M.A. in Government – 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 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.

Covers basic aspects of religion and international politics, including religion’s relationship to state power, international religious freedom, inter-state and intra-state religious conflict, and religion’s relationship to international human rights and economic development. There are also strong connections with relevant scriptural principles.

Evaluates rationale for and contributions of major government and non-government international organizations, with a focus on international legal covenants, transnational and regional governance, international economic and development organizations, multinational corporations and the international faith-based-non-profit sector.

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 Middle 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.

Overview of the global problem of trafficking in persons for purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labor.  The course examines the issue of trafficking from several perspectives: (i) the various international conventions that prohibit trafficking in persons; (ii) regional examples of trafficking and factors that contribute to it such as civil unrest and governmental corruption; and (iii) the United States legislative and foreign policy response to trafficking in persons.  This course will focus on trafficking in persons as a human rights violation and the treatment of trafficked persons as a victim of a crime.  Cross-listed with LAW 735. Law Student Prerequisites: Completion of first year.  Recommended: LAW 683, 684, and 784.

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.

Discussion of balancing the government’s responsibility to defend the body politic and its parallel duty to safeguard the rights of individuals.  Exploration of the tensions of achieving security and freedom from Lincoln’s suspension of habeas corpus to Bush’s detention of terrorist combatants.  Law Student prerequisites: LAW 511 and completion of two semesters of law school. Cross-listed with LAW 672.

International and regional laws regarding the right to expression and protection of religious belief.  Defenses to protect religious freedom, mechanisms for advocacy and intervention, and the impact that non-governmental organizations can have in protecting religious freedom. Law Student Prerequisite:  LAW 511 and completion of two semesters of law school. Cross-listed with LAW 714.

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.

Introduces basic concepts and vocabulary for pursuing additional training in cybersecurity policy and affairs.  Examines issues such as:  how does encryption work?  What is code?  What is a blockchain and what is critical infrastructure?  Also, suitable for students not wishing to pursue a concentration or certificate but wishing to acquire familiarity with these issues.

Presents the most influential threads of political thought and philosophy in the Islamic world from Muhammad and the Caliphate through modern Islamism. Topics examined include: The classical Caliphate, early modern Islamic empires, Sunni, Shia and Sufi conceptions of politics, Islamic revivalism and Islamism, Islamic finance, and religious freedom in Islam.

Analyzes the nature and character of democracy and democratic institutions, compares theoretical approaches to democratization and political development, and analyzes practical case studies.

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 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.