 101.

 

 

 

IR 341

Public International Law

(3) [S]

This course emphasizes the origins, sources and subjects of International Law. It, also examines the role of the law in the international arena, insofar it facilitates relations among states, resolve disputes, protect rights of individuals, allocate resources and restrict conduct during wartime. The course is enriched with international law cases and the policy ramifications of their decisions. Sophomore standing or permission of instructor. Prerequisite: IR 101.

 

 

 

IR 342

International Human Rights

(3) [S]

This course examines the evolution of the modern human rights regime. It juxtaposes the Western origins with competing, non-western systems of thought and practices of rights, as well as assesses in this context the universality of modern human rights norms.

 

 

 

IR 343

Terrorism & International Law

(3) [S]

This course studies international law as it pertains to the study of terrorism. It examines the international law of war and international criminal law and the development of an international law of terrorism.

 

 

 

IR 345

Conflict Resolution

(3) [S]

Varied theories, perspectives and practices in conflict resolution. Review of case studies of conflict resolution proposals. Research, analysis, and writing of case studies in conflict resolution. Stress is on innovative and original proposals for conflict resolution in case studies. Sophomore standing or permission of instructor. Prerequisite: IR 101.

 

 

 

IR 369

Short Course

(1-3)

Topic varies by semester. Classes are taught by a guest lecturer or lecturers. Can be repeated for credit with a different topic. Permission of instructor.

 

 

 

IR 386

Perspectives on US Foreign Policy in the Middle East (Soliya Connect Program)

(3)

This course explores the major debates, both theoretical and applied, that frame contemporary discussion about American foreign policy in the Middle East and illuminates the perspectives of different focal actors and institutions including: the presidency, government agencies, legislators, interest groups, the mass public and the media. It examines the interplay between policy development and institutions, and reviews normative and empirical models of American Foreign Policy. Course work is enriched with the Soliya Connect Program and accordingly it will run as a senior seminar. Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of the instructor.

 

 

 

IR 388

Independent Study

(1-3)

Senior standing. Can be repeated for credit with a different topic. Permission of instructor.

 

 

 

IR 389

Special Topics

(3)

Can be repeated for credit with a different topic. Sophomore standing.

 

 

 

IR 400

Colonialism

(3)

A comparative analysis of colonialism, its rise, justification, dynamics, and consequences on the colonized societies and the colonial powers. Issues of post-colonial problems including nation building, economic development, political stability, democracy and civil rights. Junior standing or permission of instructor. Prerequisite: IR 101.

 

 

 

IR 405

Comparative Economic and Political Systems

(3)

A theoretical and historical evaluation of different economic and political systems, planning strategies, and their effects on economic growth, democracy, equity, and effectiveness. The course examines the historical experience of political and economic institutional arrangements in formerly socialist societies, European counties, and nation-states in the Middle East. Junior standing or permission of instructor. Prerequisite: IR 101 or PLSC 101.

 

 

 

IR 412

Sustainable Development

(3)

The problem of sustainable development. A survey of development models and practices; assessment of development practices in the Third World in the last three decades; new theories for sustainability of social, economic, and political development. Junior standing or permission of instructor. Prerequisites: IR 101 and ECON 409.

 

 

 

IR 470

Internship in International Relations

(1-3)

An internship experience to apply the knowledge acquired in the International Relations Program. A maximum of three (3) internship credit hours can be applied to the IR degree program. Permission of instructor required.

 

 

 

IR 485

Senior Seminar in Conflict Resolution

(3)

A senior seminar that examines selected critical issues in the field of Conflict Resolution. Senior standing. Only declared majors in the International Relations program may take this course. Prerequisite: IR 210.

 

 

 

IR 486

Senior Seminar in International Law and Organizations

(3)

A senior seminar that examines selected critical issues in the field of International Law and Organizations. Senior standing. Only declared majors in the International Relations program may take this course. Prerequisite: IR 210.

 

 

 

IR 487

Senior Seminar in International Political Economy

(3)

A senior seminar that examines selected critical issues in the field of International Political Economy. Senior standing. Only declared Majors in the International Relations program may take this course. Prerequisite: IR 210.