International relations

Program Description

The international relations curriculum is designed to enable the student to examine and understand the complexities and processes involved in the relationships among institutions of international governance. Course-work provides exposure to legal, historical, and context-sensitive socioeconomic and political factors that are key elements in a study of this nature. Examination of the dynamics, structural characteristics, and humanitarian issues operating within the global community is included.

Program Curriculum

The 36 credit hours required for the master of arts (M.A.) degree must include the following courses for a major in international relations:

• Introduction to International Relations
• Research Methods and Perspectives
• Three courses (9 credit hours) from Interstate Relations/Comparative Politics Cluster
• Three courses (9 credit hours) from Transnational Issues Cluster
• Three International Relations Elective Courses (9 credit hours)
• International Relations: Theory and Practice

The 54 credit hours required for the master of business administration (M.B.A.) with an emphasis in international relations must include the following international relations courses

• Introduction to International Relations
• Research Methods and Perspectives
• Three courses (9 credit hours) from Interstate Relations/Comparative Politics Cluster
• Three courses (9 credit hours) from Transnational Issues Cluster
• International Relations: Theory and Practice

Interstate Relations/Comparative Politics Cluster (3 courses)

• Comparative Politics
• International Law
• War and Diplomacy
• U.S. Foreign Policy
• Comparative Foreign Policy
• Area Studies
• Issues in International Politics

Transnational Issues Cluster (3 courses)

• Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
• International Political Economy
• Theories of International Relations
• International Organizations
• Politics of Development
• Humanitarian Issues in International Politics
• Globalization

International Relations Elective Courses (3 courses)
Any additional courses from the two clusters above, or any of the following:

• Field Work
• Professional Seminars
• Non-Thesis Readings/Research
• Advanced Research Methods
• Internship

Pre-approved courses (non-INTL) related to International Relations

Not all of the courses listed above will be available to students at all locations. If the requisite course is waived, the student must choose an elective course from this major. The required courses and electives listed in this core may be taken as directed studies, subject to the conditions stated in the Directed Studies section under Academic Policies and Procedures.

Course Descriptions

Introduction to International Relations(Requisite Course)

Students examine the basics of structure and process as these relate to the ongoing operation of international affairs. Course content focuses on the complex dynamics at work within the world community.

Comparative Politics (Requisite Course)

Students explore how we use comparison to theorize about politics and to identify both what holds across cultures and nations and what is idiosyncratic requiring area studies expertise. Topics may include democratization, state and nation building, stability and decay of institutions, systems of representation, parliamentary versus presidential governance, political development and ideology.

Research Methods and Perspectives

Students are introduced to skills, methodological issues, and bibliographic resources, which enhance their ability to evaluate critically and to conduct research in the field of international relations.

Field Work

Students are involved actively with operations of non-academic institutions and engage in various aspects of field research. Policies and procedures as in Directed Studies. Course may be repeated for credit if content differs.

International Political Economy

Students explore, historically and conceptually, the interplay of economics and politics at the global level. They examine such phenomena as: the clash of the market and state, the north-south conflict, and the worldwide impact of technological change, transnational corporations, and the competition for accumulation.

Professional Seminars

Students participate in seminars designed to examine contemporary issues in international relations. The professional seminar supplements the core and elective courses in the area of international relations by focusing on issues of current and special interest. Course may be repeated for credit if content differs. This course may not be completed by directed study.

Theories of International Relations

Students consider the growing literature on international relations theory, classical and modern, including realism, idealism, behavioralism, globalism, and Marxist and imperialist theories, and the people who have elaborated these ideas and the context in which they did so. Students methodologically critique and compare theories, as well as gain an appreciation for the relevance of theory for international relations.

International Law

This course surveys trends and practices that are part of the process of adjudication across national boundaries. Some historical background is provided. Current cases and procedures are the major focuses of course content. May not be taken for degree credit if student has successfully completed INTL 2030. Course may be repeated for credit if content differs.

International Organizations

Various approaches to international organizations are explored, and the contribution of these organizations to peace and economic and social progress is examined. Current issues facing the United Nations and its associated agencies are discussed within this context. May not be taken for degree credit if student has successfully completed INTL 2600. Course may be repeated for credit if content differs.

War and Diplomacy

Students examine the evolution of diplomacy and warfare. The specific approach (conceptual or historical) and time period may vary from term to term. Course may be repeated for credit if content differs.

Foreign Policy

Students examine the issues, agents, and models surrounding the American foreign policy decision-making process and the issues facing the United States in contemporary international relations.

Comparative Foreign Policy

The formulation and implementation of foreign policy by major world powers are studied. Attention is given to East-West relations in the period since World War II, including the roles of such nations as China and Japan. Course may be repeated for credit if content differs.

Politics of Development

The student examines problems of social, economic, and political development in Third World nations. Course content focuses on problems of nation building in the postcolonial era and the role of the developing nations in world politics. Course may be repeated for credit if content differs.

Area Studies

The student examines the history, culture, politics, and economic systems of regions and countries that play an important role in world politics. Specific content varies from term to term and includes regions such as Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Eastern and Western Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and North America. The course may be repeated for credit if content differs.

Humanitarian Issues in International Politics

This course provides a forum for investigating such transnational issues as: regionalism, the environment, human rights, and refugees. Course may be repeated for credit if content differs.

Issues in International Politics

The student examines in depth such issues and topics as: nuclear and conventional arms control, negotiation and conflict resolution, peace studies theory, and economic conversion from military to domestic production. Course may be repeated for credit if content differs.

International Relations: Theory and Practice (Integrated Studies)

Various contemporary theories of international relations are examined. The relationship of theory to the practice of international relations is considered. This course presents an overview for students who are completing a major in international relations. Prerequisite: completion of all other required courses in this major.

Thesis

The student completes a thesis project under the supervision of two faculty members. The thesis option is recommended for those considering graduate study at the doctoral level.

Full-time students should plan on 15 to 18 months of study while part-time students can pace their programs to meet the demands of their personal and professional lives.