International Studies
Asignaturas:
Course No: LST 100
Course Title: Introduction to International Studies
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
This introductory, interdisciplinary course exposes students to critical global issues through the lens of the arts, humanities, social and physical sciences. The course will make connections between seemingly disparate events, and contextualize those events in an historical period. Each discussion will consider political, socio-economic, geographic as well as cultural issues in the given context. The course satisfies the General Education-Global Issues requirement. No prerequisites.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Describe various aspects of globalization: economic, cultural, political, etc.
2. Formulate the major causes of conflict and unrest in the contemporary world.
3. Define the role of the West in the changing international order.
4. Make connections between international affairs and domestic developments.
5. Contemplate the concept of interdependence between the West and the “Other world”.
6. Explore the non-western paradigms of thinking about the world.
7. Develop geographical literacy, both cartographic and human.
8. Develop an understanding of global human migration and cultures.
9. Describe the negative and positive outcomes of imperialism and colonization.
10. Be aware of the solutions for global controversies and dilemmas.
11. Demonstrate the ability to critically examine international affairs.
Course No: REL 104
Course Title: World Religions
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
A survey of major religious traditions, focusing on beliefs and teachings concerning God, humanity, the world, concepts of salvation, and destiny. The course also explores forms of worship and cultural contribution of the various religions, as well as their influences in the world today.
Course No: SST 201
Course Title: Global Risk: Assessing and Managing Transnational Threats
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
Students are introduced to key concepts and theory and methods of risk management. The various threats are analyzed for their causes, nature, and implications for the international community and US Homeland Security. Students learn about the various domestic and international bodies responsible for responding to security threats. The risk management strategies associated with each type of security threat will be critically assessed for their comprehensiveness, feasibility, and practical application.
Course No: POL 215
Course Title: The New Europe
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
An overview of the historical development of European political and cultural identity from 1947 to the present. One of the major elements of the course will be the study of common economic policies, as well as the introduction of the Euro and its impact on global relations. In addition, this course will examine the future challenges presented by the growth of the European Union, its stability, and the question of European constitutional and institutional reforms.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Understand the history and major events of Postwar Europe.
2. Understand the history and evolution of U.S.– EU relations.
3. Trace the process of European integration.
4. Describe the structure, organization, and decision-making mechanisms of the EU.
5. Be familiar with other European organizations, including NATO, OSCE, CSCE, and others.
6. Understand the roles of key political parties and movements.
7. Be familiar with the basic trends in Europe’s monetary policy.
8. Understand the key issues of European (and trans-Atlantic) security.
9. Understand European approaches to energy and the environment.
10. Apply the knowledge of European political organizations, social structures, and cultural identity to a case study on one particular European country.
11. Evaluate the foreign policy role of Europe Describe various aspects of globalization: economic, cultural, political, etc.
Course No: POL 216
Course Title: International Conflicts
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
Examines the theoretical and practical aspects of international conflicts in the “global” era. By applying the method of comparative analysis and the “case study” approach, the course will examine how conflicts arise and evolve, and how technological, institutional, and cultural effects of globalization make international conflict more complex and less manageable. A special focus is on conflict prevention and settlement, and peace-making processes. The course also compares international negotiation styles and practices, including negotiations with terrorists.
Course No: POL 225
Course Title: International Law and Organizations
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
This course provides students with basic concepts, norms and actors of public international law. Focusing on the international political order that evolved in the aftermath of World War II, the course analyzes main norms of international law as well as the history and role of international organizations. The course explores the foundational principles of international law, state responsibility under international law, and the role of international organization.
Course No: LST 302
Course Title: Methods of Inquiry in the Humanities
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
An in-depth exploration of humanities-based research methods, this course prepares humanities majors for Senior Thesis I and II. The course addresses contemporary modes of inquiry, including the role that race, class, gender, and nation play in interpretation and analysis. Other methods examined include: textual analysis, phenomenology, archival historical research, oral history, and ethnography. The process of discovering a senior thesis topic, writing a literature review, and selecting methodologies are integral to the class.
