International Relations (IREL)
IREL 100. Globalization & World (Dis)Order. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
This course will explore the restructuring of the political, economic, and cultural dimensions of the global world by a way of the theoretical literature on globalization and a series of case studies.
IREL 200. International Relations: Topics/Issues. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3; Repeatable
Selected topics in international relations.
IREL 201. Modernization and Social Revolution in Latin America. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
This class examines how technological and political processes combine focusing on the Latin American region. Crosslisted as LAMS 201.
IREL 204. Naming Violence: Language, space and power in the Israeli Palestinian conflict. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall, Spring, Summer; Lecture hours:3
This IP course adopts an integrative approach of two fields of knowledge: sociolinguistics and political geography. The course aims to explore the Palestinian-Israeli struggle and how this struggle is constructed and reproduced in various spaces that are directly related and those that are assumed to be related to the struggle. Crosslisted as UNIV 204 and ARBC 204.
IREL 206. Sacred Objects: Religion, Violence and History. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
This course examines religion and violence through a social history of sacred objects circulating in medieval and modern South Asia. It explores political ideologies of the Indian state by studying how objects (images, buildings, idols, books, jewels) become imbued with religious power and motivate cataclysmic violence. Crosslisted as RELI 206.
IREL 210. The Politics of International Aid and Development. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
“Development” is arguably one of the most powerful concepts defining North-South international relations in the post-WWII era. What does effective development look like? Why have so many development schemes failed? Even in places that have successfully “developed,” why are large segments of the population left out of these gains?.
IREL 214. Sex, Lies and Capitalism. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
In this course – as we explore global patterns of inequality – we will rethink our habitual definitions of gender, race, sexuality, class, and human. This course employs feminist, queer, and critical race theory to investigate the myths, or socially-useful lies, that are essential to the functioning of global capitalism. Crosslisted as WMST 214.
IREL 215. Cultural Dimensions of International Relations. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
The impact of culture on cross-cultural communication, diplomatic negotiation, conflict eruption and resolution, technology transfer, global trade, and investment.
IREL 216. Borders and Politics of Mobility. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
Explores the politics of contemporary nation state borders, issues of territory, sovereignty, mobility, migration, identity, citizenship, statelessness, and focuses on borders at other scales. Crosslisted as GEOG 216.
IREL 218. International Relations of Europe. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
This course will examine the foreign policies of European countries, individually and collectively through the European Union, toward each other, regional and global intergovernmental organizations, and other regions/countries. Crosslisted as POLS 284.
IREL 222. Indigenous Americas: Environment, Development, and Change. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3; Repeatable
With a focus on the region we now call Latin America, this course examines historical struggles over indigenous identity and land, and contemporary alternatives to colonial development. Crosslisted as LAMS 222.
IREL 225. Chinese Politics. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
This course examines China's rich political history, its dynamic economic and social changes, its lasting political changes, its enduring struggle for modernization, and its evolving relations with the rest of the world. Crosslisted as EAST 269 and POLS 225.
IREL 226. East Asian Politics. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
This course surveys history, politics, economy, and society of countries in East Asia. It investigates the continuity and change in politics and policies of China, Japan, Korea, and selected countries in Southeast Asia. Crosslisted as EAST 226 and POLS 226.
IREL 229. Middle East Conflict and Revolution. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
This course explores some of the most significant controversies, conflicts, revolutions, and resolutions, both historical and contemporary, that define the Middle East as a region.
IREL 231. Peace Studies: Conflict Resolution. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
Topics examined include pacifism, conflict resolution techniques and approaches, and finally actual case studies to illustrate peacemaking in two contexts: interstate wars and internal or civil strife. Crosslisted as UNIV 219 and POLS 281.
IREL 234. Environment & Development. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
What is the relationship between development and the environment? This course lays out frameworks for understanding the engagement of development with the environment. This includes exploring circuits through which processes (economic, environmental, and social) and goods circulate, including cases from “sustainable” forestry, carbon economies, and the global trade in waste.
IREL 235. Modern Africa. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
Introduction to complexity, richness, and vitality of contemporary African cultures. Interdisciplinary perspectives on issues including economy, politics, family and community, art, literature, religion. Crosslisted as ANTH 235.
IREL 240. Human Security. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
Explores emerging debates around human vulnerability and: conflict, climate change, displacement, development, and other forms of "security."
IREL 242. Sex, Gender and Family During the Age of Empire. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
Despite their brutally violent nature, European empires were imagined as families consisting of European colonials and their “native” subjects. This course examines widow burning; imperialism and motherhood; mixed race families; European children and their colonial caregivers; British feminism; matriarchy and Islam; sexuality and the imperial archive; and imperial violence. Crosslisted as WMST 242.
