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IRLS500 International Relations Theory (3 semester hours)
This course provides an analysis of the three important theoretical debates of international relations: Idealism vs. Realism, Traditionalism vs. Behavioralism, and Realism vs. Neo-realism. The course also addresses the level of analysis problem, as well as the central assumptions and key concepts of various theories of international relations, with special emphasis on the basic concepts, propositions, and current critique of realism and neo-realism.
View the course schedule AMU or APU to find out details about each course including prerequisites, course objectives, course materials, a snapshot of the syllabi, and session dates.
IRLS501 Comparative Political Systems (3 semester hours)
This course examines a broad range of governments utilizing the comparative method of analysis. Students will study democracies, monarchies, dictatorships and authoritarian forms of government. Students will participate in various class projects emphasizing contemporary problems of the various forms of governments of nation states today. This will take into consideration cultural differences and similarities, human nature, and the approaches of individual governments different from that of the American norm in carrying out their basic responsibility to maintain and strengthen society by equal justice for all of its citizens.
View the course schedule AMU or APU to find out details about each course including prerequisites, course objectives, course materials, a snapshot of the syllabi, and session dates.
IRLS502 International Political Systems (3 semester hours)
This course examines how the international political system---the patterns of interaction among world political actors---has changed and how some of its fundamental characteristics have resisted change. Students will investigate how the global system works and how the process of globalization is remaking the political and economic world.
View the course schedule AMU or APU to find out details about each course including prerequisites, course objectives, course materials, a snapshot of the syllabi, and session dates.
IRLS503 International Organizations (3 semester hours)
This course introduces issues surrounding the two major categories of international institutions: intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) such as the United Nations, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) such as the International Committee of the Red Cross. The course studies the theories, origins, principles, organization, activities, legal authority and performance of major international organizations as world actors in areas of economic development, international security, trade, and humanitarian assistance. IGOs serve as forums for communications, as regulators, as distributors, as organs of military security, and as peacekeepers.
View the course schedule AMU or APU to find out details about each course including prerequisites, course objectives, course materials, a snapshot of the syllabi, and session dates.
IRLS504 International Political Economy (3 semester hours)
This seminar allows the student to research some of the primary theoretical perspectives and analytical approaches for studying international political economy. The course includes a survey of contemporary literature, with special emphasis on theory, the phenomenon of globalization, an exploration of trade relations, international finance, transnational corporations, economic development, North vs. South conflict, and global inequality. We will also examine how to critically evaluate research and set up a research project.
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IRLS600 Strategic Geography and Geopolitics (3 semester hours)
This course of study examines the history of political, tactical and strategic developments and concepts regarding geopolitical concerns regarding political and military planning and execution from the mid-20th Century through the modern era. The comparative analysis of these concepts from the applicable secondary literature will provide a stepping stone to understanding the nature of modern combined arms and joint forces warfare.
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IRLS602 Introduction to Global Security (3 semester hours)
Introduction to Global Security addresses the complex global security environment. Focus is placed on the role that actors in the global environment play in the formulation and implementation of international, bilateral, and state policy, norms, and practice related to security issues of global scope and concern. The course also addresses the impact of these security related concerns in the global environment on domestic and international security.
View the course schedule AMU or APU to find out details about each course including prerequisites, course objectives, course materials, a snapshot of the syllabi, and session dates.
IRLS603 Politics and War (3 semester hours)
This course examines the relationship between military affairs and statecraft, ranging from how war is a logical consequence of political behavior. Case studies in the great powers' use of force and military issues clarify the connection between politics and the use of force, including war in its international context, attitudes toward war and its causes, the notion of "vital interests," WHY humans fight, and aspects of past areas of conflict that appear relevant to the future.
View the course schedule AMU or APU to find out details about each course including prerequisites, course objectives, course materials, a snapshot of the syllabi, and session dates.
IRLS608 Global Security, Logistics, and Space (3 semester hours)
This course provides a comprehensive look at global security, logistics, and space. These three related concepts have become increasingly important as the world has begun to focus on outer space as a source of economic opportunity, communications, and international competition. This course will examine issues of conflict, governance, and sustainability, as well as theories related to national and global security and the peaceful use of outer space.
