Research Methods in International Relations (IRD300)
Credits:3
This foundational course aims at providing graduate students with the necessary tools to conduct research in social sciences, in general and International Relations in particular. The course will introduce various research methods to help students collect, analyze and interpret research data in their subsequent graduate work as well as in preparation for their Master’s Theses.
Foundations of International Relations (IRD301)
Credits:3
Utilizing a mix of historical and conceptual frameworks, this course introduces students to past and current debates about the nature of IR and how various theories attempt to make sense of global politics. Some of the theories to be discussed include: (neo)realism, idealism, liberalism, institutionalism, structuralism and Marxism. By looking at the historical development of the field as well as the evolution of the international system, students will engage in conceptual discussions which will help them better grasp the complexities of IR as a discipline.
Theory and Practice of Diplomacy (IRD302)
Credits:3
Widely recognized as a tool for pursuing a range of interests of countries vis-à-vis others, diplomacy today has morphed from its original context of state-to-state relations to a more multilateral and multi-vector series of activities. The course looks at the mechanisms (institutions, strategies and processes) that diplomacy utilizes in today’s ever-changing world. By looking at both the principals and practice of diplomacy, students are expected to have a solid grasp on how to analyze diplomatic practices in the contemporary world.
Development Policy and Strategy (IRD303)
Credits:3
This graduate seminar adopts a multidimensional understanding of global development as both economic growth and human improvement, as a balance between the market-induced and state- led, and a confluence of individual agency and collective action. The first part of the course focuses on assessing the main theories of development. The second part of course prompts students to explore some of the key questions concerning poverty reduction and global inequality. Finally, the course reflect on what ‘sustainable’ development looks like in today’s dynamic, ever-complex world.
International Organizations and Global Governance (IRD310)
Credits:3
The course explores the numerous ways in which states have brought order and organization to their international conduct, with special emphasis on the functions and activities of formal international institutions. It will look at how states, working within international organizations, have developed multilateral working relations in spheres such as security, finance, banking, trade, international law, environment, and migration. Non-governmental and informal transnational networks will also be explored in an attempt to explain the role and function of international and transnational institutions in tackling issues in contemporary global governance.
International Security (IRD311)
Credits:3
As the contemporary global political environment is fast-changing, so is the idea and perception of threats. These days the nature of threat ranges from political and social to energy and environmental. The aim of this course is to examine how states respond to what they perceive as threats and what kind of institutional and policy mechanisms they use to tackle those challenges. Combining conceptual and theoretical frameworks with case studies, students will analyze how states deal with security threats unilaterally or collectively.
Foreign Policy Analysis (IRD312)
Credits:3
The focus of this course is to examine how states, big and small, formulate and implement their foreign policies, both in theoretical and practical terms. Students will explore the theoretical foundations of foreign policy-making in both legal and political domains, followed by process- oriented analysis of foreign policy decision-making in select countries and how that affects the conduct of diplomacy. While the course will focus on domestic (f)actors influencing foreign policy making (state institutions, leaders, political parties, regime type, etc.), external factors such as membership in organizations, prevailing regional and international environment, etc. will also be considered.
Country Risk Analysis (IRD313)
Credits:3
The way countries are perceived and the way they perceive others is based on multiple factors. This course will explore how national and international institutions and factors influence a country’s stability and ability to conduct business and statecraft. Utilizing various indicators and events (such as elections, mass demonstrations, governance, economic and trade laws, business environment, etc.) in comparative perspective, students in this course will develop skills necessary to asses a country’s fragility or robustness. Some of the risk analyses will include domains such as: economic, socio-political, environmental, cybersecurity, etc.
International Negotiations (IRD314)
Credits:3
Using theoretical and practical approach, the course will familiarize students with various aspects and components of negotiations in the context of diplomatic relations as well as within international organizations. While not central to the focus of the course, negotiations to diffuse inter-state tensions and prevention of conflict will be examined. An emphasis will be put on the various stages of negotiation and how to conduct multiparty negotiations.
