International Relations Courses (IR)
IR 6600 - Selected Topics in International Relations (3)
An examination of a specifically defined topic of special and/or current interest and importance, which is not covered in regular course offerings in the International Relations program. A selected topic in International Relations course can only be used as an elective in the program. See semester hour limits listed under Course Restrictions in General Regulations section.
IR 6601 - Research Methods in International Relations (3)
An investigation of the research methodologies employed in the study of International Relations including research design, variables and hypotheses, citations and reference, qualitative analysis and quantitative techniques. Note: MSIR candidates must achieve a grade of “B” or better in IR 6601 to complete degree program requirements. Note: IR 6601 must be taken within the first six classes.
IR 6603 - Introduction to International Relations (3)
A survey of the discipline of International Relations (IR) introducing IR theory, power, national interests, instruments of foreign policy, international law and organizations, international political economy, comparative government, and research methodology.
IR 6602 - Geostrategic Studies (3)
An examination of the political, military, economic and cultural effects of geography in historical and contemporary terms: specific emphasis is placed on the role of geography in the formulation of military-political policy in land power, sea power, air-power, and outer space. Comprehensive geopolitical theories will be employed as analytical tools in the course.
IR 6610 - International Organizations (3)
An examination of the evolution and functions of international organizations; political structures and international systems for the collective use of power and cooperative action among states; and the impact of international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) and other types of transnational relations and organizations on global affairs.
IR 6611 - Comparative Government (3)
A comparative analysis of state governments in the world with an emphasis on political cultures, governmental institutions and political processes that lead to differences and international tensions.
IR 6614 - International Law (3)
An examination of the sources and development of international law from historical, political, legal, and philosophical standpoints, with emphasis on substantive areas of law.
IR 6615 - Comparative Politics of North Korea (3)
This course examines North Korea politics, economics, and society. The course will review the establishment of the North Korean state and its contemporary political institutions, as well as the economy and state-society relations. While North Korea will be viewed through theoretical lenses, the course will address practical policy dilemmas when dealing with North Korea.
IR 6616 - East Asian Security (3)
This course provides an examination of East Asian security issues using international relations and comparative politics theories. Topics include nuclear proliferation in North Korea, military upgrades in China, territorial disputes, rising nationalism, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the United States' role in the region.
IR 6617 - Chinese Security (3)
China's rise in the international affairs has given Beijing a means to advance its global interests. This course will consider China's vulnerabilities and interests and consider the government's response. This course examines Beijing's identity and interests and then moves on to consider the strategic elements that determine China's policy responses. This course examines China's access to energy, food, and raw materials, currency and trade exposure, military modernization, and Beijing's instruments of power.
IR 6618 - Chinese Intelligence in International Relations (3)
Understanding Chinese Intelligence is a critical strategic element for the United States and its allies. We begin with a classical and strategic examination of Chinese espionage and look at its historical development. We will examine Beijing's cyber strategy, capacity, and strategic use and look at industrial espionage. Finally, we will examine counter-intelligence and asses overall Chinese intelligence capabilities.
IR 6620 - International Political Economy (3)
An examination of the interrelationships between international politics and economics covering theories of International Political Economy, states and markets, trade, foreign investment, international monetary affairs, foreign aid, state development strategies, and globalization.
IR 6621 - East Asian Political Economy (3)
This course provides an examination of East Asian political economy issues using international relations and comparative politics theories. Topics include economic development in Japan, China, and on the Korean Peninsula, economic development and democratization, regional and global economic integration and discussion of the relationship of economics to security in the region.
IR 6622 - European Security (3)
This course provides an examination of European security issues using international relations and comparative politics theories. Topics include political and military integration, examining both NATO and the European Union, NATO expansion, relations between Western Europe and Russia, European peacekeeping, the United States-Europe relationship, and comparative security and foreign policy.
