International Affairs

This course provides an introduction to a basic understanding of the concepts of international relations. It focuses on the interrelationship of nations and how they coexist and interact with each other. It will expose the student to the theories of international relations and how these theories apply to current problems and experiences.

This course provides an introduction to the concepts and methods of comparative politics. It highlights those factors that are common to all political systems and the ways in which political behavior and institutions differ between nations. It will achieve these goals by examining the problems that all political systems face: political violence, power transfer, public policy, and what role the government plays in the society.

This course reviews the origin and development of culture in preliterate human societies. It focuses on the major social institutions of family, economics, political organization, and religion.

(Normally offered each semester.)

A survey of African, Asian, Native American, and Pre-Columbian arts.

This is a world-history survey designed to introduce students to the sweep of social, political, economic, and cultural changes that took place around the world over the course of the twentieth century. Using primary sources, the course allows students to investigate in-depth themes such as European colonialism, the First and Second World Wars, fascism and its consequences, the transformation of East Asia, the Cold War and its consequences, and new challenges to global stability in the modern era.

(Normally offered each spring semester.)

This course is a study of the cultural settings, lives of founders when appropriate, oral or written traditions and literature, worldviews, myths, rituals, ideals of conduct, and development of some of the world's religions. Religions studied will typically include tribal religions, Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shinto, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, and Bahai. Readings, videos, and websites will help introduce and illustrate not only the cultural settings in which these religions appear, but also the voices and faces of contemporary religious practitioners.

(Normally offered each fall semester.)

A study of the theory of international trade, commercial policy, international monetary affairs, and institutions for international economic stability and development.

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and grade of "C-" or better in ECON 054 Microeconomic Principles or permission of the instructor.

A seminar on the problems of developing nations, using primarily Latin American examples to gain insight into the reasons why poverty persists alongside spectacular affluence. Economic justice is a primary focus. Topics will include the role of gender, transnational corporations, foreign aid, and various proposals to promote change and development, using an interdisciplinary approach.

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing a grade of "C-" or better in ECON 053 Macroeconomic Principles or permission of the instructor.

(Normally offered every other spring semester.)

This course introduces women's health with an emphasis on global issues. Women's health will be examined using the influences of social, political, economic, cultural, and geographical factors. Students will examine the basic health needs of all women and compare the availability of and types of services in different parts of the world.

Prerequisite(s): GEND 090 Introduction to Gender Studies or SOC-003 or a beginning level anthropology course or permission of the instructor.

This course introduces women's health with an emphasis on global issues. Women's health will be examined using the influences of social, political, economic, cultural, and geographical factors. Students will examine the basic health needs of all women and compare the availability of and types of services in different parts of the world. A unique component of this course is the opportunity to work with women from another country to learn about other women's health concerns.

Prerequisite(s): GEND 090 Introduction to Gender Studies or SOC 003 Introduction to Sociology or a beginning level anthropology course or permission of the instructor.

An examination of population in its demographic, dynamic, and social aspects. The course also examines the problems associated with the interaction between populations and the environment. Strong cross-cultural emphasis.

(Normally offered each spring semester.)

This course examines the participation of women in society and politics, and their ability to influence the policy decisions related to the issues of concern to them. The course will take a cross-national perspective, although primary emphasis will be women in Middle Eastern and South Asian societies.

The problems faced by the political systems of the countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Specific topics will include their attempts to maintain political stability and resolve such issues as the food and population problems.

Prerequisite(s): POLSC 009 Introduction to International Relations or POLSC 020 Introduction to Comparative Politics and junior standing or permission of the instructor.

In this course the sources, content, and impact of international law will be examined in detail. Special attention will be given to some of the modern substantive areas of international law such as human rights, international economic relations, and the international environment. This course is also designed to familiarize the student with the rise and role of public international organizations since 1945.

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or permission of the instructor.

In this course the student will examine the theoretical body of literature on international security. We will consider traditional topics in international security, such as the role of conventional and nuclear weapons, arms control, the impact of alliances and collective security agreements, and the stability of bipolar vs. multipolar international systems. We will also broaden our definition of security politics to include environmental degradation, ethnic conflicts, and even organized crime.

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or permission of the instructor.