Political Science

This course examines the stages, characteristics, and evolutionary trends of international relations after the Cold War; major events, and changes in relations between major countries; international relations to distinguish it from specific country-specific foreign policy.

This course explores concepts of globalization and the advantages and disadvantages of globalization for such developing countries as Ghana, India, the Philippines, Zimbabwe, Honduras, and Malaysia. It studies four different selections of literature that have been developed around the concept of globalization. The first set of selections defines the concept in terms of its relationship to the changing work force, technology and communications, culture, and finance. A second set debates the novelty of the various processes encoded in the concept of globalization. Another set debates the changing role and nature of the state in an era of globalization. A final set debates the issue of whether the economic prospects of the developing world indeed hinge on their full participation in the globalization process. The course also explores economic, political, and cultural perspectives on globalization.

Global governance refers to the way in which global affairs are managed in the absence of a global government, and involves a broad range of actors, including states, and international and regional organizations. This course provides an overview of the existing architecture of global governance, explores the management of selected global issues, and considers debates and new trends in global governance. Assessment: coursework (50%), final exam (50%). Course entry requirements: Any 2000-level POL course.

This course examines the main areas, processes, actors and structures involved in contemporary international relations. It covers three main areas: international security, international organizations, and international political economy.