GST 6100. Globalization and Global Politics and Economics. (3 Hours)
Examines the multifaceted nature of politics and economics in an expanding global world. Analyzes the impact of globalization on political and economic systems, such as capitalism, democracy, socialism, nationalism, totalitarianism, and populism. Introduces students to the use of quantitative methods in the analysis of global relationships. Offers students an opportunity to use these tools to hypothesize the impact of future global trends on contemporary political and economic systems.
GST 6101. Global Literacy, Culture, and Community. (3 Hours)
Examines aspects of global and cultural literacy through the lens of cultural competence. Uses qualitative methods to analyze cross-cultural interactions. Guides students to define culture and understand its importance in high-stakes intercultural interactions, such as conflict negotiations. Applies cultural knowledge to real-world activities and exercises to augment student understanding of the intersection between diplomacy and the human element.
GST 6102. Global Corporate Social Responsibility. (3 Hours)
Examines the social responsibilities of corporations and individuals in the global 21st century. Topics include outsourcing, offshoring, international labor laws, global environmental responsibility, global human rights, global citizenship, and sustainable development. Today’s global organizations understand that corporate social responsibility (CSR) must become central to their strategies in order to be truly sustainable. Explores the driving forces behind CSR, the ways that companies incorporate CSR into their growth strategies, and the risks of falling behind. Discusses how companies’ views of CSR have shifted from compliance and philanthropy to efficiency and growth opportunities. Focuses on the use of qualitative and quantitative methods in the analysis of current policies and practices of multinational corporations, nation-states, and international nongovernmental organizations.
GST 6109. Research Methods. (3 Hours)
Focuses on research and analysis, which are central to scholarly learning. To understand how information is gathered, processed, and communicated, it is imperative that students familiarize themselves with and cultivate basic research methods used in the field of social sciences. Studies the essentials of field research methods, covering various research methods as well as their applications, advantages and disadvantages, and limitations. Examines different types of studies and methods. Seeks to help students prepare for field research work, effective online and library data retrieval, analysis of research data and information, and the writing of a thesis paper.
GST 6300. Security and Terrorism. (3 Hours)
Examines the issues of security and terrorism in relation to globalization. Covers the objectives of terrorism and the implications for defining and implementing global security policy, monitoring and controlling weapons proliferation, and initiating acts of counterterrorism. Examines the impact and linkage of terrorism and security on economic development, human rights in counterterrorism, and counterintelligence activities.
GST 6320. Peace and Conflict. (3 Hours)
Examines peace and conflict from a variety of vantage points as the two interact and emerge from intrastate violence, terrorism, and extremism.
GST 6324. Divided Societies in the Modern World. (3 Hours)
Analyzes the importance of culture and ethnicity in understanding conflict. Provides an overview of key concepts, ideas, and debates in the field; causes; dynamics; and policy options for resolution of social conflict using comparative international case studies.
GST 6326. International Conflict and Cooperation. (3 Hours)
Emphasizes conflict resolution theory, drawing upon a broad range of academic disciplines, including economics, law, sociology, psychology, anthropology, and dispute resolution, within a historical context. Provides an in-depth examination of international conflicts and approaches to peace building that enables comparisons between and among key players in international conflict and their impact on world affairs. Offers students an opportunity to prepare for further study of peace and conflict resolution in international affairs or provides transferable perspectives for a variety of professional contexts, such as nongovernmental organizations, diplomacy, teaching, media, business and law, and criminal justice.
GST 6327. Conflict and Postconflict Development. (3 Hours)
Focuses on peace planning and conflict prevention and the vital role that local and international NGOs and public/private partnerships are playing to gradually bring conflict communities together. Presents case studies on reconciliation and confidence-building measures in societies and countries engaged in long-term conflict and how entities such as the media can hamper or facilitate resolution.
GST 6340. Poverty and Wealth: The Economics of Development. (3 Hours)
Examines models of economic growth and the underlying theories of development that shape efforts in both developed and developing countries. Introduces the use of economic indicators and measurements of development with reference to situations that have led to economic crises and subsequent responses by governments and institutions. Examines the predominant policy responses of rich and poor countries to the challenges of development, including issues of international assistance and recent trends in poverty reduction and participatory development.
GST 6350. Global Economics of Food and Agriculture. (3 Hours)
Designed to provide students with a broad-based understanding of the global food system, while assessing its performance in terms of satisfying world food needs. Examines international dimensions of food system performance, including global trade and international aid; supply and demand trends and their implications for global food security; food and agricultural trade policies; ethics and safety regulations; and specific national food systems. Also examines specific commodity chains and their impact on economic development.
GST 6501. Regional Studies: East Asia. (3 Hours)
Examines regional stability and cooperation, efforts to foster democracy and human rights, and policies that have led toward increased trade and rapid economic prosperity. Explores pressures on traditional societies confronting globalization, changing roles of women, demands for improved education, along with challenges from transnational crime such as money laundering, trafficking in persons, and narcotics smuggling.