Course No: LST 315
Course Title: Intercultural Communication
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
This course is an exploration of the interdisciplinary field of intercultural communication. Emphasis is on increasing communicative competencies in cross-cultural settings. Drawing from the fields of anthropology, communication, linguistics, psychology, and sociology, this course is designed for students who wish to gain the practical skills necessary to communicate effectively in today’s interdependent international community. Satisfies World Cultures General Education requirement.
Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of this course a student will:
1. Value and appreciate cultural diversity.
2. Develop lingua-cultural awareness and flexibility.
3. Develop skills to work and study within culturally diverse contexts.
4. Apply the theories of intercultural communication to daily encounters.
5. Identify the challenges and barriers to effective intercultural communication.
6. Communicate effectively with those from different cultural backgrounds.
Course No: IST 325
Course Title: World Geography
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
A comprehensive study of regional world geography. The focus is on both physiographic characteristics of each region as well as their human culture traits such as population, economics, language, religion, and urban space. Emphasis is placed on the interaction between the culture and environment of various regions.
Course No: LST 489
Course Title: Senior Thesis I
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
Senior Thesis I is the first phase of a two-semester thesis sequence through which students lay the groundwork in an area of interest for the original work they are expected to undertake in Senior Thesis II. Students refine their topics, review and synthesize literature related to their areas of focus, conduct research, and develop research proposals or plans for creative projects. The final course outcomes consist of both a literature review and a Senior Thesis II project proposal.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Identify focused and manageable topics.
2. Synthesize in-depth information from relevant sources representing various points of view and approaches.
3. Develop research proposals or plans for creative projects.
4. Organize and synthesize information and evidence to reveal insightful patterns, differences, and similarities related to the topic’s focus.
5. Write comprehensive papers that incorporate a literature review, the research proposal or plan to be implemented in Thesis II, and other discipline-specific criteria.
Course No: LST 490
Course Title: Senior Thesis II
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)
Catalog Description
Developing the concept explored in Senior Thesis I, students will investigate a topic related to international studies, in which they have a particular interest. The outcomes of the project are a scholarly paper and presentation.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Undertake scholarly inquiry within his/her area of concentration, including
a) the delimitation of an appropriate topic related to a problem or issue confronting professionals in the field;
b) a thorough review of primary and secondary research related to the problem;
c) synthesis of the research findings into a researchable question and/or hypothesis;
d) engaging in scholarly inquiry into the question based upon the review of the literature, using accepted social science methodology and/or a grounded critical analysis.
2. Write up their findings following conventions established for academic writing in the University, including
a) clearly organized content that reflects coherent and logical development of ideas with concrete and relevant supporting evidence for generalizations and conclusions;
b) substance as measured in length of paper of not less than 25 pages, at least ten of which will be devoted to a comprehensive literature review, five to a presentation of the problem and research methods, with the remainder devoted to a presentation of the findings with a conclusion. Depending on the subject matter, the conclusion may present an analysis of findings, and a discussion of options for social action and/ or further areas of inquiry;
c) APA format and style that is consistent with guidelines for written term papers and research reports;
d) grammar and syntax such that sentence structure and paragraph development clearly convey the development of ideas and the paper is free of mechanical errors such as weakness in spelling, misuse of pronoun references or faulty punctuation.
3. Effectively present and defend findings and recommendation(s) orally to an audience of peers, faculty and professionals in the field, which includes
a) a professional, rehearsed rhetorical presentation in a formal setting of approximately ten minutes duration; and
b) effective use of digital and/or other audio/visual supports as necessary.
4. Provide additional original supplemental materials necessary to support the thesis or arguments made in the final paper. These materials will be agreed upon in advance with the instructor and may include assessments, audio-visual presentations, instructional manuals or other forms of documentation.