Master in Political Sciences - International Relations
Hybrid
Courses
Common Core
POL515Challenges of Globalization
3 credits
This course provides a multidisciplinary approach to the challenges of globalization, with a particular emphasis placed on its scope and its economic consequences. We will discuss the much debated theoretical questions about globalization, and combine it with an analysis of changes in the balance between powers in the 20th and 21st centuries, including the decline of traditional powers, the emergence of new regional powers, the multiplication of decision centers, and the role of international governance in organizations.
DIS535Foreign Policy Analysis
3 credits
The seminar focuses on the comparative study of foreign policy. It addresses the foreign policies of Great Powers, medium sized Powers and regional Powers. It starts by a theoretical and empirical analysis of the decision making system in these countries, as well as the patterns of foreign policies.
The comparative analysis is also focused on the elements shaping FP decision making and conduct of foreign policy (the different components of the external and internal factors shaping the decision making). Particular emphasis will be put on their foreign policies in the Middle East.
POL505Methodology of Writing and Research in Political science
RIN548Multilateral diplomacy in international and regional organizations
3 credits
International organizations mainly the UN and regional organizations like the League of Arab States the European Union among others play an increasingly important role in the world and in different regions. This course offers students insights and practical knowledge about the conduct of multilateral diplomacy in different fields with particular focus on the Middle East.
MES600Regional Dynamics and Current issues in the Middle East
3 credits
The course provides an analysis of the major changes and emerging trends focusing particularly on the post Arab spring period in terms of the threats facing the state the emerging role of NonState actors of all kinds in shaping the regional agenda the role of non-Arab regional powers such as a Turkey and Iran and the interplay between domestic and external factors in the ongoing crises.
Specialization
POL510Comparative Political Systems
3 credits
The comparative study of contemporary systems is a relatively recent development in the field of political systems and this course focuses on the comparative analysis of different Western political systems in particular. There will be an emphasis on the practice of comparing systems, comparing and classifying what is studied in order to achieve a generalization or a developing a better explanation. Political science is no exception to the rule and comparative work makes up a significant part of the analysis conducted on the diversity of sociopolitical phenomena around which the discipline is built. The methodological approach of this course will combine comparative analysis by subject and then by country. Throughout this course students will be invited to participate in an active way.
POL520Current Events Issues
3 credits
This course is a set of practical activities focused on current issues. Presentations and press releases, the writing of book reviews and synthesis, and participation in simulation debates are all exercises that will allow students to gain practical and working methods in close contact with the current themes of international, regional and national politics.
RIN550Terrorism and International Security
3 credits
This course discusses some theories of the causes and consequences of terrorism. The first part of the course provides a good background concerning the discipline of terrorism and counterterrorism studies. Indeed, this course offers the chance to develop an understanding of the scope and nature of terrorism as it relates to the Middle East. Students will develop the ability to differentiate between varying forms of terrorism in relation to the political and societal context from which they originate and the differing domestic, regional and international responses they provoke. The last part of this course provides the tools to analyze and to understand the new kind of terrorism (cyberterrorism, bioterrorism, etc…) and the new counterterrorism strategies.
MES605The Middle East and Europe: Issues and Challenges in the Tran-Mediterranean Relations
3 credits
After reviewing the key structures and forms of multilateral cooperation between the two shores of the Mediterranean drawing the lessons of such forums and structures of cooperation. The course focuses on the emerging joint challenges like fighting terrorism, dealing with immigration, the need for cultural dialogue for better understanding and the need for new forms of economic cooperation.
RIN540Theories of International Relations
3 credits
This course addresses the major issues of the sociology of international relations and aims to provide students with the appropriate tools for analyzing the complexity of power relations in the world.
Capstone
Mission
The mission of the International Relations department is to train students in theories and political and economic issues that shape the relations between states, by offering a program focused on the following topics:
- Conflict management
- The question of security
- The political, economic and international issues of the Mediterranean region
Program Educational Objectives
1. Graduates will have the skills to negotiate and manage crisis situations as a diplomat or as part of a diplomatic type institutions.
2. Graduates will have the ability to provide solutions in handling complex cases as head of unit in an international, regional or local organizations.
3. Graduates will have the ability to direct an NGO or international organization of active character in the humanitarian sector, and in the area of human rights and the application of international law.
4. Graduates will have the ability to defend complex or controversial ideas in public.
Program Outcomes
a. Students will manage diplomatic actions in the context of peace or war.
b. Students will be able to create multiple projects related to national and international affairs.
c. Students will defend ideas and actions related to the fields of human rights and international law.