International Relations Courses (IR)
IR 6600 - Selected Topics in International Relations (3)
An examination of a specifically defined topic of special and/or current interest and importance, which is not covered in regular course offerings in the International Relations program. A selected topic in International Relations course can only be used as an elective in the program. See semester hour limits listed under Course Restrictions in General Regulations section.
IR 6601 - Research Methods in International Relations (3)
An investigation of the research methodologies employed in the study of International Relations including research design, variables and hypotheses, citations and reference, qualitative analysis and quantitative techniques. Note: MSIR candidates must achieve a grade of “B” or better in IR 6601 to complete degree program requirements. Note: IR 6601 must be taken within the first six classes.
IR 6603 - Introduction to International Relations (3)
A survey of the discipline of International Relations (IR) introducing IR theory, power, national interests, instruments of foreign policy, international law and organizations, international political economy, comparative government, and research methodology.
IR 6602 - Geostrategic Studies (3)
An examination of the political, military, economic and cultural effects of geography in historical and contemporary terms: specific emphasis is placed on the role of geography in the formulation of military-political policy in land power, sea power, air-power, and outer space. Comprehensive geopolitical theories will be employed as analytical tools in the course.
IR 6610 - International Organizations (3)
An examination of the evolution and functions of international organizations; political structures and international systems for the collective use of power and cooperative action among states; and the impact of international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) and other types of transnational relations and organizations on global affairs.
IR 6611 - Comparative Government (3)
A comparative analysis of state governments in the world with an emphasis on political cultures, governmental institutions and political processes that lead to differences and international tensions.
IR 6614 - International Law (3)
An examination of the sources and development of international law from historical, political, legal, and philosophical standpoints, with emphasis on substantive areas of law.
IR 6615 - Comparative Politics of North Korea (3)
This course examines North Korea politics, economics, and society. The course will review the establishment of the North Korean state and its contemporary political institutions, as well as the economy and state-society relations. While North Korea will be viewed through theoretical lenses, the course will address practical policy dilemmas when dealing with North Korea.
IR 6616 - East Asian Security (3)
This course provides an examination of East Asian security issues using international relations and comparative politics theories. Topics include nuclear proliferation in North Korea, military upgrades in China, territorial disputes, rising nationalism, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the United States' role in the region.
IR 6617 - Chinese Security (3)
China's rise in the international affairs has given Beijing a means to advance its global interests. This course will consider China's vulnerabilities and interests and consider the government's response. This course examines Beijing's identity and interests and then moves on to consider the strategic elements that determine China's policy responses. This course examines China's access to energy, food, and raw materials, currency and trade exposure, military modernization, and Beijing's instruments of power.
IR 6618 - Chinese Intelligence in International Relations (3)
Understanding Chinese Intelligence is a critical strategic element for the United States and its allies. We begin with a classical and strategic examination of Chinese espionage and look at its historical development. We will examine Beijing's cyber strategy, capacity, and strategic use and look at industrial espionage. Finally, we will examine counter-intelligence and asses overall Chinese intelligence capabilities.
IR 6620 - International Political Economy (3)
An examination of the interrelationships between international politics and economics covering theories of International Political Economy, states and markets, trade, foreign investment, international monetary affairs, foreign aid, state development strategies, and globalization.
IR 6621 - East Asian Political Economy (3)
This course provides an examination of East Asian political economy issues using international relations and comparative politics theories. Topics include economic development in Japan, China, and on the Korean Peninsula, economic development and democratization, regional and global economic integration and discussion of the relationship of economics to security in the region.
IR 6622 - European Security (3)
This course provides an examination of European security issues using international relations and comparative politics theories. Topics include political and military integration, examining both NATO and the European Union, NATO expansion, relations between Western Europe and Russia, European peacekeeping, the United States-Europe relationship, and comparative security and foreign policy.
IR 6623 - Arab-Israeli Security (3)
This course focuses on the Arab-Israeli conflict since 1948 with a special focus on the challenges to conflict resolution on both the Arab and Israeli sides and the role great powers play in Middle Eastern politics. The course will begin by examining the major historical events from the birth of Israel to the present day. Attention will be given to important groups, events, movements that will allow the complexity of this relationship to come to light. Additionally, the course will focus on the relationship between the West, particularly Europe and the United States, and the Middle East.
IR 6624 - Geopolitics of Eurasia (3)
This course provides an examination of geopolitical issues and power politics across Eurasia. Topics include the Putin Doctrine, Russian regional hegemony and the legacy of the Soviet Union, regional integration, the role of natural resources in power politics, and the increasing prominence of Central Asia in international politics.
IR 6625, 6626, 6627 - Specialized Study in International Relations (3)
A study of a problem or problems using research techniques. Selection of the problem must be approved by the student's adviser, the instructor under whom the study is to be made, and the department chair. The study should contribute to the student's program. Preparation of a scholarly paper is required and may involve an oral defense. A specialized study may be substituted for a required course only once in a student's program. It may, however, be substituted for one or two electives. Prerequisite: IR 6601. See semester hour limits listed under Course Restrictions in General Regulations section.
