International Studies

This course examines forces that shaped the modern world and the development of a modern global society, from the sixteenth century to the present. It explores the major critical junctures that placed human society on a path towards modernity. It examines
the linkages between society, economics, politics, administration, culture, and science and technology as the foundation for globalization. 

Reflecting on the causes and consequences of war involves some of the most fundamental questions facing any student of conflict, and this course is an introduction to thinking about them. Students explore the theoretical and methodological questions that arise when studying the causes of war. They consider the definition of war, and examine the role of theory in explaining and understanding its causes. Students utilize historical case studies, explore contemporary international politics and explore political change over time. In the second half of the year, the course also investigates some of the consequences of war – on the international system, on society, and on individuals. The course also addresses ways in which war and conflict can be prevented and mitigated.

This course offers a study of terrorism from ancient times to the present. The course examines the changing understanding and definitions of political violence from ancient times to the September 11th attack in 2001. The course reviews research methods and approaches by examining relevant studies of terrorism definitions and concepts. Terrorism is discussed in relation with freedom, human rights, and security.

This advanced international relations course focuses on the European Union and its role on the international scene. It provides an overview of EU foreign policy in its variety. It addresses in particular the legal and policy framework of the EU external action providing an analysis of the competences and tools available to the EU to conduct its foreign policy, such as the conclusion of international agreements and the participation of the EU to other international organizations. The course also covers specific policies in which the EU plays an important role, such as Common Commercial Policy (CCP) and Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). The interaction between the EU and other international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization is also studied. This course has a strong focus on EU law; prerequisite knowledge of EU government branches and EU law is recommended.

This course introduces the basis of privately run maritime trade; the threats faced by ship owners, ports, and seafarers; and the systems in place to protect them. It tells the story of mercantile trade on the world's seas focusing on the modernization and formalization of the merchant fleet in the 20th and 21st centuries; its governing systems under UN agreements; and its practical business considerations versus the geopolitical priorities of governments and the intentions of criminals and terrorists to profit from shipping's loss, from gray zone aggression to kidnaps at sea. The course draws upon international maritime law and trade agreements, international business standards, and national level government policies. Throughout, it maintains a practical approach on what these issues mean for the seafarer, the ship owner, the policy maker, and the consumer to illustrate the real-life impact of maritime polices – and the very real impact when there are no policies – as well as the career paths available in the maritime sector.

This course studies the history of the 20th century global movement before World War II, which influenced global politics. Students are expected to examine a historical case of a local movement crossing over to global politics. 
 

This course provides a platform for new thinking about international legal and institutional arrangements in the world of an urgent need for responsibility for the future. It also presents what role the United States and Europe play in this process. It considers whether global governance - a dynamic process in which legal, political, and economical arrangements unleash interests, change the balance of force, and lead to further reinvention of the governance scheme itself - and wider responsibility are possible.

This course introduces the study of human rights in political science. It discusses how the ideas of and discourses about human rights have been structured and discussed in the context of domestic and international politics.  The course also explores how actual human rights norms are acknowledged or rejected, observed, or ignored, and promoted or withdrawn at the domestic as well as international level. 

This course is organized into two parts. The first half of the course begins with an overview of the concepts and theoretical issues in human rights studies. The second half focuses on the explanations of different human rights practices across countries, looking at various topics related to human rights; it considers the conditions favorable for better human rights practices and processes that bring actual changes in human rights practices. 

By the end of the course, students are expected to have become an expert on at least one human rights issue. Small group case study research and presentations are also expected throughout this course. 

This course offers an introduction to the most relevant concepts of economics and international relations to complement professional training for journalism students.

This course considers international law's dynamics in the modern world and delves into some of the pressing structural, institutional, and thematic challenges of the international legal order. It explores the potential and risks posed by evolving norms, new actors, and failing institutions. It also critically studies the capacity of international norms, international institutions, and judicial bodies to deal with global issues like climate change and environmental protection, the right to self-defense, peacekeeping, human rights and democracy, and international criminal justice. This course provides important legal knowledge, both in terms of concepts and methods, to hone analytical and problem-solving skills.