International Affairs (INTL)

INTL 203. Foundations of World Politics. 3 Hours.

A historical, philosophical, and topical foundation in international relations and comparative politics, and an introduction to essential research skills.

INTL 260. Comparing States & Societies. 3 Hours.

This course will examine major questions in comparative politics, such as why have some countries been much more successful at achieving economic development than others? The course emphasizes the political systems and unique histories and economic situations of Iran, China, India, Nigeria, and Russia. Successful completion of this course satisfies the Cultures and Peoples requirements for graduation.

INTL 280. Selected Topics in International Affairs. 1 to 4 Hours.

Selected topics in international affairs at the introductory or intermediate level.

INTL 360. European Politics. 3 Hours.

A study of the politics of selected European states in historical perspective. Other topics in European politics may also be covered.

INTL 361. Middle East Politics. 3 Hours.

A study of the contemporary politics of the Middle East, including domestic politics, foreign relations, the role of oil, the origins and impact of terrorism, and the dramatic encounter of cultures in the region. Successful completion of this course satisfies the Cultures and Peoples requirements for graduation.

INTL 362. China: Politics, Economy and Foreign Relations. 3 Hours.

A survey of the rise of modern China as a major power, with particular emphasis on its politics, economy, and foreign relations. Successful completion of this course satisfies the Cultures and Peoples requirement for graduation.

INTL 363. African Politics. 3 Hours.

Explores the internal and international politics of sub-Saharan Africa within its rich cultural, economic, humanitarian, and historical contexts, and also addresses special issues such as failed states, humanitarian intervention, HIV/AIDS and other health issues, and demographic trends specific to Africa. Successful completion of this course satisfies the Cultures and Peoples requirement for graduation.

INTL 364. Russia & Its Neighbors. 3 Hours.

This course will examine the politics, economics, and foreign policy of Russia and other postcommunist states in Central Asia and Europe. The class will investigate the relationship between Russia and its neighbors, the common experience of communism and postcommunism, and questions about democracy and authoritarianism. Along with studying Russia in detail, we will also examine cases of successful political and economic transition, cases of failed political transitions, and inconclusive cases.

INTL 381. The Bomb: Nuclear Weapons Past, Present and Future. 3 Hours.

This course will provide a survey of the historical, development, deployment, spread and control of nuclear weapons worldwide, and will examine the evolving contemporary debate on their significance, potential uses, and the means for restraining their further proliferation.

INTL 382. Global Issues. 3 Hours.

A study of major global issues, such as Third World poverty, the population explosion, hunger in the poor countries and food consumption in the rich countries, energy use and supplies, environmental deterioration, the appropriate and inappropriate uses of technology, and alternative futures.

INTL 383. Revolutions & Regime Change. 3 Hours.

This class will examine the causes and effects of revolutions and regime transitions. In order to understand the complexities and nuances of revolutions and transitions, we will study cases from the 2011 Arab Spring and other regions, including East Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The multi-region approach allows for cross-cultural testing of the theories of regime change and a more nuanced investigation of the causes and consequences of major political, economic, and social change. Successful completion of this course satisfies the Cultures and Peoples requirement for graduation.

INTL 385. Spengler: Decline of the West. 3 Hours.

Develop a basic understanding of key events and aspects of world history through the lens of Oswald Spengler's philosophy of world history, politics, international relations, and the crisis of the West in world politics from World War I to the present.

INTL 420. American Foreign Policy. 3 Hours.

A study of the forces and factors involved in the formulation and implementation of contemporary United States policy.

INTL 421. International Conflict. 3 Hours.

A study of war and the use of force in international affairs with emphasis on the causes of international conflict.

INTL 422. Empire. 3 Hours.

A survey of the history, politics, and interaction of various modern empires in world politics. In addition, an inquiry into the debate about America as an empire.

INTL 423. NGOs in World Politics. 3 Hours.

An exploration of the changing roles and influence of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in world politics, with case studies including human rights, hunger relief, environmentalism, population control, women's rights, democratization, peacemaking, and inter-religious dialogue.

INTL 424. Politics of the United Nations. 3 Hours.

A study of the evolution of the United Nations, its activities and impact, its use and misuse by member states and other actors, how both the world and the United States need the UN, and the potential for UN adaptation to change.

INTL 425. America & the Global Economy. 3 Hours.

This course provides a survey of the politics of the global economy with emphasis on historical developments, concepts, theoretical perspectives, institutions, and contemporary topics. Substantial emphasis is placed on America's role in the global economy, though other economic powers, including the European Union, China, Japan, and India are also examined.

INTL 450. Senior Directed Study. 1 to 3 Hours.

Intensive guided study and research on selected topics in any field of international affairs. The instructor, in consultation with the student, will establish the subject for study and the requirements. Enrollment normally is limited to seniors majoring in Government or International Affairs who are of high academic standing.

INTL 470. Independent Study in International Affairs. 1 to 3 Hours.

Independent study of selected topics in international affairs at an advanced level. Specific topics vary from semester to semester.

INTL 477. Senior Seminar. 3 Hours.

Required of all seniors majoring in International Affairs, this course will provide a discussion of selected theoretical and policy literature from international relations and/or comparative politics. It may also explore a particular theme in modern world affairs, which will vary from year to year. International Affairs majors who pursue the Global Linking Experience will evaluate and document it in a research or creative project, while other students will complete an alternative assignment.

INTL 480. Advanced Topics in International Affairs. 1 to 4 Hours.

Selected topics in international affairs at advanced level.

INTL 490. Advanced Topics in International Affairs and Comparative Government. 1 to 4 Hours.

Selected topics in international and comparative politics. Subject matter varies.

INTL 500. Honors Course. 3 Hours.

At the discretion of the faculty, students may undertake a six-hour independent course of study in the senior year in order to broaden their educational experience within their major area of study. Students must meet specific GPA standards and arrange a faculty sponsor. The honors course criteria are outlined in the Academic Honors portion of the catalog.