IR 6623 - Arab-Israeli Security (3)
This course focuses on the Arab-Israeli conflict since 1948 with a special focus on the challenges to conflict resolution on both the Arab and Israeli sides and the role great powers play in Middle Eastern politics. The course will begin by examining the major historical events from the birth of Israel to the present day. Attention will be given to important groups, events, movements that will allow the complexity of this relationship to come to light. Additionally, the course will focus on the relationship between the West, particularly Europe and the United States, and the Middle East.
IR 6624 - Geopolitics of Eurasia (3)
This course provides an examination of geopolitical issues and power politics across Eurasia. Topics include the Putin Doctrine, Russian regional hegemony and the legacy of the Soviet Union, regional integration, the role of natural resources in power politics, and the increasing prominence of Central Asia in international politics.
IR 6625, 6626, 6627 - Specialized Study in International Relations (3)
A study of a problem or problems using research techniques. Selection of the problem must be approved by the student's adviser, the instructor under whom the study is to be made, and the department chair. The study should contribute to the student's program. Preparation of a scholarly paper is required and may involve an oral defense. A specialized study may be substituted for a required course only once in a student's program. It may, however, be substituted for one or two electives. Prerequisite: IR 6601. See semester hour limits listed under Course Restrictions in General Regulations section.
IR 6628 - International Political Geography (3)
An analysis of the reciprocal effects of geography and political organization on the behavior of states including boundaries and frontiers, national resources, spatial strategy and maritime power.
IR 6631 - Intercultural Relations (3)
An analysis of the influence of culture on interstate relations including theories, concepts, and applications.
IR 6632 - Arctic and Antarctic Security (3)
The course focuses on development and security in the most northern and southern regions of the world. The economic importance of polar politics has increased due to international competition for natural resources resulting from global growth in population and industry. The strategic importance of the Arctic and Antarctic has increased due to easier access resulting from warmer weather and stronger ships. The combination of competition and access has heightened the danger of environmental degradation and military conflict in these two previously neglected regions. Note: This course is listed in the Graduate Catalog as an elective in two concentrations: Global Studies and National Security Affairs. It may also be taken as a “remaining elective” in the Regional Affairs concentration.
IR 6634 - Revolutions and Change (3)
Revolutions have upended the politics of many countries over the past two centuries, from the American and French Revolutions of the eighteenth century to the Arab Spring and the Color Revolutions of the past twenty-plus years. This course examines the process of revolutions across the modern world, along with prominent theories of revolutions. It also dissects the ways by which major political change comes about, such as through popular movements (“People Power'), revolutions from above organized elites, negotiated ends to authoritarian regimes, and democratization in its various forms. It also considers the fall of democracies. Finally, the course looks at the relationship between cultural and political changes, in terms of the various social, business, and scientific upheavals (also popularly called revolutions) that have transformed modern societies.
IR 6635 - National Security Policy (3)
An examination of the structures, motivations, and major objectives of national security policy making from a comparative perspective with particular emphasis on the politics of national defense in the United States.
IR 6636 - Diplomacy (3)
This course provides an examination of diplomacy in International Relations, viewed from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Topics will include fundamentals in the practice of statecraft, including negotiation and conflict resolution, and the difference between public and private diplomacy, ethics and morality in diplomacy, and the continually evolving nature of diplomatic practices.
IR 6637 - Counter Insurgency and Irregular Warfare (3)
This course examines the development of Irregular Warfare (IW) since the Second World War. Various aspects of this type of warfare will be examined from the counter-insurgency (COIN) to Foreign Internal Defense (FID) conducted by three democracies: Britain, France, and the United States will be discussed. The central focus of this course will be American IW. Further, Irregular Operations on land, air, and sea will be thoroughly analyzed. There will also be a discussion role of technology in these type of conflicts.
IR 6638 - European Political Economy and the European Union (3)
This course provides an examination of European political economy issues using international relations and comparative politics theories, with specific attention to the European Union. Topics include models of economic and political integration, the evolution, development, structure and function of the E.U., and economic relations between E.U. countries and the world.
