INTL - International Relations

Course Descriptions

 

INTL 1050 Introduction to International Relations (3)

This course examines how state and non-state actors confront contemporary global problems. It also introduces students to the subfields of international relations: international security, international political economy, foreign policy, international relations theory, international organizations,and international law. Cross-listed with POLT 1050. GCP Coding: (GLBL) (CRI).

INTL 1200 Careers in History, Politics, and International Relations (1)

This one-credit-hour course provides students majoring in history, political science or international relations with the opportunity to explore career paths, including those related to their academic disciplines. Through a series of assignments, students will identify their interests and skills with various careers. The course will include guest speakers from a variety of careers, as well as individuals from Webster University's Career Services.

INTL 1500 The World System since 1500 (3)

Examines the origin and evolution of the current world system. The course explores the political, cultural, technological, social and economic forces that have shaped world history from 1500 until the present. Cross-listed with HIST 1000. GCP Coding: (GLBL) (CRI).

INTL 2000 Issues in International Relations (3)

Examines various issues and processes in international relations. Specific topics vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit if content differs. 

INTL 2030 International Law (3)

Introduces public international law, including the law of international institutions. Topics include the sources of international law, questions relating to state jurisdiction and state responsibility, the regulation of the use of force, and the legal aspects of the structure and functions of the United Nations.

INTL 2100 Model U.N. (0-3)

Studies the structure, operations, and politics of the United Nations. Attention will focus on current U.N. issues, and students will be required to participate in classroom simulations. Students will attend the Collegiate Midwest Model U.N. and represent a country as U.N. delegates. May be repeated once. Cross-listed with POLT 2100.

INTL 2610 Advocacy, NGOs, and Civil Society (3)

Studies multilateral activities designed to promote economic, social and technical progress. Examines international cooperation in such "nonpolitical" fields as trade, economic development, communications, health, humanitarian assistance and environmental protection.

INTL 2620 Ideological Influences in International Relations (3)

Examines ideologies and value systems such as liberal democracy, pragmatism, materialism, nationalism, racism and internationalism in light of their influence on foreign policies of the major Western countries and of select developing nations.

INTL 2630 New States in World Politics (3)

Introduces the political process in the non-Western world and a survey of different methodological approaches to the study of non-Western systems. Emphasizes analysis of foreign policies and the role of new states in world politics.

INTL 2650 The Politics of Peace (3)

Studies issues of war prevention, including social justice, ecological balance, large-scale social change, impacts of science and technology and political processes relating to national and transnational institutions.

INTL 2680 International Relations Theory (3)

Analyzes the nature of international society and of the forces affecting the behavior of states in their relations with one another.

INTL 2690 Multinational Corporations (3)

Analyzes the emergence and significance of multinational corporations, their structure and their impact on international relations.

INTL 2700 Methods of Political Inquiry (3)

Explores the nature of political inquiry and the conceptual approaches to the study of politics and government. Students examine and compare some major modes of political inquiry: discursive, systematic, philosophical and scientific. Prerequisite: Usually sophomore standing or permission of the instructor.

INTL 3030 Advanced Studies in International Law (3)

The course examines a specialized area of international law in terms of the relevant treaties and court cases that have been adjudicated in national courts, international courts and other types of legal bodies. The course also pays close attention to the interplay of international politics and international law. Approved topics include international human rights law, international humanitarian law, international criminal law, international refugee law, international environmental law, space law, diplomatic law and the law of the sea. Prerequisite: INTL 2030.

INTL 3100 International Political Economy (3)

Explores, historically and conceptually, the theories and practices of international political economy. The course examines the interplay of politics and economics at the global level. It introduces students to ways of understanding the modern world system as a unity of international, political, and economic processes. This course is routinely cross-listed with INTL 5400 and may not be repeated for credit at the graduate level if cross-listed. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or above plus INTL 1050 or POLT 1050 or 6 credit hours of relevant political science, history, or international relations courses.

