Course Descriptions
INR500: Research Methods
Students explore various research techniques and then apply that knowledge to an analysis of existing research and to designing and implementing their own research projects. The course includes preparation of a literature review, qualitative and quantitative approaches, triangulation methods, research designs, threats to internal and external validity, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and ethical considerations. Available online.
INR511: Philosophical Foundations of Politics
This course examines and evaluates the intellectual contributions to the foundations of political order and justice of the main political thinkers since Socrates. The course analyzes and evaluates the key questions and answers regarding human nature and its direct relation to the construction and maintenance of political systems. Its purpose is to lay the groundwork for the study of comparative and international politics. Available online.
INR512: Justice and Order in International Relations
This course examines in theoretical and practical terms the relationship between justice and order at different levels of human interaction, such as that between people as members of different state organizations and as part of the world community. Its objective is to find a balance not only in the way political order relates to justice, but also in the way that people can balance their state citizenship with world citizenship, i.e., national identity and human identity. Available online.
INR513: Comparative Political Development
This course analyzes and compares different roads to establishing political order, taking into consideration the specific circumstances prevailing in different parts of the world. In the context of the concept of justice, the course relates the establishment and maintenance of political order to economic development, and by extension, the way economic development relates to the maintenance of political order. Available online.
INR516: Identity, Harmony, and Conflict
This course examines the role that social and religious identity plays in the interaction of people within an established political order as well as between different political orders. For example, is religious and social identity a factor for harmonious relations between people or is it a source of conflict between individuals and groups? Available online.
INR522: Integration and Globalization Politics
Students examine the ways by which the international system is being transformed and the effects such a transformation has on established political and social orders as well as on the lives and identities of people. Available online.
INR 531: Just and Unjust Wars
This course examines the concept of the just war theory from the point of view of different religions in regards to the declaration and conduct of conventional war. It also examines the ethical implications of contemplating nuclear, biological or chemical warfare. Available online.
INR533: International Political Economy
This course examines topics such as competing theoretical explanations of economic growth and development, the role of states and other actors in alleviating or exacerbating poverty, and how the international distribution of political power affects the allocation and consumption of resources. Available online.
INR 534: Environmental Justice
Students examine the practice of natural resources utilization and its impact on environmental and human integrity. Is there a balance between derived benefits of resource utilization and the cost associated with it? Are the benefits and costs distributed equally between regions and states and between all users in a region or state? Does the use of resources by some entail only costs for others? Overall, is there a balance between considerations of economic order and environmental justice? Available online.
INR542: Dispute and Conflict Resolution
This course examines sources of conflict at different levels of human interaction and explores negotiation, mediation, and arbitration strategies to managing crises and resolving disputes between groups and individuals. Available online.
INR552: Terrorism and Transnational Crime
This course examines the sources, activities and legal implications of international terrorism and globalized crime. It analyzes strategies and processes of responding and combating criminal networks and activities across borders and evaluates the impact such strategies and processes have on human and civil rights. Available online.
INR562: International Organizations and Law
Students examine the role international organizations and law play in promoting, maintaining, and enforcing the principles of the international community of states. Is the international community a reality or are international institutions convenient instruments of the interests and policies of the participant states? Are there any obligations that the citizens of the participant states have towards the institutions of the international community? If any, what are these obligations and how should they be carried out? Available on line.
INR571: International Human Rights
This course examines the conceptual evolution of human rights and evaluates existing systems and instruments for the protection and promotion of human rights in the world. It also explores the fundamental relation between state and cultural sovereignty and the application of rights worldwide. Available online.
INR572: Complex Humanitarian Emergencies: Prevention and Responses
Focusing on complex humanitarian emergencies (CHEs), this course addresses the capacity to govern in the face of violence, turmoil, and conflict. The course will examine public policy challenges of developing and implementing the necessary systems to monitor, anticipate and react to critical response incidents and natural disasters. As such, the course will evaluate early warning methodologies and review the scientific research and competing approaches to preventing and mitigating complex humanitarian emergencies. Available online.
INR590: Thesis
It is the responsibility of the graduate candidate to initiate the process of submitting a thesis prospectus to the academic advisor for approval and guidance. INR500: Research Methods is a prerequisite for the Thesis.
INR591: Independent Study/Research
This course provides opportunity for original and in-depth research on a specific topic or regional issue of the candidate's interest and professional focus. Three credit hours can be awarded for independent study. Research projects can be arranged under the direction and supervision of the academic advisor. The quality of the research project should be a publication-ready document.
INR592: Topical and Regional Issues in International Relations
This course examines timely topical and regional issues in international affairs. Specific titles and course contents vary depending on events highlighting the major political issues and debates from time to time.
INR593: Topical and Regional Issues in Comparative Politics
This course examines timely topical and regional issues in comparative politics. Specific titles and course contents vary depending on events highlighting the major political issues and debates from time to time.
INR598: Internship
Three credits can be awarded for an internship of the candidate's choice with the permission of the academic advisor. Upon completion of the internship, the candidate will submit a paper illustrating the academic benefits of the experience.