IR 6639 - Russian Security (3)
In 2014, events in Ukraine shocked the world. Russia became the first major country since World War II to forcefully invade another country and assimilate new territory. The Crimean crisis and the resulting civil war in Ukraine in which Russia took an active role not only surprised the rest of the world, but also surprised Russian security experts. This class looks at the evolutions of Russian security following the collapse of the Soviet Union. It examines a resurgent Russia and its security needs. Further, this class analyzes whether the world has entered another Cold War with Russia.
IR 6640 - Government and Politics of Developing Nations (3)
An analysis of the government and politics of developing states including economic, social, and cultural perspectives and strategies pursued for growth and development.
IR 6641 - Comparative Politics of Latin America (3)
An examination of Latin American politics, legal systems, economics, culture, military power, geography, and their impact on Latin American regional relations and linkages to the world system.
IR 6642 - Comparative Politics of Russia and Eastern Europe (3)
An examination of Russia and Eastern Europe's politics, legal systems, economics, culture, military power, geography, and their impact on regional relations and linkages to the world system.
IR 6643 - Russian Intelligence in International Relations: From the KGB to the FSB (3)
The election of 2016 in the United States was unique in that all of the United States Intelligence agencies claimed that the Russian Federation had tried to influence the presidential election in favor of Donald Trump. This technique of hybrid war is nothing new to Russian intelligence agencies. In fact, the Russian intelligence agencies have consistently been honing their skills to act as an efficient wear in the security of the Russian Federation. This class will examine the history of the Russian Intelligence services, their decline during the initial post-Soviet period, and their meteoric resurgence following the ascension of Vladimir Putin, himself a Russian Intelligence operative, to the presidency of the Russian Federation.
IR 6644 - Comparative Politics of the Middle East (3)
An examination of Middle East politics, legal systems, economics, culture, military power, geography, and their impact on regional relations and linkages to the world system.
IR 6645 - Comparative Politics of East Asia (3)
An examination of Asian politics, legal systems, economics, culture, military power, geography, and their impact on regional relations and linkages to the world system.
IR 6646 - Comparative Politics of South Asia (3)
An examination of the intrastate and global relationships of South Asia; the course will focus on India and Pakistan, but also cover Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and additional states in South Asia to engage the student in the security, political, cultural, and social aspects of the region.
IR 6647 - Comparative Politics of Western Europe (3)
An examination of Western Europe and the European Union, including state and EU politics, legal systems, economics, culture, military power, geography, and their impact on regional relations and linkages to the world system.
IR 6648 - Comparative Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa (3)
An examination of Sub-Saharan politics, legal systems, economics, culture, military power, geography, and their impact on regional relations and linkages to the world system.
IR 6649 - Cyber Warfare and International Relations(3)
This course introduces students to the literature and methodological approaches related to the study of cyberwar/cyberterrorism and international relations. Topics covered include: Targeting, Weapons, Tactics, Defense, International Law and Policy, Digital Authoritarianism, and a study of selected cases.
IR 6650 - Environmental Security, Conflict and Development (3)
An analysis of how environmental issues such as resource scarcity, desertification, loss of biodiversity, global warming, etc., may influence development and/or affect the national security of nation-states, communities and individuals. The course also examines the evolution and function of global environmental governance institutions including international organizations (IGOs), transnational non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and legal/ regulatory structures.
IR 6651 - Contemporary American Foreign Policy (3)
An examination of the foreign policies processes of the United States including historical traditions, political institutions, economic and military capabilities, the Congress, the Presidency, interest groups, the media, and public opinion.
IR 6652 - International Relations Theory (3)
An examination of historical and contemporary theories in international relations; the role of political, economic, ethnic, religious and other belief systems or philosophical approaches within the global system.
IR 6655 - International Conflict Management (3)
An analysis of responses to international conflict and approaches to establishing peace and peacekeeping at the local, national, and global levels to include theoretical constructs about conflict management techniques such as mediation, negotiation, escalation, de-escalation, termination, and outcomes.
IR 6656 - Strategy (3)
An examination of how nations use political, military, and economic resources to achieve their objectives in the international arena.
