Undergraduate Catalog 2025-2026
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International Affairs (IA)

IA 250    International Politics    3 Hours

An introductory course in international relations which is designed to acquaint the student with basic theories, terminology, motivations, inter-relationships and problems on an international scale. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code E-SB | SB

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

IA 260    Introduction to Comparative Politics    3 Hours

This course examines various characteristics of different political systems around the world. It introduces contending theories which seek to explain differences and similarities in governments and politics. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code E-SB | SB

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

IA 300    Model Assembly (Seminar)    1 Hour (repeatable max of 3 hrs)

Explores the workings of a major international organization (e.g., NATO, OAU, Arab League, or UN). Students portray delegates to the organization at a simulation involving university students from around the country. The country being portrayed, the organization being simulated, and cost to student vary year by year.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

IA 303    International Politics and Film    3 Hours

Explores the relationship between international politics and film. Demonstrates how film serves as a political archive and agent of social change and how film affects political views and representations of reality.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

IA 350    Political Terrorism    3 Hours

A survey of terrorism, recent trends, organizational structure, negotiations, role of the media, counter terrorism, and the impact on modern democracies.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

IA 352    International Relations of the Middle East    3 Hours

Introduction to international relations of Middle East and North Africa from historical, theoretical and contemporary perspectives. Focuses on interstate, regional and transnational relations. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SY

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

IA 355    International Organization and Law    3 Hours

Explores how the behavior of nominally sovereign countries is constrained or otherwise influenced by international law and other efforts to "organize" international relations. International institutions such as the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe are examined. Note: Permission of instructor.

Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

IA 357    U S Foreign Policy    3 Hours

Analysis of the pattern and process of U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the contemporary era. Includes study of the major internal and external factors, which shape foreign policy decisions. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-LG

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

IA 360    Government and Politics of Britain and Canada    3 Hours

A comparative analysis of the political cultures, institutions and processes of Britain and Canada. Course includes a comprehensive study of the parliamentary executive system and reference to major topical problems.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

IA 361    Government and Politics of Western Europe    3 Hours

Structured comparative analysis of various Western European states. Includes an examination of political cultures, institutional organizations, and the policy processes in selected states. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-LG

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

IA 362    Latin American Government and Politics    3 Hours

Basic governmental and political processes in Latin America. Emphasis on social and economic problems, political development, leadership recruitment, political instability and change. Note: Permission of instructor.

Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

IA 363    Politics of Developing Nations    3 Hours

A study of the political culture, processes and problems of nations that have become independent since World War II.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

IA 365    Government and Politics of the Middle East    3 Hours

A comparative analysis of the political culture, institutions and processes of key Middle Eastern states. Focuses on issues of international and geostrategic significance of the region. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-LG

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

IA 367    Government and Politics of Russia and Eastern Europe    3 Hours

An analysis of government and politics of Russia and Eastern European countries with emphasis on political processes and institutions, political and economic reforms, and the prospects for democratic government. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-LG

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

IA 368    African Government and Politics    3 Hours

Examines sub-Saharan African political and economic development. Focuses on several selected countries and explores the common political and economic problems and opportunities confronting African states.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

IA 369    Central European Politics    3 Hours

A comparative analysis of the political culture, institutions and processes of Central European states and an examination of the impact of religion, empire and ideology on the political development of that region. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-LG

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

IA 449    International Political Economy    3 Hours

Explores the role of governments, corporations, non-governmental entities and multilateral institutions in the global economy. Discusses issues of free trade and protectionism, both tariffs and non-tariff barriers to trade. Examines issues of monetary policy in national and international contexts. Note: Permission of instructor.

Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

IA 450    Selected Topics in International Relations    3 Hours

Based in a seminar setting, this course facilitates an extensive exploration of particular aspects of international relations in the contemporary world.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

IA 457    Theories of War and Peace in International Relations    3 Hours

Explores the various theories of the outbreak, conduct and causes of war and theories of war termination and international peace. Note: Permission of instructor. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SC

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status and permission of instructor

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

IA 460    Selected Topics in Comparative Politics    3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

Based on a seminar setting, this course facilitates an extensive exploration of particular aspects of comparative politics in the contemporary world.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

IA 497    Senior Seminar in International Affairs    3 Hours

A capstone seminar that strengthens students' research, written and oral communication skills in international affairs and engages students and faculty in sustained consideration of significant international issues/questions. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman, Junior or Sophomore may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None