International Politics
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108. Introduction to International Politics.
An analysis of international relations as a political process with particular emphasis on patterns of conflict and cooperation. Major areas of study include theories concerning the nature of the international system, nationalism, balance of power, collective security, alliance systems, international law and organization, political economy, war, deterrence, arms control and disarmament, the emerging international order, human rights and the environment. Also offered through Peace Studies.
292. Research Seminas.
Research Seminars cover topics related to American Politics (290), Comparative Politics (291), Political Theory (292), and International Politics (293). The specific topics of these seminars vary depending on the interests of faculty and students. Recent topics have included China’s Rise, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Presidential Elections, Comparative Environmental Politics, and the Politics of Inequality. The seminars are designed to acquaint students with research problems, strategies and techniques relevant to the field. This course is required for all government majors and should be completed in the sophomore or junior year. Students may take only one research seminar. Also offered through Asian Studies.
333. Model OAS
Model OAS is an experimental learning course through which students explore how intergovernmental organizations engage in global governance. Participants study how the Organization of American States (OAS) helps coordinate policies related to democracy, development and security in the Western Hemisphere. Students in the course travel to Washington, DC to role-play as diplomats in a mock OAS General Assembly meeting. In preparation, they study the history and politics of the country they represent. The half-credit course will convene for the first eleven weeks of the term, and may be repeated. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor. Limit of 10 students.
360. International Relations Theory.
An advanced seminar on the theories of international relations,.. The principal contending theories of international relations are investigated and critiqued. Although the nation-state system remains the primary focus of scholars of international relations, other major non-state actors of the international system are examined. Prerequisite: Government 108 or permission of instructor. Also offered through Peace Studies.
361. American Foreign Policy.
A study of the formulation, conduct and administration of United States foreign policy, particularly since U.S. foreign policy since 1989 and the goals and values that have guided foreign policy in the new environment. What directions should American policy take in contemporary foreign relations and what goals and values should guide that policy direction? Prerequisites: Government 108
362. International Law.
A study of the development of the rules and principles of international law and of their current applications. Examination of the contributions of international organization to the development of conventional international law. Preparation of topics for class presentation. Prerequisite: Government 108 or permission of the instructor. Also offered through Peace Studies.
363. International Organization and Global Governance.
This course introduces students the structure, actors and processes of global governance. Students will consider the role of formal interstate institutions (United Nations, NATO, EU, etc.) as well as the emergence of global governance processes and applications that go beyond these formal institutional arrangements. It investigates the global transformations that influence changing forms of global governance, including debates on successful humanitarian intervention, traditional and non-traditional security, climate change and the roles played by both state and non-state actors in such contexts.
364. Terrorism and Human Rights
This course examines the challenges facing democracies combating terrorism in the post 9/11 setting. States tend to become less democratic when combating terrorism, however, the goal of this course is to examine alternative strategies to the “war” on terror; strategies that lean even more towards human rights observance rather than democratic deficit. This course is interdisciplinary and interactive, largely based on class discussion rather than lectures. We tackle questions of law, policy, and the psychology of fear. Prerequisite: Government 108. Also offered through Peace Studies.
372. Canada in World Affairs.
A broad survey of the Canadian experience in international politics. Ultimately it is an inquiry into the relationship among the international system, the elusive Canadian national interest and the limited set of foreign policy tools at the disposal of the Canadian government. Prerequisite: Government 108 or permission of instructor.
377. Global Cyber Politics.
This course introduces students to global political dimension emerging from the use of the internet and cyber space as a medium and site for politics. Students will be introduced to how states are attempting to rework their foreign policy initiatives, security policy and political communication as a response to transformations in cyberspace. The course also will look at how both state and non-state actors compete for political authority and control of information as it is a new form of power that affects both global and local policy making. The course will look at how our understanding and workings of political activism, political power, social and geo political conflicts and global security have to be reimagined in a connected world.
Special Topics Courses