Global Affairs (GLA)

GLA 5003. Political Inquiry. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

An introduction to investigation and analysis in Political Science. A major objective is for students to learn how to frame a question, formulate a hypothesis, and review and apply the relevant literature. The course introduces research design and qualitative research methods, and may include questions in the philosophy of science and other methodological and theoretical questions central to political science. Same as POL 5003. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 5003 and POL 5003. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

GLA 5013. Research Methods. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides students with the opportunity to develop a basic working knowledge of the empirical, quantitative approaches/techniques social scientists use in understanding social/political phenomena. The conceptual focus will be on classic hypothesis testing. The class will culminate with multiple regression analysis and its extensions. Students will be given an opportunity to learn how to read the empirical, quantitative primary political science literature, and conduct a statistical analysis of a question in political science. (Same as POL 5013. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 5013 and POL 5013.) Course Fee: GL01 $90.

GLA 5043. International Relations and World Politics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course introduces both academic discussions and real-world practices that have defined and continue to define international relations. It thus provides students with the opportunity to analyze theories and issues of world politics, discover how major theoretical paradigms and methodological approaches have been used to study this field, and discuss how it might change in a world of advancing globalization. Topics may include security, economics, the environment, and human rights as well as the theories, history and development of the field as such. Same as POL 5043. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 5043 and POL 5043. Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

GLA 5303. Topics in Global Affairs. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

An examination of an individual topic or set of issues pertaining to global affairs. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

GLA 5603. Geopolitics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course investigates the links between political power and the effects of space and geography (both human and physical). It examines seminal works on geopolitics from political science, international relations, and geography. It thus provides students with the opportunity to study factors that are relevant for explaining conflict and cooperation in global politics such as access to and management of scarce resources, the ability to project or contain power, and the development of local, national and global economies. Further topics may include security and geopolitics, geopolitics and globalization, great power politics and deterrence, collective identities, as well as critical geopolitics. Same as GRG 5603 and POL 5603. Credit can only be earned for one course: GLA 5603, GRG 5603, or POL 5603. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

GLA 5723. International Organizations. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides an overview of the theories and practices of international organizations. Focused on intergovernmental organizations, their role and impact in global governance is discussed and assessed in theoretical as well as empirical terms. Topics may include theories of alliance systems, regional development, common markets, environmental and human rights as well as specific organizations such as the United Nations, IMF, the World Bank, and other regional organizations. Same as POL 5723. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 5723 and POL 5723. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

GLA 5753. The Geography of Development and Underdevelopment. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Advanced analysis of economic growth and social change in developing nations and regions. Investigates issues such as defining of development, major theories of development and underdevelopment, global inequalities, population growth and migration, and the role of agriculture, industry, transportation, and government and trans-governmental planning in development. Same as GRG 5753. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 5753 and GRG 5753. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

GLA 5773. Foreign Policy Analysis. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course compares worldviews, institutional processes, policies, and outcomes in foreign policymaking. Cross-national and thematic comparisons will be used to examine the foreign policies of major actors in international security, international organization, economic competition, and humanitarian issues. Regional comparisons may focus in particular on security issues in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and/or Latin America. Same as POL 5773. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 5773 and POL 5773. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

GLA 5783. Global Security. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course critically examines circumstances and issues leading to violence and war and the conditions necessary to return to stability and security in the world community. Topics may include causes of intra- and interstate war, dynamics and implications of militarization and securitization, deterrence, nuclear and conventional weapons, terrorism, cybersecurity, and strategies for conflict prevention and resolution. Same as POL 5783. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 5783 and POL 5783. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

GLA 5793. International Political Economy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course analyzes the interaction of politics and economics in the international arena, with a focus on international trade, investment, monetary, and financial relations. Topics may include the role of international economic institutions (such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Trade Organization), regional integration, foreign debt, dependency and development, structural change in international economics, and critiques of economic globalization. Same as POL 5793. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 5793 and POL 5793. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

GLA 5873. Governance in a Globalized World. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course explores the structures, actors and processes of providing order and rules in the international system. This includes both state and non-state actors, public and private institutions, as well as the many ways in which they interact in managing common affairs. Topics include, but are not limited to, key debates among different theoretical and analytical approaches as well as systems of rule-making in areas of security, development, trade and finance, human rights and the environment. Same as POL 5873. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 5873 and POL 5873. Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

GLA 5883. Global Development and Human Rights. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides understanding of the principles and theories of development and human rights as applied in global contexts. It considers development, human rights and issues of social justice as they encounter economic, political, and social realities of conflict and governance. Topics may include sustainable development, the role of colonialism and race, politics of financial and trade institutions, rights and capabilities of indigenous people, environmental challenges, and effectiveness of global and local regimes in balancing development and individual rights. Same as POL 5883. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 5883 and POL 5883. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

GLA 5893. Human Rights and Humanitarian Politics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