IR 6628 - International Political Geography (3)
An analysis of the reciprocal effects of geography and political organization on the behavior of states including boundaries and frontiers, national resources, spatial strategy and maritime power.
IR 6631 - Intercultural Relations (3)
An analysis of the influence of culture on interstate relations including theories, concepts, and applications.
IR 6632 - Arctic and Antarctic Security (3)
The course focuses on development and security in the most northern and southern regions of the world. The economic importance of polar politics has increased due to international competition for natural resources resulting from global growth in population and industry. The strategic importance of the Arctic and Antarctic has increased due to easier access resulting from warmer weather and stronger ships. The combination of competition and access has heightened the danger of environmental degradation and military conflict in these two previously neglected regions. Note: This course is listed in the Graduate Catalog as an elective in two concentrations: Global Studies and National Security Affairs. It may also be taken as a “remaining elective” in the Regional Affairs concentration.
IR 6634 - Revolutions and Change (3)
Revolutions have upended the politics of many countries over the past two centuries, from the American and French Revolutions of the eighteenth century to the Arab Spring and the Color Revolutions of the past twenty-plus years. This course examines the process of revolutions across the modern world, along with prominent theories of revolutions. It also dissects the ways by which major political change comes about, such as through popular movements (“People Power'), revolutions from above organized elites, negotiated ends to authoritarian regimes, and democratization in its various forms. It also considers the fall of democracies. Finally, the course looks at the relationship between cultural and political changes, in terms of the various social, business, and scientific upheavals (also popularly called revolutions) that have transformed modern societies.
IR 6635 - National Security Policy (3)
An examination of the structures, motivations, and major objectives of national security policy making from a comparative perspective with particular emphasis on the politics of national defense in the United States.
IR 6636 - Diplomacy (3)
This course provides an examination of diplomacy in International Relations, viewed from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Topics will include fundamentals in the practice of statecraft, including negotiation and conflict resolution, and the difference between public and private diplomacy, ethics and morality in diplomacy, and the continually evolving nature of diplomatic practices.
IR 6637 - Counter Insurgency and Irregular Warfare (3)
This course examines the development of Irregular Warfare (IW) since the Second World War. Various aspects of this type of warfare will be examined from the counter-insurgency (COIN) to Foreign Internal Defense (FID) conducted by three democracies: Britain, France, and the United States will be discussed. The central focus of this course will be American IW. Further, Irregular Operations on land, air, and sea will be thoroughly analyzed. There will also be a discussion role of technology in these type of conflicts.
IR 6638 - European Political Economy and the European Union (3)
This course provides an examination of European political economy issues using international relations and comparative politics theories, with specific attention to the European Union. Topics include models of economic and political integration, the evolution, development, structure and function of the E.U., and economic relations between E.U. countries and the world.
IR 6639 - Russian Security (3)
In 2014, events in Ukraine shocked the world. Russia became the first major country since World War II to forcefully invade another country and assimilate new territory. The Crimean crisis and the resulting civil war in Ukraine in which Russia took an active role not only surprised the rest of the world, but also surprised Russian security experts. This class looks at the evolutions of Russian security following the collapse of the Soviet Union. It examines a resurgent Russia and its security needs. Further, this class analyzes whether the world has entered another Cold War with Russia.
IR 6640 - Government and Politics of Developing Nations (3)
An analysis of the government and politics of developing states including economic, social, and cultural perspectives and strategies pursued for growth and development.
IR 6641 - Comparative Politics of Latin America (3)
An examination of Latin American politics, legal systems, economics, culture, military power, geography, and their impact on Latin American regional relations and linkages to the world system.
IR 6642 - Comparative Politics of Russia and Eastern Europe (3)
An examination of Russia and Eastern Europe's politics, legal systems, economics, culture, military power, geography, and their impact on regional relations and linkages to the world system.
IR 6643 - Russian Intelligence in International Relations: From the KGB to the FSB (3)
The election of 2016 in the United States was unique in that all of the United States Intelligence agencies claimed that the Russian Federation had tried to influence the presidential election in favor of Donald Trump. This technique of hybrid war is nothing new to Russian intelligence agencies. In fact, the Russian intelligence agencies have consistently been honing their skills to act as an efficient wear in the security of the Russian Federation. This class will examine the history of the Russian Intelligence services, their decline during the initial post-Soviet period, and their meteoric resurgence following the ascension of Vladimir Putin, himself a Russian Intelligence operative, to the presidency of the Russian Federation.
IR 6644 - Comparative Politics of the Middle East (3)
An examination of Middle East politics, legal systems, economics, culture, military power, geography, and their impact on regional relations and linkages to the world system.
IR 6645 - Comparative Politics of East Asia (3)
An examination of Asian politics, legal systems, economics, culture, military power, geography, and their impact on regional relations and linkages to the world system.
IR 6646 - Comparative Politics of South Asia (3)
An examination of the intrastate and global relationships of South Asia; the course will focus on India and Pakistan, but also cover Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and additional states in South Asia to engage the student in the security, political, cultural, and social aspects of the region.
IR 6647 - Comparative Politics of Western Europe (3)
An examination of Western Europe and the European Union, including state and EU politics, legal systems, economics, culture, military power, geography, and their impact on regional relations and linkages to the