International Relations & National Security Certificate

POLS 320. Foreign Policies. 3 Credits.

Examination of the roles of major powers in the international system, with emphasis on the foreign policies of the United States and other major powers. S.

POLS 321. International Human Rights. 3 Credits.

Examination of factors that contribute to human rights violations and domestic, multilateral and bilateral efforts to combat such violations with emphasis placed on the changing nature of the international system of states.

POLS 326. Terrorism and Its Context. 3 Credits.

This is a class about spectacular political violence and its societal context. We will deal with classic debates in terrorism such as "is there a meaningful distinction between an insurgency and a terrorist campaign?", "does ideology motivate people in the absence of other motivating factors to commit terror attacks?," and "what is terrorism?" From the FLN in Algeria to the LTTE in Sri Lanka, this class will span the world and provide you with a global perspective on international terror with French-speaking Maghreb Arab insurgencies and violent Buddhist movements. We will discuss the social psychology of martyrdom, resistance movements, political institutionalization, and the difference between military and political solutions to terror campaigns. The fundamental teaching mechanism for this class is discussion and critical thinking. With every reading, you should be asking yourself: "do I find this compelling? If so, why? Is there something that the author is omitting (a case example or implication from his or her argument) that could strengthen his or her argument?" Similarly, when you find an article uncompelling, you need to ask yourself "why do I find this uncompelling? Is there some implication to the argument that is unconvincing? Is there something the author is omitting (a case example or implication from his or her argument) that weakens his or her argument?" It is not sufficient to have a feeling about something. You need to have a rationale and you need to defend that rationale. At the same time, you should read texts charitably. On demand.

POLS 120. Global Perspectives. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to help students think critically about global awareness, diversity, and multiculturalism. This course will provide a foundation for students to later complete a designated global engagement experience. The course explores globalization and its consequences and builds a foundation for students to be informed and globally engaged citizens. F.