The course introduces students to the interdisciplinary study of human rights and humanitarianism in global contexts. It addresses the history of human rights and humanitarianism, principles and motivations for humanitarian action, humanitarian organizations and human rights advocacy, humanitarian crises and need for humanitarian interventions. It also explores ethical, political, and legal issues of human rights and humanitarian action. Same as POL 5893. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 5893 and POL 5893. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

GLA 5953. Terrorism. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course introduces students to advanced theories and issues of contemporary terrorism and the use of physical and psychological violence to impact policies and behavior. Students will analyze and evaluate domestic and global terrorist incidents and consider the underlying ideological and non-ideological factors promoting this specific form of violence. Topics may include identification, comparison and understanding of various definitions of terrorism and perpetrators of these acts, state responses to terrorism, strategies developed by policy-makers to prevent their reoccurrence, and cyberterrorism. Same as POL 5953. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 5953 and POL 5953. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

GLA 5973. International Politics and Cyber Security. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course addresses emerging international relations, policy, doctrine, strategy, and operational issues associated with Computer Network Attack (CNA), Computer Network Defense (CND), and Computer Network Exploitation (CNE)—collectively referred to as cyber warfare. It provides students with a comprehensive perspective and enhances their knowledge of cyber warfare conducted by both state and non-state actors, as well as deterrence of cyber-attack. Same as POL 5973. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 5973 and POL 5973. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

GLA 5983. Deterrence and Coercion in International Politics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This seminar examines the major schools of thought regarding the causes and application of deterrence of state and non-state actors in international politics. Emphasis is placed on the political variables that influence effective conventional and nuclear deterrence of great power adversaries such as the Soviet Union during the Cold War, and Russia and China today. Similarly, the causes of coercion and its application to historical and present cases, such as China, are addressed, with a focus on the political variables that impact effective coercive strategies. Same as POL 5983. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 5983 and POL 5983. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

GLA 5993. Globalization and Protest Politics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This seminar examines the workings of democratic politics and international institutions against the background of the failures of globalization to bridge the gap between economic affluence, political change, and the advancement of the human condition. It studies evolving theoretical perspectives and topics pertaining to the global dynamics of liberalism and democracy, markets and state capitalism, social movements and protest behavior, nationalism and cosmopolitanism, and great power politics and institutionalism, among others. Same as POL 5993. Credit cannot be earned for both GLA 5993 and POL 5993. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

GLA 6873. Study Abroad. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Permission from the instructor. A lecture course associated with a study abroad program. Involves international travel and field trips. May be repeated for credit when the destination country varies. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

GLA 6893. Research Proposal. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Permission from the Subfield Advisor, Course Instructor, and Graduate Advisor of Record. A course to assist students in developing a research proposal for a study in Global Affairs to be accomplished as either the Master's Research Project or the Master's Thesis. As part of this course, students will explore research questions and theoretical and methodical assumptions that characterize subfields in Global Affairs. Specific attention will be given to framing research questions, identifying an appropriate research methodology, organizing work tasks and timelines for completion, developing the relevant literature, and drafting a research proposal. Successful completion of this course requires passing an oral comprehensive examination that will include a defense of the research proposal conducted by a Research Project or Thesis committee. Students must complete this course before enrolling in GLA 6983. Same as POL 6893. Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

GLA 6953. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission in writing (form available) from the instructor and the student’s Graduate Advisor of Record. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. For students needing specialized work not usually available as part of the regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the Master’s degree. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

GLA 6961. Comprehensive Examination. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisites: Approval of the Faculty Subfield Advisor, Graduate Advisor of Record, and the student’s Comprehensive Examination Committee. Students will select fields of study and prepare for examination under faculty supervision. Students will designate an exam committee and exam chair in the semester prior to enrollment. Enrollment is required each term in which the Comprehensive Examination is taken if no other courses are being taken that term. May be repeated once during a different semester. Credit earned in GLA 6961 may not be counted toward the Master’s degree. The grade report for the course is either “CR” (satisfactory performance on the Comprehensive Examination) or “NC” (unsatisfactory performance on the Comprehensive Examination). Course Fee: GL01 $30.

GLA 6973. Special Problems. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not usually available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Problems courses may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the Master’s degree. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

GLA 6981. Master's Thesis. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisites: GLA 6893 or permission from the Graduate Advisor of Record and Thesis Chair. Thesis research and preparation. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Master's degree. Credit will be awarded upon completion of the thesis. Enrollment is required each term in which the thesis is in progress. Course Fee: GL01 $30.

GLA 6983. Master's Thesis. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: GLA 6893 or permission from the Graduate Advisor of Record and Thesis Committee. Thesis research and preparation. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Master’s degree. Credit will be awarded upon completion of the thesis. Enrollment is required each term in which the thesis is in progress. Course Fee: GL01 $90.