Course Catalog

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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)

This course examines core ideas arounds the practice of war and the making of peace. By doing so, we will focus on actors involved both in conflict and peace processes. We will also discuss why, when, and where they fight are directly related to our social characteristics: environment, values, beliefs, political preferences, and other features. The course also investigates how wars are fought, and peace is built. It draws on theoretical approaches of international relations as well as historical and contemporary case studies. The goal is to detangle how the linkage between war, peace, and society plays out globally. Most importantly, the course calls to discuss the necessary conditions for sustained peace that enables citizens to live and flourish. Overall, students will be exposed to and required to engage in various social science methodologies, including history, political science, economics, law, sociology, and anthropology.

INTERNATIONAL LAW (PO3061)

Covers the formal structure of the international legal order; sources, uses and dynamics of law in international relations; use of force, war crimes; the status and functions of states, governments, international organizations, companies, and individuals; law of the sea, environment, jurisdiction, aliens, human rights, the diplomatic process and its protection, and treaties. Discusses theory and future directions of international law. This course is crosslisted with International Law.