Certificate of Graduate Studies in International Relations

Considers applicability of traditional IR theory paradigms to description and analysis of cyber conflict and cyber international relations. Considers issues of political economy associated with globalization and cryptocurrencies. Introduces cyberspace actors and institutions and prospects for global conflict and conflict resolution.

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.

Introduces key debates in philosophy of technology, considers impacts of new technological developments from political, philosophical, theological, psychological and sociological perspectives. Considers transhumanism, Big Data and implications of autonomy and surveillance for democracy.

Introduces major operational concepts as applied to cyberspace; compares and contrasts traditional military doctrines, tactics and strategies with those used in cyberspace; presents institutions involved in cyberconflict and their functions domestically and internationally, and describes prospects for peace-building and international cooperation in cyberspace.

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.

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 post-war period with a focus on the UN system, the European Union, and international legal covenants (e.g. international criminal tribunals, ICCPR, etc.)

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.

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

Historical development of US national security policy and doctrines; major theoretical approaches to determining national security objectives and strategies; roles and relations of major actors in making US national security policy; contemporary national security challenges including terrorism, WMDs and the growth of violent extremism.

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.