Master of Arts in International Relations and Conflict Resolution

This course provides an analysis of the three important theoretical debates of international relations: Idealism vs. Realism, Traditionalism vs. Behavioralism, and Realism vs. Neo-realism. The course also addresses the level of analysis problem, as well as the central assumptions and key concepts of various theories of international relations, with special emphasis on the basic concepts, propositions, and current critique of realism and neo-realism.

This course examines a broad range of governments utilizing the comparative method of analysis. Students will study democracies, monarchies, dictatorships and authoritarian forms of government. Students will participate in various class projects emphasizing contemporary problems of the various forms of governments of nation states today. This will take into consideration cultural differences and similarities, human nature, and the approaches of individual governments different from that of the American norm in carrying out their basic responsibility to maintain and strengthen society by equal justice for all of its citizens.

This course examines how the international political system---the patterns of interaction among world political actors---has changed and how some of its fundamental characteristics have resisted change. Students will investigate how the global system works and how the process of globalization is remaking the political and economic world.

This course introduces issues surrounding the two major categories of international institutions: intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) such as the United Nations, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) such as the International Committee of the Red Cross. The course studies the theories, origins, principles, organization, activities, legal authority and performance of major international organizations as world actors in areas of economic development, international security, trade, and humanitarian assistance. IGOs serve as forums for communications, as regulators, as distributors, as organs of military security, and as peacekeepers. A few IGOs, such as the European Union (EU), have taken on supra-national political functions; they have power to make decisions that bind member-states, and their failures are not inherent, but are often caused by the reluctance of states to surrender sovereignty.

This seminar allows the student to research some of the primary theoretical perspectives and analytical approaches for studying international political economy. The course includes a survey of contemporary literature, with special emphasis on theory, the phenomenon of globalization, an exploration of the market economy, the role of international and transnational actors, and relations between the Global North and the Global South with the international economic system, as well as instructions in how to critically evaluate research and set up a research project.

RECOMMENDED AS FIRST PROGRAM COURSE. REQUIRED AS ONE OF FIRST THREE PROGRAM COURSES. This course presents the research methods commonly used by all social scientists. Consequently, the course will prepare the student to understand material and issues associated with but not limited to the logic of the scientific method, research design, and statistical analysis of data. The course is intended to provide a foundation from which the student may use the knowledge and practices acquired throughout the rest of their graduate program in their selected field of study.

This course allows the students to examine emergent issues and/or events in International Relations. The course will be taught in a structured seminar format.

This course will explore the role of international civilian police in peacekeeping operations in establishing a rule of law sufficient to support an emerging democratic society and a sustainable peace. Emphasis will be placed on exploring civilian police relationships with other actors in theater and on understanding public order maintenance through the lenses of peace building, justice and reconciliation.

An examination of the strategic, operational, and tactical elements required for conducting both UN and non-UN sponsored peace operations. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the reasons for success or failure of previous and ongoing peacekeeping missions.

The course is designed to introduce students to the concepts and sources of international law that evaluate the various components, processes, and functions of the international legal process and consider how international law impacts the laws within the United States. Additionally, the current state of the international legal order is reviewed with legal opinions regarding major philosophies, components and current practices and problems of the field of international law.

This course is a comprehensive survey of the overall evolution and functioning of United Nations peacekeeping operations during the Cold War period. The focus of this course is the detailed analysis and comparative assessment of each peacekeeping operation as a tool of conflict management within the unique parameters in which it was established and conducted.

This course is a comprehensive survey of the overall evolution and functioning of United Nations peacekeeping operations from the end of the Cold War to the present. The focus of this course is the detailed analysis and comparative assessment of each peacekeeping operation as a tool of conflict management within the unique parameters in which it was established and conducted, and future trends for similar types of intervention and conflict resolution.

Comprehensive final examination required of students in the Master of Arts in International Relations and Conflict Resolution program. The "Comprehensive Final Exam" is tailored specifically to each program and must be taken after students have completed 36 hours of study (i.e., during the semester following the final course) and successfully completed before the award of a degree.