Caucasus Regional Politics (IRD320)
Credits:3
The course provides an insight into regional political developments in the South Caucasus. Features of political cultures, traditions of statehood and key domestic developments in Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan and Georgia will be addressed along with Armenia’s relations with those countries.
Russian Politics (IRD321)
Credits:3
This course examines various aspects that determine and shape politics in Russia today including but not limited to: institutions of policy making, relationships between various branches of government, foreign policy making, the role of political parties and media. The course is designed to cover a wide array of issues to elucidate not only the current aspects of Russian politics but also looking at the legacy of the Soviet Union and its influence on politics and society in modern Russia.
Middle East Politics (IRD322)
Credits:3
The Middle East is widely associated with an area of conflicting global and regional interests. By learning about key questions and debates in the region (Arab-Israeli conflict, Syrian civil war, Iraq- Iran conflict etc.), the course aims to give students a critical understanding of politics and political processes in the Middle East. Topics may include “persistent authoritarianism”, political Islam, sectarian violence, economic development and underdevelopment, social mobilization and the foundations of the Arab Spring.
Politics of the European Union (IRD323)
Credits:3
The course aims to theorize and understand the key patterns of the EU’s political activity and its organizational engagement through analyzing key institutions and processes that enable the European Union to be an actor and to be active in a range of policy sectors. The course will also critically examine the strengths and weaknesses of substantive EU policies pursued in internal and external arenas which will help to reflect on strategic considerations and particular policy programmes of the European Union.
Small States in Global Politics (IRD324)
Credits:3
This course provides a general overview of the challenges and limitations of small states in world politics. To tackle these issues, the course will first try to define the concept of “small state” and its historical evolution, after which a detailed examination of the issues that small states face in contemporary world politics will be analyzed. Some of the areas to be examined include: foreign policy and diplomacy; economic constraints and advantages; development of domestic institutions; democracy and public opinion; and nationalism as a response to globalization.
Environmental Policy Seminar (IRD330)
Credits:3
International Political Economy (IRD331)
Credits:3
The study of global economy requires an understanding of both politics and international economic transactions. This course will situate current international economic issues and theories as they relate to the interaction of states at a global level. The role of state policies vis-à-vis trade, business and finance will be examined, as well the impact of non-state and trans-state actors in shaping the contemporary IPE environment.
Ethics and Morality in World Politics (IRD332)
Credits:3
Just war, human rights protection, justice and similar concepts are often used in international politics by states to justify their actions. However these concepts sometimes go beyond lip-service and may be the basis of inter-state relations. The course will rely on a conceptual framework as well as case studies to have an in depth understanding of the role that ethics and morality play in shaping world politics.
International Conflicts & Human Rights (IRD333)
Credits:3
This course covers various issues pertaining to conflicts of international character to better understand the environment of modern conflicts and possibilities of conflict resolution. The issues of global governance will be explored to understand international mechanisms that are currently employed for conflict prevention and resolution, such as the role of humanitarian and human rights organizations and international tribunals, in parallel with more conventional means such as peacekeeping missions or third-party mediation.
Topics in International Relations (IRD340)
Credits:3
Course content varies by semester when offered.
Topics in Diplomacy (IRD341)
Credits:3
Course content varies by semester when offered.
Independent Study (IRD342)
Credits:3
This course is designed to permit students to design and complete a course of study under the supervision of an instructor for credit. Such courses typically address a special area of interest of the student and instructor outside the standard offerings of the program and have an interdisciplinary or research components. The course must include a co-designed syllabus and evidence of learning equivalent to 1-3 credit course. Independent study courses are subject to the instructor’s approval and Program Chair’s consent.
Internship (IRD390)
Credits:1
Completion of at least 24 credits
MA Thesis Prospectus (IRD399)
Credits:2
Prerequisite: Completion of at least 24 credits
MA Thesis (IRD400)
Credits:3
Prerequisite: IRD 399