Introducing GLOA 450 - Special Topics in Global Affairs

We are excited to announce that, beginning in the fall semester, the Global Affairs program will offer special topics courses through the GLOA 450 course number. All students who have completed GLOA 101 or SOCI 120 are eligible to enroll. If you are looking for a course for your concentration or just need upper-level elective credit, consider these options! 

Global Issues with UN Ambassad - 80663 - GLOA 450 - 002

(Global Governance Concentration)

The course will introduce students to the application and the study of the role and influence of international organizations and global issues and how international policy is formed and implemented with other nations and actors. Mason students are fortunate to have the opportunity to work closely with diplomats and senior UN officials from the United Nations to learn how the international community operates. The course will discuss the history of the United Nations, the rise of influence and responsibilities of international and non-governmental organizations. Specific global issues will also be explored, such as protection of human rights, protecting the environment, living in a world with the threat of biological or nuclear attacks, and the growth and implementation of international law. We will also examine the importance of international organizations in humanitarian assistance, multilateral trade and financial transactions.

Notes: Students who have successfully completed GOVT 444 “Global Issues with UN Ambassadors” may not receive credit for this course.

Understanding No. Afr. Societi - 81285 - GLOA 450 - 003 

(Middle East North Africa Concentration)

The goal of this course is to provide a thorough introduction to North African societies and politics. The Maghreb (the “farthest west” in Arabic)—encompassing Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania and Libya—has historically been a critical zone bridging Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. This crossroads region continues to remain strategically important with sub-Saharan and North African migration, political Islam, terrorism/counter-terrorism, the Sahara question, Islam-West relations, among the current pressing international concerns related to the Maghreb.
The course will provide an in-depth consideration of the problems and challenges confronted by the Maghreb since it achieved independence, discussing critical issues like the quest for democratic government, economic development, education policies, gender equality, immigration, and human rights. Substantial attention will be given to the “Arab Spring”.