Bachelor of Arts in International Relations

An overview of the field of international and global politics. The nation state, factors of power, collective security, international trade, regional and international organization, sources of conflict and convergence are addressed.

This course analyzes international relations from 1945 to the present. Students will become thoroughly familiar with events and major interpretive issues. Topics include the Cold War, decolonization, the role of the United Nations and other non-governmental organizations, the development of international terrorism, the Arab-Israeli and Persian Gulf conflicts, and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. (Prerequisite: IRLS210).

Pre Reqs: International Relations I(IRLS210)

This class examines the elements and practice of American Foreign Policy.  It reviews the history of American Foreign Policy and ideology, and then examines the actors, tools and processes of US foreign policy.  This class emphasizes current foreign policy issues, including policy geared toward national security.

Examines the role of and interrelationship of international organizations, nation-states, and non-state actors in the global system. North-South and East-West relations are discussed in terms of specific global issues: crisis management, conflict resolution, human rights, refugee problems, international finance, developmental assistance, world trade, and globalization.

A detailed study of the history, theories, and practices of global development initiatives with particular concentration in the prevailing views and practices of the 1960’s-contemporary times. A look at development in light of broader political constructs that influence the development of nations.

Information Literacy for Global Citizenship builds students’ information literacy skills in the international relations/global studies context. Students analyze scholarly sources in the discipline, identifying the types of issues and questions scholars pursue, the discursive conventions they employ, and their methods of engaging in dialogue with and citing sources. After identifying their own discipline specific research question, students select and use appropriate research tools, developing complex search strategies that help them to find relevant scholarly information on their topics. They evaluate sources and information to determine their authority, reliability, timeliness as well as the quality and underlying assumptions of the arguments presented. They synthesize the information they’ve found with their own ideas, effectively integrating source material into their papers and citing that material appropriately. Finally, the course asks students to reflect upon the ways in which the information literacy skills they’ve acquired provide a foundation for both global citizenship and lifelong learning.

Introduces the student to the basic principles and practices of international law and legal regimes. Examines traditional and emerging topics in the field: human rights, the Law of the Sea, the Law of Armed Conflict, War Crime Tribunals, and the International Criminal Court. (Prerequisite: IRLS210).

Pre Reqs: International Relations I(IRLS210)

A study of the peoples and cultures of the continent, stressing sub-Saharan groups. Starting with the colonial era and earlier cultures, the major focus is on the contemporary scene, including the effects of the African diaspora.

This course will provide students with an overview of the intersection of politics and policy and economics in the African context.

This class provides an introduction to contemporary African politics. Specifically the course examines the historical, cultural, economic, social and geographic traits that distinguish this region and shape its domestic political processes and interstate relations. This includes a survey of contemporary multilateral issues important to the region with emphasis on regional security concerns.

This course examines African countries’ relations with one another, within the region, and with the rest of the world. Particular emphasis is placed on the African Union.

This course examines the history of Africa from the first periods in recorded history, through the colonial period and 20th Century. The focus is upon the major European powers that influenced the continent and the internal social, religious, political and economic dynamics specific to each region. (Prerequisite - HIST300/HS334 for History and Military History majors only).

September 11 and its aftermath, the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and South Asia and debate over the nature and effects of globalization all highlight the importance of political geography as a means of understanding the world around us. This course examines the relationship between earth and state. World political phenomena are studied from a geographic perspective, including international boundaries, territorial seas, and landlocked states. This course emphasizes the practical application of geography to political events.

Introduces major theoretical approaches to the comparative study of politics. The student applies these approaches to government institutions, the policy-making process, political participation, economic structures and social change for both state and non-state actors.

Based on a theoretical analysis, a detailed study is undertaken of the globalization of the market system and its impact on population growth, urbanization, political governance, and traditional values in various nation-states and regions.

This course examines the Third World by focusing on its origins, the colonial legacy that shaped it, the political and social forces that control it, the economic and social programs implemented for its development, while dependency and modernization theories will be studied and assessed through specific case studies. The forces of democratization will be identified and evaluated in relation to development. The power of religion, the plague of ethnic conflict, the human rights abuses (women’s position, child labor, child prostitution), AIDS, the Green Revolution, urbanization, sustainable development arguments and strategies will be evaluated along with their effects on local societies. The course will also identify the various types of revolutionary movements, governments, and the economic models that have been tried after independence. Finally it will evaluate the ties of globalization and review the debate over its effects on the Third World development.

This course will cover African literature from the earliest times to the present; development of prose and poetry, the novel; and the evolution of the theater. (Prerequisite: ENGL101).

Pre Reqs: Proficiency in Writing(ENGL101)

This course is an introduction to Islam - and its associated civilization - through readings, case studies, projects, and interaction within the classroom. Course content will examine the people and nations that practice this fascinating religion.

This course is designed to provide a solid foundation for undergraduate study in the online environment. Students will be introduced to learning theory, the tools available in the online classroom and campus, and online research. Identification of personal learning style allows students to improve their study/learning techniques and prepares them to succeed in college level courses. Students will be introduced to formatting and citation styles. APUS policy and procedure is addressed. There is an emphasis on written communication to assist students in the transition to the online environment.

This senior capstone course allows students majoring in International Relations to analyze specific issues at the global level that would include: armaments, disarmament and proliferation; nationalism and world order; terrorism; peacekeeping; drug wars; political development and revolutionary change in less developed countries; and the organized use of force. This course will provide students with the opportunity to complete an approved academic research exercise that demonstrates knowledge of a selected field of study. This is a capstone course to be taken after all other International Relations courses have been satisfactorily completed. Student must have SENIOR standing to register.