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Courses
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Public Affairs Courses
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International Relations Courses
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Course Schedule
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PAF G 631
Theories and Concepts of International Relations
This course provides students with a critical assessment of the major theories
and concepts which define international relations as a field of study. It has
two primary goals: (1) in-depth analysis of explanatory theories (e.g., realism,
idealism, structuralism, neo-liberalism, interdependence, functionalism) and of
core concepts (e.g., sovereignty, national interest, collective security,
balance of power); and (2) examination of the historical evolution of
international systems, with focus on the modern state system and the Cold War
period. Special attention is given to the processes and institutions (e.g.
international law, United Nations, NGOs, international civil society) that
contribute to conflict resolution and international cooperation. Ultimately, this
course provides the foundations (conceptual, historical, theoretical) that
graduate students in International Relations need as a preparation for the
curriculum's more specialized and advanced courses.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PAF G 632
Contemporary Issues in World Politics
This seminar focuses on current, major issues with an international dimension
and/or global impact and with salience for the emerging patterns of world
politics. While engaging in critical analysis of current issues, the primary
objective is to examine the broader conceptual context and analytic framework
which explain interactions among nations. Weekly reports based on assigned
readings as well as a major research paper pursue distinct goals: the critical
utilization of concepts; the refinement of analytic tools; the examination of
different perspectives (national, international, global community); policy
analysis.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PAF G 633
Research Methods and Analysis in International Relations
This course introduces students to basic concepts and skills for research,
both academic and practice-based, in international relations areas. It
discusses the stages of research, from identifying appropriate questions and
assessing existing literature, through framing questions in researchable
fashion, identifying the best research approaches for those questions,
identifying existing data resources, creating research agendas for gathering
new quantitative and qualitative data, analyzing and weighing different forms
of data, and drawing defensible conclusions while identifying further areas
for research. Specific international relations concepts and major geographic
regions are used as foci for readings and major international data sets.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PAF G 634
International Political Economy
The course engages students in a study of the relationship between economics
and politics in the public affairs of humankind as influenced by global
institutions such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the
World Trade Organization; non-governmental organizations such as multinational
corporations, local business partnerships, workers' unions; and political
entities such as national, regional and global governance systems. The course
also includes an interdisciplinary focus on the role of theory; the structures
of knowledge, technology and security; the behavior of consumers; and the
mobilization of values as well as opinions expressive of those values.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PAF G 635
Globalization and International Development
This course provides a comprehensive study of the major concepts and theories
necessary for a critical understanding of the socio-political-economic
problems and possibilities facing Third World countries in their quest for
development. While examining the domestic determinants of development, a major
focus is on the role of international institutions and the dominant countries
(United States, European Union, Japan) in shaping the policy options in
developing countries, with particular attention to the process of globalization
as a recent contributor to the problem of underdevelopment.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PAF G 636
Political Economy of Regional Systems
The general goal of this course is to examine the distinct patterns of regional
groupings (Western Europe; Middle East; Southeast Asia; Latin America; North
Africa and Mediterranean; Sub-Sahara Africa): the inter-state relations which
define the region, with primary focus on politicaleconomic issues; the
interplay between regional issues and the broader context of international
relations; and the impact of globalization on the political, economic and
cultural aspects of each region. For any one semester, however, within the
broader analysis of regional systems, the focus will be on one single
region-e.g., the European Union.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PAF G 681
Advanced Studies in International Relations
This course provides students with a critical, in-depth assessment of a
distinct and specialized area of international affairsfor example, the impact
of multinational corporations, or approaches to international conflict
resolution. It is designed for students in the International Relations track
who have already completed the required six core courses in the track or the
equivalent and it builds on the body of knowledge so acquired. Structured as
an intensive seminar, the course includes: study of the relevant literature
on the topic, including a critical review of journals; review of the
theoretical debates; participation in coordinated, team-research projects
designed to analyze all the major aspects of the topic and share the results
through systematic presentations.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PAF G 694
Independent Study in International Relations
An advanced course of independent readings under the guidance, and subject
to the examination, of the instructor. Areas and topics according to student
needs, as determined by review of the student's completed coursework and
academic goals. The director of the International Relations Track will
determine the suitability of the independent study proposal and will guide
the student to the appropriate faculty supervisor. The proposed project
should provide the student with a critical, in-depth assessment of a distinct
area of study within international relations that is not covered by available
courses.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
PAF G 699
Master's Thesis
Under the supervision of the appointed thesis adviser, students complete a
major research project that makes a substantive contribution to critical
understanding about a salient issue in contemporary international affairs.
Students are also expected to explore in depth the broader context of the
thesis topic. The final product is a substantial paper of approximately 60
pages. indicating mastery of pertinent concepts and critical analysis. The
thesis is defended before a faculty committee, and also provides the basis
for a comprehensive discussion of the broader context.
Hrs by arrangement, 6 Credits
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