Certificate of Graduate Studies in International Relations

Considers the nature of war and peace, including thought and practice from philosophical and religious viewpoints, with particular reference to the Christian tradition (e.g. just war theory) and the formal law of armed conflict.

An analysis of the nature and development of the Israeli political system, including historical background, Zionism, elections and the institutions of government, constitutional issues, and religion and politics.  The relationship between domestic politics and foreign policy will also be explored as well as the regional and global context in which Israel exists.

Comparative politics seminar.  Examines founding and history of Russia, creation of Soviet and later Russian political institutions, problems of post-communism and democratization and future of Russia as a quasi-authoritarian regime.

The major approaches and methodologies of international relations, examines the First, Second and Third Debates within the field, reviews emerging topics and identifies research questions.

Evaluates the rationale for and contributions of major international organizations in the modern global order. Particular attention is paid to global and regional governmental organizations like the UN and European Union, international legal covenants (e.g., international criminal tribunals, ICCPR, etc.) and non-governmental actors from corporations to religious bodies.

Analyzes the past and present foreign policy of U.S. in relation to the greater Middle East, with a focus on the post-war era.  Cold War politics, the evolving relationship with Israel and various others governments, religionized politics, and related global trends such as terrorism and oil economics.

Political change and ideological trends in the Mid-East after WWII. Explores the politics of state and nation building, the legacies of colonialism, the impact of nationalism, the development of civil society, the complications of oil wealth, the challenges of democracy, and the place of political Islam.

Addresses the questions of the universality of human rights, including the right of life, the right to death, rights of the child, women’s rights, religious freedoms, the rights of third-world countries and the export of Western values to Eastern societies. Prerequisite: LAW 511. Cross-listed with LAW 883.

Survey Islamic Law in three parts:  (1) Qur’anic foundations using the Qur’an itself and the history of its various interpretations; (2) “classical/historical/orthodox/traditional” Sharia itself; and (3) the application of Sharia in Muslim nations today and its relevancy to non-Muslim nations.  Cross-listed as LAW 812.

Presents the most influential threads of political thought and philosophy in the Islamic world from Muhammad and the Caliphate through modern jihadism.  Topics and authors examined include Sunni and Shi’ite theories of leadership, the Mamluk ideology, Ibn Khaldun, al-Farabi, Ibn Rushd, Sayeed Qutb, and others.

Political development, post-colonial approaches to understanding democratization, Realist and Critical Theory, state failure, evaluating and critiquing the role of foreign aid providers, and the role of culture in democratization.

A multi-disciplinary study of international and multinational social, political, and economic problems from a Comparative and international perspective.

Deals with Asia’s wars and peace in the 20th century, and the dynamic political, economic, and religious developments in the 21st century.  It will also discuss the division and desire for unification of Korea, and China’s rise as a regional and global power. Includes an analysis of ASEAN’s goal to move from economic cooperation to political integration and regional security; and the consideration of the role of APEC and Asia’s future relations with The United States and European Union.

Historical development of US foreign policy principles; actors involved in creation of foreign policy, role of interest groups and special interests; economic aspects of US foreign policy and the role of ideology and religion; considers America’s role in the world today.

In this exploding age of information, it is the objective of the library faculty to prepare graduates to be on the cutting edge of information technology. Information literacy is the ability to effectively access information for problem solving and decision-making; thus, the knowledge and abilities you glean from this course will open doors to lifelong learning. It is imperative for graduate study research. Since the information learned in this course is a vital foundation for all other coursework, its completion is required within the first semester of study. The course takes approximately ten hours to complete.