Prerequisite(s): GST 6100 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C-
GST 6502. Regional Studies: Middle East. (3 Hours)
Examines key questions and debates in the field of Middle East politics and development, offering a critical understanding of politics in the region. Addresses various questions about dictators, uprisings, and economic futures. Presents essential skills of thinking about both the content of an argument and the evidence and methodology marshaled to support an opinion. Combines systematic analytical approaches to big questions with concrete knowledge of regional events and developments.
GST 6503. Regional Studies: Sub-Saharan Africa. (3 Hours)
Explores issues in Sub-Saharan Africa surrounding democratic governance, civil society, and regional cooperation; the role of economic growth and development; efforts in conflict prevention, mitigation and resolution; challenges in the fields of health, agriculture, energy, education, and the role of women; and the problem of transnational crimes, such as narcotics smuggling, the arms trade, and trafficking in persons.
GST 6504. Regional Studies: Europe and Eurasia. (3 Hours)
Extends the traditional focus on Western Europe and the European Union eastward by including the blend of European and Asian cultures that has shaped the development of Russia and Central Eurasia, including Turkey, Russia, and other post-Soviet countries that form the eastern borderlands of Europe. Focuses on the persistence of historical tensions between authoritarian and democratic political cultures; the diversity of ethnic and other identities in the region; and the interconnectedness of Europe and Eurasia in policy areas such as energy, security, and immigration.
GST 6505. Regional Studies: Southwest and Central Asia. (3 Hours)
Focuses on Southwest and Central Asian countries. Explores the region's economic development, political transition, education, security, health, environmental challenges, and religion. Examines "The Great Game"— the geopolitical and diplomatic confrontation that existed for most of the 19th century between the British Empire and the Russian Empire over Afghanistan and neighboring Central and South Asian territories. Aims to develop a holistic and critical understanding of nuclear politics by combining an economic and political science approach to analyze the energy strategies of local petrostates and the energy politics of the United States, Russia, and China.
Prerequisite(s): GST 6100 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C-
GST 6506. Regional Studies: Latin America. (3 Hours)
Covers history, politics, economy, policy, integration, human rights, environment, and economic development of Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Explores challenges and opportunities in the Americas as well as key topics about the past, present, and future of the region including democratization, rule of law, human rights, civil society, health, narcotics, environment, foreign policy, governance, and regional economic integration.
Prerequisite(s): GST 6100 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C-
GST 6515. International Business. (3 Hours)
Introduces students to the essential tools of international business. Offers a simulation of the decision-making environment in the global business context, including the impact of major cultural factors on the work environment and international trade agreements. Explores fixed and floating exchange rates, how contracts and options work on the futures market, and tariff charges.
GST 6535. Science Diplomacy. (3 Hours)
Explores science diplomacy as an aspect of global affairs and diplomatic studies. Examines how SD can contribute to addressing global goals and trans-territorial challenges, the applications and practices SD encompasses, the key actors in the field of SD, what is required of SD actors, and how they coordinate action. Explores science diplomacy in conceptual, historical, and applied terms and as an instance of complex global governance regimes.
GST 6550. U.S. Foreign Policy. (3 Hours)
Examines the U.S. role in the world by focusing on the dynamics of power in the international system. Explores the theoretical foundations, historical contexts, and domestic sources of past and present U.S. foreign policy choices. Evaluates the roles of nongovernment actors. Assesses the impact of inter-agency rivalries. Case materials and topics include humanitarian intervention; the militarization of U.S. foreign policy; the global economy; tensions in the Middle East; and bilateral relations between the United States and such nations as China, Russia, Iran, as well as the European Union. Debates the efficacy and ethics of U.S. global power and the future of the U.S.-dominated liberal world order.
GST 6560. Multilateral Diplomacy. (3 Hours)
Studies nations, multinational organizations, and how other international actors advance their global and regional agendas. Using an issues-based case study and applied approach, explores how members promote diplomatic initiatives and engage in collaboration, coalition building, and negotiation within multilateral organizations. Introduces theories, practical cases, and the newest debates in multinational organizations. Emphasizes the position of the UN system and the regional organizations in a multilateral diplomatic perspective. Offers students an opportunity to obtain an understanding of multilateral diplomacy's role in the current international relations system.
GST 6580. Opportunities in International Consulting. (3 Hours)
Explores international business across countries and sectors. Constitutes a first step in introducing students to concepts that cover various aspects of the private sector and its role in international relations. Uses case studies and other readings to offer students an opportunity to apply consultancy tools and techniques.
GST 6590. Public Diplomacy. (3 Hours)
Examines public diplomacy as a mode for participating in global politics and how public diplomacy can be practiced by state as well as nonstate actors. Explores concepts, practices, institutions, and critical issues in public diplomacy. Assumes the central importance of public engagement in today’s diplomacy, while recognizing that diplomatic practice is changing in fundamental ways.