IR 6657 - Middle Eastern Security (3)
This course provides an examination of Middle Eastern security issues using international relations and comparative politics theories. Topics include conflict between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims, conflicts involving ethnic and religious minorities such as Kurds and Druze, democratization, relations and tensions with the West including recent military and development operations, and Saudi Arabia's “special relationship” with the United States, and conflict involving non-state actors, and nuclear politics with Iran.
IR 6658 - Middle Eastern Political Economy (3)
This course provides an examination of Middle Eastern political economy issues using international relations and comparative politics theories. Topics include the politics of oil, the role of Islam, the legacy of colonialism in economic development, the impact of globalization on economics in the region and the potential for economic reforms.
IR 6659 - Russian Hybrid Warfare (3)
This course opens with a historical and conventional examination of hybrid warfare and considers how it is employed by Russia against the West. It looks at the place hybrid warfare has within the Russian strategic framework and considers its dimensions and how it is manifested in particular regions.
IR 6660 - Military Strategy and International Relations (3)
An examination of the core ideas of classical and contemporary military strategists, the international context that inspired their strategic concepts, and a review of the interaction and influence of armed forces and their leadership and strategies on national security policies and interstate relationships.
IR 6661 - U.S. Intelligence in International Relations (3)
An examination of the purposes, structure, development, and operations of state intelligence programs, with a particular focus on the U.S. Intelligence community.
IR 6663 - Game Theory and Forecasting (3)
An introduction to game theory, and game theory based forecasting, this course covers expected utility theory, and games in both normal and extensive forms as well as their use in analyzing cases and making predictions about outcomes. The emphasis is on applications of game theory in analyzing and predicting international political events.
IR 6664 - European Nationalism (3)
Nationalism is an ideology that has risen to the fore-front of European politics in the last decade. This course provides a theoretical and empirical examination of nationalism in Europe. The course will start with a discussion of the foundations of nationalist thought, before turning to discussion of nationalist political parties in Greece, Hungary, and Bulgaria. After discussing nationalist political parties, we will discuss the role that nationalism plays in ethnic conflict using the case of the former Yugoslavia as a case study. Finally the course will also deal with the effects of violence on feelings of ethno-nationalism, and the course will culminate in a discussion that have to their own questions the bond that individuals have to their ‘nation.' In addition to learning about a variety of nationalist parties and movements in Europe, students will also learn about minority groups (such as Jews and the Roma) that often find themselves victimized by nationalist.
IR 6665 - Readings in International Relations (3)
A guided program of readings and study in international relations related to the needs of the student. Enrollment must be approved by the department chair. See semester hour limits listed under Course Restrictions in General Regulations section.
IR 6667 - Nuclear Strategy (3)
The course examines the theory and practice of nuclear strategy. It reviews the development and cur-rent state of nuclear weapons technology, and how nuclear weapons have enabled various deterrence and war-fighting strategies during and after the Cold War. The course traces the development of nuclear strategy and efforts to prevent proliferation. It considers the nuclear strategy of the major states who hold nuclear weapon or are actively trying to acquire them by considering China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. As great power competition has intensified since 2014, the role of nuclear weapons in great power conflict has also experienced a resurgence, where many strategic questions of the Cold War about deterrence credibility, strategic stability, the role of arms control pose themselves in a new form.
IR 6668, 6669 - Thesis (3)
A directed research in selected areas of international relations, based on a student's proposal, related to the student's needs, and with the advice and approval of a faculty thesis adviser, and culminating in a research paper of appropriate depth and scholarship. The final, bound product must be approved by a faculty committee composed of the thesis adviser and a faculty reader. The first course will cover the paper design and supporting research; the second course will be undertaken to support the actual writing of the thesis. Prerequisites: IR 6601 and the satisfactory completion of 30 semester hours in the MSIR program. Grading system is Pass/Fail.
IR 6671 - European Intelligence in International Relations (3)
Understanding European Intelligence culture and strategic environmentalist a critical strategic element for the United States and its allies. We begin with a focus on European intelligence culture, its role in strategic thought, and the current European security environment. The course includes a case study of British intelligence and the role of intelligence in fighting terrorism in Europe. We will consider intelligence sharing and cooperation, how to fix the intelligence crisis, and contemporary lessons.