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IRLS611 Conflict Analysis and Resolution: Theory and Practice (3 semester hours)
The course will consider the rationalist approach to conflict analysis, along with other theoretical approaches to international relations theory. It will examine the generic nature of conflict, whether between individuals or nations. It also directly addresses international conflict, its origins, discernible patterns, routine components, range of outcomes, and modes of conflict prevention or amelioration. Conflict resolution theory will be applied to various cases of contemporary conflict among nations. Students will develop a thorough awareness of the origins of conflict, various approaches to conflict analysis and resolution, as well as strategies for conflict prevention.
View the course schedule AMU or APU to find out details about each course including prerequisites, course objectives, course materials, a snapshot of the syllabi, and session dates.
IRLS613 International Negotiation (3 semester hours)
This course is a study of the theory and literature on the history and practice of international negotiations for purposes of peace; mediation between opposing factions, groups, or states; settlement of hostilities; preemption; among other issues. The course includes contending approaches to international negotiations, their basic assumptions and methodologies, and their application to current conflict situations. The role of culture and cross-cultural communication in international negotiation is explored. Also included in the course is discussion and study of skills development in international negotiation.
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IRLS615 Peacekeeping: Structure and Process (3 semester hours)
An examination of the strategic, operational, and tactical elements required for conducting both UN and non-UN sponsored peace operations. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the reasons for success or failure of previous and ongoing peacekeeping missions.
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IRLS631 Government and Security in Korea (3 semester hours)
An examination of the governments and the militaries of the two Koreas. This course will closely examine the reasons behind the Korean peninsula playing such a pivotal role in overall Northeast Asian security. The course will examine domestic political, economic and social problems and prospects of North Korea and South Korea; the prospects for reunification; the military balance and the changing strategic environment; and the relations of Pyongyang and Seoul with their key allies. Includes an examination of U.S. relations with Korea.
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IRLS655 Latin American Security Issues (3 semester hours)
Latin America continues as one of the most important areas to the United States -- even as it remains one of the least understood. In particular, the internal dimension of security has not yet been resolved in many Latin American nations to the extent that domestic stability can be taken for granted, a reality which could have profound consequences for the United States.
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IRLS660 Seminar in Middle East Politics and Security (3 semester hours)
This course examines the evolution of modern Middle Eastern politics. The scope includes political, social, and cultural interactions both within and among the countries located in the Middle East and North Africa. The course involves investigations of the political attitudes and behaviors of prominent players in these regions and a look into the diverse aspirations of specific political, cultural, or demographic groups. In the first weeks of the course, an introduction to the history of the Middle East sets the stage for historic developments that brought about structural dilemmas of today. Evaluating the involvement of outside powers in the politics of region comprises another topic, along with an investigation of how non-state actors affect the future of the region. Discussions concern debates about the prospects of democracy and the future key nations after the Arab Spring
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IRLS662 Middle Eastern Culture (3 semester hours)
This course covers the geography, culture, society, economy, and religions of the major ethnic and linguistic groups in the Middle East. The course will introduce students to important events and developments, such as the changing dynamics among ethnic and culture groups, the evolving sociological bases of states and societies in the Middle East, the impact of Europe and the West on the Middle East, and more recent events such as the Arab popular uprisings. Because no event or movement occurs without a context, the course examines the cultural and social frameworks.
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IRLS664 Politics and Culture in Central Asia (3 semester hours)
The region of Central Asia—located between Russia, China, India, and Europe—has emerged from obscurity in recent decades to become a key front in the war against international terrorism and radical Islam. This course explores the political and cultural history of Central Asia, as well as religious and social issues that impact the region’s governmental structures, foreign relations, and security. Students will explore the impact of Russian conquest and Soviet domination of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, as well as the Soviet- Afghan War (1979-1989), before moving on to an analysis of contemporary issues in government and politics in the region. Emphasis will be on the rise of Islamism, great power politics, U.S. involvement in the region after 9/11, “managed democracy,” corruption and economic development, and petropolitics.
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IRLS699 International Relations Capstone (3 semester hours)
The Master’s Capstone in International Relations is the capstone course for graduate programs in International Relations. NOTE: This course may not be taken until all other courses are COMPLETED and student has a 3.0 GPA. THIS COURSE IS 16 WEEKS.
View the course schedule AMU or APU to find out details about each course including prerequisites, course objectives, course materials, a snapshot of the syllabi, and session dates.