Undergraduate Courses

POLS 321 Theories of International Relations Credits 3

Contending theories of international relations. Realism, neorealism, theories of integration and interdependence, constructivism, postmodernist and feminist approaches. Paradigmatic changes and major debates. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 242.

POLS 324 International Law Credits 3

Nature and function of international law. Analysis of trends in its development. Principles of public and private international law. Prerequisite: POLS 101.

POLS 324 Credits

This course offers a general introduction to international law (IL). Topics covered include the key sources, actors and institutions of IL; enforcement of IL; adjudication by international tribunals; and specific issues areas such as human rights and the use of force. In view of the politics and the polemics of the established canons in law we will engage in critical conversations with dominant doctrines of IL from feminist, postcolonial, and Third World perspectives. There are no prerequisites, co-requisites, or any other special skills or knowledge required for effective participation in this course.

POLS 326 Twentieth Century Diplomatic History Credits 3

In depth coverage of twentieth century diplomatic history. Causes and consequences of the two world wars, the emergence of the bipolar system, post-Cold War developments and conflicts. Prerequisite: POLS 101

POLS 327 History of International Economic Relations Credits 3

International economic relations since World War II, globalization of finance, trade and production. Prerequisite: POLS 101

POLS 329 Environment and Politics Credits 3

Political development and dynamics of environmental issues, with reference to both domestic and international contexts. Green movement and its implications for post-industrial politics. Environmental consequences of current political attitudes. Prerequisite: POLS101

POLS 340 Foreign Policy Credits
POLS 345 Middle East In World Politics Credits 3

Historical evolution of the modern Middle East since the decline of the Ottoman Empire. Fundamental issues of the Middle East in contemporary world politics. Prerequisite: POLS 101.

POLS 346 International Organizations Credits 3

Typology of international organizations, nature of decision making processes in IGOs. The role and impact of international organizations in world politics. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 217, POLS 242

POLS 349 Eastern European Politics Credits 3

Historical and contemporary political developments in Eastern Europe within a comparative perspective, with emphasis on the post-Cold War developments. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 205.

 

POLS 420 International Political Economy Credits 3

The interdependence of economic and political factors at the international level with special emphasis on the politicization of international economic relations. Prerequisites: POLS 101, EC 101, EC 102

POLS 425 Politics of Caucasus and Central Asia Credits 3

Political dynamics and developments in the Caucasus and Central Asia in the Post-Cold War period. Prerequisite: POLS 101

POLS 426 Balkan Politics Credits 3

Social and political dynamics of Balkan states with emphasis on the causes and consequences of instability in the region. Prerequisite: POLS 101

POLS 437 Diplomatic Correspondence Credits 3

Critical aspects of scripts in diplomatic correspondence. Formats of diplomatic correspondence and their usage in other fields. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 242

POLS 438 Diplomatic Negotiations Credits 3

Methods and strategies of conducting diplomatic negotiations. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 242, POLS 437

POLS 439 Diplomacy and Foreign Policy Analysis Credits 3

Survey of the theoretical literature on the study of diplomacy of selected countries. Prerequisite: POLS 101

POLS 440 Current Issues in World Politics Credits 3

Current developments in issues and problems areas of international politics. Prerequisite: POLS 101, POLS217

POLS 443 Strategic Studies Credits 3

The logic of the post-war bipolar system based on nuclear deterrence, the arms race, disarmament and arms control negotiations. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 242

POLS 446 European Security Credits

Comparison of the Cold War and post-Cold War eras. The search for a new security architecture of Europe. Prerequisites: POLS 101

POLS 447 Soviet Successor States In World Politics Credits 3

Changing power configuration in Europe and Asia after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, with emphasis on foreign policy implications. Prerequisite: POLS 101

POLS 449 International Conflict Analysis Credits 3

Review of conflict theories. Understanding the causes of international conflict. Dynamics of conflict escalation, management, settlement, and resolution. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 242

POLS 453 Comparative and Int. Politics of the Middle East Credits 3

The political processes of Middle Eastern countries and the impact of internal dynamics on the international politics of the area. Prerequisite: POLS 101

POLS 454 The Black Sea In World Politics Credits 3

Politics of the Black Sea region, with special emphasis on implications for regional and global politics. Political, economic, and security aspects of the region. Prerequisite: POLS 101

POLS 455 North-South Relations Credits 3

Developing countries in global politics in the post-World War II period, with special emphasis on alternative explanations of inequality among nations, and the consequences of the end of the Cold War for the future of North-South relations. Prerequisites: POLS 101

POLS 458 Japanese Political and Economic Dynamics Credits 3

Analysis of Japanese political culture, political processes. The dynamics of Japanese democracy, society, and economic life. Prerequisite: POLS 101.

POLS 459 Asia in World Politics Credits 3

Change in power configuration in Asia. Global implication of the rise of China and India. Prerequisite: POLS 101.

POLS 461 Peace and Conflict Credits 3

Survey of psychological, social, political and religious factors shaping conflict. Analyses of theories of peace, peacebuilding, and reconciliation. Management, transformation and resolution of conflict. Prerequisite: POLS 101.

POLS 462 Politics of Extraterritorial Areas Credits 3

Examination of the politics or outer space, the polar regions, open seas, and the deep seabed. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 242

POLS 464 Credits

This course offers an introduction to the law of international organizations (LIO). LIO is a subbranch of international law (IL). It focuses on organizations whose membership is that of states. Topics that will be addressed include the legal personality and powers of such institutions; the manner in which the states parties as members participate and enforce decisions through institutional mechanisms; the privileges and immunities enjoyed by these organizations and their relationship with national law and the role played in this regard by international law. We will also address the formation, membership, internal decision-making structures, sanctions, and accountability of such organizations. While, special emphasis will be placed on the United Nations, other intergovernmental organizations like the EU, the WTO and the IMF will also be examined. Furthermore, we will focus on international organization in the fields of human rights, environmental protection, international finance and trade, and peace and justice. Although not a hard prerequisite, students are recommended to have concluded POLS 324 successfully before enrolling in this course. 

POLS 464 The Law of International Institutions Credits 3

Development and nature of the principles, structures, and legal processes of international institutions, with special emphasis on the United Nations. Prerequisite: POLS 101

POLS 469 Human Rights Jurisprudence in the EU Context Credits 3

Introduction to human rights in the European and international contexts. The definitions and foundations of human rights, instruments for their protection, their juridicial application at international, regional and domestic levels. Prerequisite: POLS 101. 

POLS 477 Media and Globalization Credits 3

Investigation of media and communication systems' connection to globalization. Survey of key debates on media, globalization and politics, the use of media by global political activism and the role of the state in responding to these processes. Prerequisite: POLS 101

POLS 485 Selected Topics in International Relations Credits 3

Advanced seminar on selected topics in international relations. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 242

 

POLS 529 Credits

This course offers a general introduction to international law (IL). Topics covered include the key sources, actors and institutions of IL; enforcement of IL; adjudication by international tribunals; and specific issues areas such as human rights and the use of force. In view of the politics and the polemics of the established canons in law we will engage in critical conversations with dominant doctrines of IL from feminist, postcolonial, and Third World perspectives. There are no prerequisites, co-requisites, or any other special skills or knowledge required for effective participation in this course.