IR 6673 - Iranian Security (3)
This course focuses on the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI), including Iranian domestic politics, Iranian foreign policy, and the impact of the IRI on regional security. Topics include regime ideology, political structure, governmental performance, and foreign relations.
IR 6681 - Tribalism and Colonialism in Africa (3)
An investigation of the politics that govern tribalism and colonialism, the sociological influences it has induced, and how the two concepts impact the people of Africa today.
IR 6684 - Political Violence in Latin America (3)
An examination of the nature, origins, and impact of political violence in Latin America. This course examines forms of organized violence with explicitly political aims, including civil wars, state repression, coups, revolutions, and terrorist violence.
IR 6685 - Terrorism and Political Violence (3)
An examination of the origins and significance of contemporary political violence with an emphasis on the phenomenon of terrorism. The course employs an interdisciplinary, case-study approach.
IR 6686 - Human Security in Latin America (3)
This course applies the framework of human security to understand emerging and non-traditional sources of instability in Latin America. This includes an exploration of the social and political dimensions of chronic problems like criminal violence, human trafficking, ethnic and gender-based violence, and environmental threats.
IR 6687 - Latin American Political Economy (3)
A critical analysis of the origins, development, consolidation and limitations of free trade and economic integration in the Western Hemisphere; special attention will be given to the complex political, economic and social forces that support, hinder and otherwise shape such international economic agreements.
IR 6688 - Political Islam (3)
An advanced seminar dealing with the theology and practice of Islam and its impact on international, legal, political, security, and social issues.
IR 6690 - Capstone (3)
This course serves as the capstone course for the MSIR program and requires students to conduct a significant research project in an IR topic chosen by them in consultation with the instructor. Students will have 6 weeks to produce a conference level paper (5,000+ words) that will be graded by at least two faculty members. Note: MSIR candidates must achieve a grade of “B” or better in IR6690 to complete degree program requirements. Prerequisites: Students must have completed all other IR core courses (IR 5551, IR 6601, IR 6620, IR 6652) as well as at least 15 hours of MSIR electives prior to enrolling in this course.
IR 6691 - Contemporary Conflicts (3)
This course is an in-depth case study of contemporary global conflicts. Each case is examined historically to understand what led to the outbreak of violence and in the context of great power competition.
IR 6692 - Economic Statecraft (3)
This course will introduce students to the study of economic statecraft by focusing on the nexus between economics and security. It examines how states and non-state actors use economic and financial policies and tools such as trade, foreign aid, natural resources, and infrastructure for strategic and national security purposes. Topics include international trade and trade statecraft, financial statecraft, economic sanctions and coercion, foreign aid, infrastructure and development, natural resources, industrial policies, terrorism and economic tools, etc.
IR 6693 - Space Security (3)
Space is a domain that is contested, congested, and competitive. Further, the unique physical conditions of space challenge all those who wish to take advantage of it. This class, while focusing on issues inherent in the military use of space including weaponization, the security dilemma, and theory, also focuses on the difficult operating conditions space presents as we explore major strategic challenges and the rise of great power competition in space. The course begins with a broad overview of space warfare and the issues inherent in it, followed by a broader discussion of historical trends and patterns in space security and strategy, beginning with the Cold War. We then discuss various theoretical approaches to space power, considering the implications of using analogies in discussions about space.
IR 6694 - African Terrorism (3)
An examination of terrorism in Sub-Sahara Africa and how it is tied to both domestic and international factors.
IR 6695 - Sub-Saharan African Diplomacy and Economics (3)
An examination of Sub-Saharan African diplomacy and economics and their impact on regional relations and linkages to the world system.
IR 6696 - Women, Peace, and Security (3)
This course will examine how gender matters in the study of conflict and security, with a special focus on issues related to the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. Students will gain exposure to mainstream and critical work in international relations and will examine topics including: women's roles in national militaries and non-state armed groups, gender-based violence, masculinities, intersectionality, and gender in peace processes and post-conflict rebuilding.