GST 6600. The Practice of Diplomacy. (3 Hours)
Explores the practice and process of diplomacy and the work of foreign ministries, embassies, and consulates. Introduces students to representation, reporting, negotiation, intercultural contacts, and consular affairs, as well as interaction with the media, the private sector, and civil society. Offers students an opportunity to obtain a knowledge base and develop professional skills important to the diplomatic profession, including policy analysis, written and oral communication, and negotiation. Students use extensive simulations, role-playing, and case studies.
GST 6610. Sustainable Development. (3 Hours)
Examines the essential tools of policy analysis in the area of sustainable development. Introduces various techniques states, NGOs, and private corporations use to create viable policies. These may include game theory, cost-benefit analysis, and critical mass models. Utilizes global case studies to analyze current policy and consider the political viability of development programs. Requires students to produce policy recommendations and a policy memo by the conclusion of the course.
GST 6700. Global Health and Development Perspectives. (3 Hours)
Introduces the significant themes and viewpoints surrounding global health and development, offering students an opportunity to expand their comprehension and awareness of global health matters. Explores major issues and difficulties related to global health—the potential, and constraints, in the contemporary era and linkages within the context of the current international political economy of health. Examines the global prevalence of diseases, factors influencing health outcomes, the shift in disease patterns over time, the catalysts behind these transitions, and obstacles in providing healthcare in resource-constrained regions.
GST 6710. Critical Issues in Delivering Global Health. (3 Hours)
Examines the critical issues in global health. Focuses on roles of different actors in the delivery of healthcare services, healthcare delivery systems, key initiatives and strategies to meet the burden of major diseases, planning and managing national and global health programs, emerging medical health technologies, pharmaceutical polices, marketization of healthcare, the human resources for health, etc. Begins by recognizing that, despite improvements in health across the world over the last half century, vast challenges remain for a majority of people in developing countries. Analyzes the cutting-edge issues and knowledge that are at the forefront of the global health policy agenda today. Uses a practical and policy-analytical approach with illustrative case-based analysis and extensive coverage of material.
GST 6740. Human Rights. (3 Hours)
Introduces students to the concept of international human rights. Focuses on the role of global, regional, and national institutions to protect human rights as well as create and enforce human rights law. Explores the role of nongovernmental organizations and the media in fact-finding and publicizing human rights violations, along with current issues and case studies.
GST 6920. Case Study in Global Studies. (4 Hours)
Offers an integrative, summative course for the master’s degree that builds on the understanding and concepts of global studies learned throughout the program. The curriculum draws heavily upon learning outcomes and acquired skills from both the global studies core courses and advanced electives in the concentration. Throughout the course, the instructor leads students through a step-by-step process of researching and writing a well-defined project, from the initial construction of a research question through the final stages of editing and revision. Course assignments may include group projects and individual presentations. At the conclusion of the course, students should have finished a portfolio piece capable of demonstrating their application of concepts and methods learned throughout their studies.
Prerequisite(s): GST 6100 with a minimum grade of C- ; GST 6101 with a minimum grade of C- ; GST 6109 with a minimum grade of C- ; GST 6320 with a minimum grade of C-
GST 6962. Elective. (1-4 Hours)
Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.
GST 6983. Special Topics. (1-3 Hours)
Covers special topics in global studies. Topics vary by semester. May be repeated up to three times for a maximum of 12 semester hours.
GST 6990. Thesis. (4 Hours)
Offers theoretical and experimental work conducted under the supervision of a departmental faculty member.
GST 7100. Globalization and Intelligence Issues. (3 Hours)
Highlights key themes currently developing within international intelligence liaison relationships. Explores trends toward homogenization of intelligence and other law enforcement and security initiatives. Examines international standardization among a widening group of partners and how these processes may establish viable frameworks and operational parameters for intelligence liaison arrangements, together with addressing counterintelligence and other security considerations. Analyzes current threats and opportunities posed by AI and other emerging technologies utilized by national security agencies and their partner organizations.
GST 7110. National Security Law and Policy. (3 Hours)
Examines the various elements of national power and their application in advancing U.S. interests. Explores the distribution of national security powers among the three branches of government. Identifies challenges of a distributive structure of national security power and the complex ethical considerations involved in the use of national security powers. Offers students an opportunity to recognize the synergy a multidisciplined approach affords by analyzing current strategy and policy.
GST 7120. Multilateral Governance─Law and Diplomacy Strategy. (3 Hours)
Examines contemporary theories of multilateral governance and institutional design, as well as current legal authority and its inherent limitations. Reviews how theoretical perspectives are operationalized in core institutional systems such as the U.N. Security Council and international financial institutions. Examines how current international disputes are resolved and the roles that AI and international ethical constructs play in resolving disputes.
GST 7130. Foreign Affairs and Foreign Policy Analysis. (3 Hours)
Examines how nations develop, implement, and evaluate foreign policy by integrating theoretical models with practical applications. Studies decision making; managing bilateral relationships; and contemporary foreign policy issues including strategic competition, economic diplomacy, and crisis response. Focuses on evidence-based analysis and professional communication through case studies, simulations, and applied research on real-world foreign policy challenges. Offers students an opportunity to develop advanced analytical skills.