IREL 244. Global Feminisms. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
The course investigates the often conflicting meanings for the term “feminism” that cut across international feminist politics, academic debates and the local/global politics of place and identity. Crosslisted as WMST 244.
IREL 250. Theories of International Relations. 1 Credit.
Offered Both Fall and Spring; Lecture hours:3
Analysis and evaluation of main theories of international relations, including realist, neo-realist, liberal, neo-liberal, Gramscian, Marxist, feminist, and post-modernist approaches. Theories are related to the major dimensions of international relations. Prerequisites: POLS 170. Preference given to second semester sophomores and junior IREL majors.
IREL 251. International Inequality and Poverty. 1 Credit.
Offered Alternating Spring Semester; Lecture hours:3
This course examines the levels, patterns, sources, and trends in international inequality and poverty as well as some of their economic, social, and political consequences.
IREL 252. Political Economy of Global Resources. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
A study of environmental and energy economics in the context of global resources and politics. The theme of sustainable development will be linked to the new realities of international relations. Prerequisite: ECON 103.
IREL 255. International Law. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
The nature, historical development, and sources of international law; substantive and procedural international law and its role in international relations. Crosslisted as POLS 278.
IREL 260. Humanitarianism. 1 Credit.
Offered Alternating Spring Semester; Lecture hours:3
Explores the history of and contemporary politics around humanitarian intervention, including contemporary discussions of sovereignty, planning, empowerment, and humanitarian expertise.
IREL 265. Culture, Identity, and Power. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
Students will learn a range of theories and concepts that explain how gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, class, nationality, religion, and other forms of difference shape and are shaped by international affairs.
IREL 270. Global Governance of Climate Change. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
This course examines the global governance institutions for climate change and the current policies, debates and positions at the climate change summits and counter-summits.
IREL 271. Popular Culture in Africa. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
This course allows students to explore, experience, and analyze aspects of popular culture in contemporary sub-Saharan Africa. Manifestations of popular culture are considered as markers of modern African identities, embedded in complex and varied socio-cultural, historical and political contexts. Crosslisted as HIST 276.
IREL 272. Poverty Amid Plenty: Development in India and South Asia. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
This course explores ideas and practices of development in India and South Asia: the promise, politics, results, and potential lessons for development.
IREL 274. Africa and International Relations in Historical Perspective. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
From popular culture: music, film, fashion to digital technologies: cell phones, computers, fit-bits, and GOOGLE-glass to our food: morning coffee, sugar, and spices, we rely on African ideas and resources. Through novels, films, and scholarly articles we examine how International Relations across Africa and within Africa matter in our lives. Crosslisted as HIST 274 and AFST 274.
IREL 275. Global Governance. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
This course explores the rationales, processes, and institutions of multilateral governance in a globalized world. We examine the U.N., nongovernmental organizations, conflict resolution, economic development, environment, human rights, and international law. Not open to first-year students. Crosslisted as POLS 275.
IREL 276. Comparative Foreign Policy. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
This course is designed to introduce students to the theories that have been developed to explain foreign policy processes and foreign policy behavior. The course will also examine and discuss the foreign policies of specific international actors. Crosslisted as POLS 276.
IREL 277. International Political Economy. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
This course examines the politics of international economic relations including trade, finance, and development. Crosslisted as POLS 277.
IREL 282. European Security. 1 Credit.
Offered Alternate Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
European security issues, including NATO enlargement, the military campaigns in the Balkans, the Iraq War, terrorism, and ballistic missile defense. Crosslisted as POLS 282.
IREL 283. East Asian International Relations. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
This course offers an overview of international relations in East Asia, with focus on foreign policies of major states in the region as well as their political, economic, and social interactions. Crosslisted as EAST 248 and POLS 283.
IREL 285. The International Relations of Latin America in the 21st Century. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
This course will examine the emergence of the New Left, the production of regional spaces, the impact of the BRICS and South-South cooperation in Latin America. Crosslisted as POLS 285.
IREL 286. Nonstate Actors in International Relations. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
This course explores the role nonstate actors (such as nongovernmental organizations, multinational corporations, violent nonstate actors, and individuals) can and do play in various substantive areas of international relations. Crosslisted as POLS 286.
IREL 291. Africa: Ancient to Early Modern Times 4000BCE-1400CE. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
Survey of Africa from Ancient economic, social, cultural, economic, and political developments to the Early Modern Era and the rise of Atlantic era trade. This course focuses on social, cultural, political, and economic changes generated by populations across the continent. Crosslisted as AFST 291 and HIST 291.
