USC Schedule of Classes

Basic concepts of world affairs for non-majors. Development ofcompetency to understand and critically evaluate global relationsand international events, stressing empirical approaches. Not available for major credit.

Exploration of the major social, political, economic, religious, and philosophical disagreements that exist between scholars, leaders, and citizens concerning today's most serious environmental issues and problems. Not available for credit to environmental studies majors and minors.

Comprehensive introduction to contending theoretical and analytical approaches; development of critical, evaluative, cognitive, and analytical competencies regarding historical and contemporary issues.

Introduction to theoretically oriented research approaches and designs; emphasis on the logic of argumentation.

Introduction to historical research methods with an emphasis on historical texts and modes of discourse.

Economic and political concepts necessary to the understanding of the modern global economy. Topics include international trade, foreign investment and migration.

The focus is intelligence to improve the making of policy, with attention to collection; overt and covert, operations; domestic intelligence; and oversight in democracies.

Analysis of recent events, forces, and conditions in the international political system.

Introduction to global governance structure and institutions. Exploration of the appropriate role for states, international organizations, civil society and individuals within the global governance structure.

Africa remains the world's poorest region; why? since when? will it remain so? tentative answers drawn from a number of disciplines.

Origins and evolution of violent conflict among humans; modern efforts to end conflict; recent research in archaeology, anthropology, biology, economics, political science and psychology.

Explore causes of human security threats, challenges to state sovereignty, and actions to address failed states, conflicts and protect people through humanitarian intervention.

Impact of technological advances to global security and development. Focus on surveillance and cyber conflict; nuclear weaponry, aviation and UAVs missiles and BMD; submarines and ASW.

Examines the role of investment in Mexican economic development focusing on both traditional sources of loans, grants and investment as well as less traditional modes of finance.

Examines the politics of managing the global environment. The nature of ecosystems, commons problems, population and resource utilization problems along with biodiversity and global governance are emphasized.

The U.S. economy and political-economic institutions in comparative perspective; economic diplomacy and policy; role of trade barriers, exchange rates, foreign aid, energy, foreign investment.

The international financial and monetary regime, its evolution and the problems facing it today

Exploration of questions and concepts in international economics and politics, especially as they relate to flows of trade, capital, people, and problems across borders.

Introduction to the relationship between economics, security, and U.S. foreign policy. Topics covered: U.S. grand strategy, Chinas rise, energy security, resource competition, and the resource curse.

Origin, concepts, realities and ideals of the non-aligned movement, focusing on the role of the United States in the developing world.

Overview of Tsarist and Soviet experience as background to detailed examination of the political, economic and ideological forces behind contemporary Russian foreign policy.

Introduction to problems and issues in the Middle East today: religio-ethnic rivalries, conflicting nationalisms and ideologies, the Arab-Israeli conflict, Middle East oil.

Examination of diplomatic and moral relationships between sovereign states and transnational non-state actors, both benevolent (humanitarian groups and philanthropies) and malevolent (mercenaries, pirates and terrorists).

Analyzes and trains students to conduct independent research on the politics of natural resources. Training takes places in the field at a UC Natural Reserve.

Modern and post-modern perspectives on changes in the inter-state system, relations among cultures and civilizations, the conditions of ecologically sustainable human development.

Focuses on the international politics of resolving crises. Application of theories of conflict and negotiation in a UN Security Council Simulation.

Introduction to key security trends in the Asia-Pacific region, emphasizing strategic competition between U.S., Russia, and China; regional military capabilities; rise of neutrality politics.

In-depth analysis of foreign policy events and cases in Europe in the 20th century; focus on security issues.

(Paris Semester only) Historical overview of interactions between Muslims and Europeans. Islam: origins, history and circumstances that led to its revival. France's immigration policy.

Intensive internship experience in international relations professional areas with academic research component (may be repeated for credit different semesters)

Causes of war; means of prevention and consequences of war.

Explores emerging "diplomatic" relations between nation-states and transnational (non-state) entities, such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), in the development of global peace and security policies. Recommended preparation: IR 303

Addresses unfinished question of public policy. Provides experience in interviewing and field research, oral presentation and collective discussion and deliberation. Open to juniors and seniors only.

Exploration of the global experience with democracy. Meaning of the term "democracy," explanations of the rise and fall of democracy, its current trends and future challenges.

China's rise in the international political economy raises policy research questions, including an analysis of how this trend relates to U.S and Latin American relations. Recommended preparation: Micro and macro economics

Introduction to important economic issue areas that are understood as security-related in the contemporary world: population, food, trade, debt, etc.

An interdisciplinary treatment of the tragic phenomenon of genocide. Subject matter includes historical cases and analysis of contemporary global efforts toward prevention.

Economic, political, territorial, and security issues; foreign policy decision-making; relations with major powers and neighboring states.

Critical discussion of alternative approaches explaining the formulation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy: domestic politics, organizational processes, group dynamics, individual personality and perception.

Policies and programs aimed at stopping the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Presentations by executive/legislative officials involved in formulation and implementation of non-proliferation. Junior or senior standing required.

Survey of autocracy, the world's most common form of government: its political economy, the role of elections, parties, repression, propaganda and civil resistance.

US and MIddle East perspectives on Middle Eastern affairs after the creation of the state of Israel.

Individual research and readings. Not available for graduate credit.