Core Courses

Surveys wide range of global topics: previous periods of globalization, international organizations and law, transnational corporations and global economy, immigration and refugees, world environmental concerns, world culture, war and peace, paradoxical presence of nationalism and fundamentalism in global world, and antiglobalization movement. May not be repeated for credit.

Examines and analyzes important global issues and processes. Considers historical development of globalization and implications for different societies and cultures. Investigates perceptions of global processes by different cultures and nations, and efforts of international institutions to address social, political, economic, and cultural changes in global society. Notes: Students may not receive credit for both SOCI 120 and GLOA 101. May not be repeated for credit.

Nature of international politics, approaches to study of international politics, state and nonstate actors in international system, patterns of action and interaction between nation-states, international institutions, and major global issues. May not be repeated for credit.

Discusses methods and subject matter of comparative political analysis. Includes political systems, politics, participation in politics, government structures, policy-making process, and evaluation of political performance. May not be repeated for credit.

Focuses on career choices and effective self-presentation for soon-to-be graduating students with majors in Global Affairs. Explores how skills typically learned in humanities majors can be leveraged for a successful transition to post-graduation employment. Equivalent to UNIV 420.

Examines cultures in globalization, with special attention to the role of technologies and new media. Provides historical and contemporary contexts for understanding the relationships among circuits of production and consumption; population flows; social inequalities and collective identities; globalizations from "above" and "below;" built and natural environments. May not be repeated for credit.

Advanced inquiry into international relations. Studies theories, concepts of international relations, and major forces and issues in international politics. May not be repeated for credit.

Overview of environmental policy process in developing countries around the world. Major focus on understanding distinctive problems and dynamics of environmental policy making in poor countries to generate better policy decisions and management. May not be repeated for credit.

Covers conflict at macro level, introducing theories of international and global violence and conflict, drawing from disciplines of international relations, political science, intercultural communication, and conflict resolution. Covers impact of globalization and structural causes of conflict. Uses class discussions, case studies, and final paper to develop analytical skills to help in analysis of conflict. Prepares for further course work for international conflict concentration. May not be repeated for credit.

Introduces economic way of thinking on trade and international finance. Presents historical and current information on consequences of trade and protectionism. Notes: May not be applied toward the elective course requirement needed for a major or minor in economics. May not be repeated for credit.

Students draw from interdisciplinary core and concentration coursework in order to synthesize, compare and consolidate the various approaches and theories explored throughout the major through a focus on a pressing global issue. Additionally, course is designed to further develop research, writing, presentation, and organizational skills. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.

Selected topics in global affairs. Content varies. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 9 credits.

Study abroad under supervision of Mason faculty. Course topics, content, and locations vary. Notes: May be repeated with permission of department. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 12 credits.

Reading or research on specific topic related to globalization, under direction of faculty member. Notes: At least one written paper required. Course may involve combination of reading assignments, tutorials, presentations, or off-campus activities. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.

Emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of global affairs. Covers a variety of topics, including consideration of economic, political, and cultural forces at work in the complex interactions among global processes. May not be repeated for credit.

Honors-level research on specialized topic in Global Affairs culminating in substantial paper and oral presentation. May not be repeated for credit.

On-the-job training in transnational or international fields through approved internship programs. Notes: Enrollment and credits controlled by Global Affairs Program. Contact Global Affairs Program one semester before planned enrollment. May be repeated within the term.

The Global Politics Fellows program is a 15 credit academic program for selected students majoring in Global Affairs or Government and International Politics and Public Administration. This course indicates participation in the program. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 0 credits.