Course Catalog

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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS IN ASIA (PO3029)

This seminar is designed to introduce students to modern Southeast Asian politics, particularly the historical foundations for current events. Students will explore the complexities of the continental and island states of this region with emphasis on the legacy of colonialism and war, ASEAN, the burgeoning regional economy, terrorism and democratic governance.

INTERNAT'L POLITICS OF THE ENVIRONMENT (PO3033)

Examines concerns about interaction between environmental degradation and developmental aspirations that have recently been placed on political agendas around the world. Examines how and to what extent the international system imposes constraints on and presents opportunities for nation-states as they attempt to achieve sustainable development.

WATERS OF THE GLOBE (PO3035)

This course examines the role of marine environments and fresh waters from the perspective of international security, conflict and cooperation, international law, economics, and environmental safety and culture. Topics include water scarcity, access to sanitation and health, water and gender, capacity-building, financing, valuation, integrated water resources management, trans-boundary water issues, environment and biodiversity, and disaster prevention.

INTERNAT'L HUMAN RIGHTS LAW (PO3041)

International human rights law established the norms, jurisprudence and legal infrastructure necessary to promote the implementation of international human rights standards. This course introduces key substantive and institutional issues and explores the establishment of standards, international human rights treaties, their implementation mechanisms and the expanding body of jurisprudence that make up this discipline at the crossroads of law and development.

NATO, EU, & RUSSIA (PO3043)

Analyzes European security issues in the post-Cold War era. Traces the evolution of NATO, as well as British, French, and German security policy. Focuses on the security issues facing Eastern Europe and the ramifications of NATO enlargement in regard to US, European, and Russian security issues.

AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY (PO3046)

Analyzes the formulation and practice of American foreign policy, with emphasis on its continually changing relation to the domestic political process. Topics include the constitutional and political power sharing between the President and Congress, NATO membership, the Korean War, the Middle East involvement, and the Cold War. Focuses particularly on US policy in the 'new world order'.

GLOBAL POLITICAL ECONOMY (PO3051)

Introduces the basic theories and practices of political economy through the lens of globalization. Discusses the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the OECD and the former GATT as well as the WTO. Explores the complex trade relations between Asia, Europe, and the US, and the impact of financial crisis on world markets.

POLITICS IN FRANCE (PO3053)

Studies France's development from a provincial peasant society, hampered by weak governments and enduring colonial wars, to a technologically sophisticated industrial democracy and a major international power. Studies France's cultural, social, and economic contexts, evolving party system, and institutions and policy-making processes to better understand this phenomenal change and its consequences for France's role in the world. The ability to read in French will facilitate research, but is not required.

20TH CENT. DIPLOMATIC HISTORY (PO3054)

Examines the creation of the Bismarckian state, the origins of World War I and World War II, and the creation of a united Europe in the post-war period. Investigates the efforts of the European state system to adapt to the challenges of nationalism and globalization.

WAR AND PEACE (PO3060)

Focuses on causes and consequences of European military conflicts and the historical transformations resulting from peace settlements. Examines the European Wars of Religion, the Napoleonic wars, the Franco-Prussian War, the Treaty of Portsmouth, the Paris Peace Conference and the Versailles Treaty as well as World War Two and the Yalta Conference. The approach is interdisciplinary, combining history and political science.