IREL 292. Service-Learning in Nicaragua. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
This course focuses on the connections between Nicaraguan development processes and Brigade-based service-learning. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as GEOG 292 and LAMS 292.
IREL 293. Making Contemporary Africa: 'Early Modern' to the 'Post-Modern' World - 1400 to the Present. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
Survey of African history from the 15th century to the contemporary period. We explore six major themes in African History: The Indian Ocean World, Making of the Atlantic World, Colonialism in Africa, Nationalism and Independence Movements, Post-Colonialism and Issues in the Making of Contemporary Africa. Crosslisted as AFST 292 and HIST 292.
IREL 2NT. International Relations Non-traditional Study. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall, Spring, Summer; Lecture hours:Varies,Other:3
Non-traditional study in international relations. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
IREL 300. Seminar: Topics in International Relations. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3; Repeatable
This course considers the shift in international politics from an ethic based upon state security to one focused on human security. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
IREL 350. Globalization. 1 Credit.
Offered Both Fall and Spring; Lecture hours:3
This course is designed to provide IREL majors with an opportunity to study global change. The course addresses contemporary issues in globalization. Specific topics may vary. Normally taken in fall of junior or senior year. Prerequisites: IREL majors; Students should preferably have both ECON 227 and IREL 250.
IREL 360. Independent Study. .5-1 Credits.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:Varies; Repeatable
Open to international relations majors who wish to pursue individual programs of reading, research, and writing under the supervision of a professor, usually for completion of the honors thesis. Prerequisites: permission of the supervising IREL professor and permission of the instructor.
IREL 361. Independent Study. .5-1 Credits.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:Varies; Repeatable
Open to international relations majors who wish to pursue individual programs of reading, research, and writing under the supervision of a professor, usually for the completion of the honors thesis. Prerequisites: permission of the supervising IREL professor and permission of the instructor.
IREL 381. Arab-Israeli Conflict, Peace Process. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
This course examines the failures and successes of the peace process among Israel, Arab States, and Palestinians. Special focus is on Oslo peace process, outstanding issues, and the involvement of outside actors, particularly the role of the US. Prerequisite: POLS 170 or permission from instructor. Crosslisted as POLS 381.
IREL 390. American Global Strategy. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
This course will examine the changing role of the manager in the global business environment. Prerequisite: junior or senior status.
IREL 400. Seminar: Topics in International Relations. 1 Credit.
Offered Both Fall and Spring; Lecture hours:3; Repeatable
Selected topics of international relations at an advanced level for senior seminar credit. Prerequisites: second semester junior or senior status and permission of the instructor.
IREL 410. BRICS on the Global Stage. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
This seminar will focus on the emergence of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa as new players in the global stage, the debates whether they represent the formation of a New World Order and the impact that the BRICS are having in different sub-regions. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
IREL 415. Human Rights. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
The seminar will study human rights, primarily from an international perspective, including self-determination, cultural rights, ethnic and racial rights, women's rights, religious rights, and lesbian and gay rights. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Preference given to international relations majors. Crosslisted as POLS 389.
IREL 418. Social Movements and Society. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
This seminar examines social movements in International Relations in multiple contexts across the globe, through a variety of scales.
IREL 425. International Relations of Migration. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
This course will examine the causes and the international consequences of human displacement. It will consider the economic, political, social, and cultural components of international migration. Crosslisted as POLS 425.
IREL 430. Global Poverty: Politics and Practices. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
This course engages debates about the politics and practice of addressing poverty in a global context. We examine how schemes are conceptualized, come to be taken up, and circulate globally -- from micro-finance, to food supplements, and cash-transfers for the poor. Alongside this, we examine the business of “ending poverty.”.
IREL 444. Global Natures. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
This course engages debates about the politics of nature and natural resources in a global context. We examine struggles over how to define nature and how to organize human relationships with their environment, raising questions of environmental governance, sustainability, and justice.
IREL 474. Human Trafficking: Ancient to Present Day. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
This course covers the very real and challenging topic of human trafficking in Africa and other parts of the world. Human Trafficking illuminates the interconnectedness of multiple systems of economics, politics, and culture through the transfer and control of labor. Crosslisted as HIST 374.
IREL 482. U.S.-China Relations. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
Through tracing the evolution of U.S.-China relations from the 18th century to the 21st century, this course discusses major issues and challenges between the two countries today. Future trends of the bilateral relationship will also be explored. Prerequisite: POLS 170. Preference given to EAST, IREL, and POLS seniors. Crosslisted as EAST 382 and POLS 382.