INTL 3200 Comparative Politics: Western Europe and the United States (3)

Compares Western European and U.S. political culture, constitutional structure, and governmental development, with particular attention given to contemporary problems. Prerequisite: Usually sophomore standing or permission of the instructor.

INTL 3220 Current European and American Diplomatic Issues (3)

An overview of post-World War II development. Examines issues affecting international politics using guest lecturers, field trips and simulations projects. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: Usually sophomore standing or permission of the instructor.

INTL 3240 United States Foreign Policy (3)

Surveys the constitutional and political factors entering into the formulation, execution, and substance of U.S. foreign policy, with special emphasis on contemporary problems. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: Usually sophomore standing or permission of the instructor.

INTL 3260 International Communications (3)

Examines the philosophy, process, problems, and potentials of communication across cultural boundaries. Emphasizes interrelationships between communications and social, political, economic, and cultural factors that affect international communications. Cross-listed with MDST 3260. Prerequisite: Usually sophomore standing or permission of the instructor.

INTL 3290 Politics of International Economic Relations (3)

Focuses on the interrelationships between politics and economics within the Western, North-South and East-West systems. Prerequisite: ECON 2030 or permission of the instructor.

INTL 3300 Governments and Politics of Eastern Europe (3)

Overview of the political and governmental organization of the communist and post-communist countries of Eastern and Central Europe. Encompasses contemporary social and ethnic structures, institutions, practices, and ideologies; includes interregional relations and the international position of those states that formed the "Soviet bloc" in the decades after World War II. Prerequisite: Usually sophomore standing or permission of the instructor.

INTL 3330 International Economic Integration (3)

Examines customs unions, common markets and free trade, capital and labor movement, international economic aid and development programs. Explores conflict, cooperation, and unification of world economic policies. Prerequisite: Usually sophomore standing or permission of the instructor.

INTL 3420 International Relations Practicum (3-15)

Students will work with a community or public organization in an area related to international studies. Students will be expected to develop their understanding of a foreign culture, particularly in the areas of policy formation, decision making and communications.

INTL 3500 Environmental and Energy Security (3)

This course introduces students to the role that environmental and energy issues play in causing and exacerbating conflict between groups and states in the international system. Students will learn theories of international conflict and then apply them to pressing issues in environmental studies. Prerequisite: INTL 1050 or POLT 1050 or permission of instructor.

INTL 3700 International Organizations: Structure and Political Conflict (3)

Analyzes the international organization to determine whether it is an effective instrument for achieving peace and security and for the promotion of human welfare. Attention is given to the adjustment of political conflicts by international organizations and to interactions between different types of multinational enterprises and various levels of government.

INTL 3800 International Security (3)

This course explores the nature of international conflict in the world from the perspective of international relations, focusing extensively on the causes, conditions, and consequences for war (both historical and contemporary), and the possible paths to peace. This course is routinely cross-listed with INTL 5590 and may not be repeated at the graduate level if cross-listed. Prerequisite: INTL 1050 or POLT 1050 or permission by the instructor.

INTL 4000 Research Requirement (0)

Required of all international relations majors in conjunction with a designated 3000-level or 4000-level course. Recognizes successful completion of the departmental research requirement.

INTL 4280 International Economics (3)

A policy-oriented course that covers both international financial relations and international trade relations and includes such topics as international monetary policies, international regional trade organizations, trade problems of developing countries and international mobility of productive factors. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: ECON 2030 or permission of the instructor.

INTL 4600 International Relations Seminar (3)

In-depth analysis of international relations. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisites: Usually senior standing or permission of instructor.

INTL 4610 Reading Course: Advanced (1-6)

May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisites: Usually junior standing and filing of official form. 

INTL 4620 Overview (0-1)

Designed to improve students' skills in analysis and oral communication within the disciplines of history, political science and international relations. Consists of a series of informal discussions with department faculty, culminating in a formal oral examination. Subject matter varies yearly. Prerequisites: Senior standing and major in history, political science, or international relations.

INTL 4700 Senior Thesis (2-4)

Allows senior students to pursue significant independent research/writing projects in international relations. Prerequisites: Senior standing and approval of the department.