Core Courses
Mason’s global affairs degree is designed for students who are interested in international affairs and the global processes that affect all societies.
As a global affairs major, you will study with international experts and learn about global politics, economics, culture, and international development. You will study specific geographic regions and investigate the ways in which they are shaped by these global processes.
The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.
100-Level Courses
Scheduled for Fall 2019
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. Limited to three attempts.
No sections are currently scheduled.
This course studies components and interactions that make up natural systems of our home planet. It teaches basic concepts in biological, chemical, physical, and earth sciences in integrated format with lecture, laboratory, and field exercises. Limited to three attempts.
No sections are currently scheduled.
This course studies components and interactions that make up natural systems of our home planet. It teaches basic concepts in biological, chemical, physical, and earth sciences in a laboratory format. Limited to three attempts.
Scheduled for Fall 2019
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. Limited to three attempts.
Check the schedule of classes for upcoming sessions.
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. Limited to three attempts.
Check the schedule of classes for upcoming sessions.
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. Limited to three attempts.
300-Level Courses
Scheduled for Fall 2019
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.
Scheduled for Fall 2019
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. Limited to three attempts.
Check the schedule of classes for upcoming sessions.
Advanced inquiry into international relations. Studies theories, concepts of international relations, and major forces and issues in international politics. Limited to three attempts.
Check the schedule of classes for upcoming sessions.
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. Limited to three attempts.
Check the schedule of classes for upcoming sessions.
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. Limited to three attempts.
Scheduled for Fall 2019
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. Limited to three attempts.
400-Level Courses
Scheduled for Fall 2019
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.
Scheduled for Fall 2019
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.
No sections are currently scheduled.
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.
No sections are currently scheduled.
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.
Scheduled for Fall 2019
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. Limited to three attempts.
No sections are currently scheduled.
Explores selected in environmental science and policy using laboratory exercises. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 4 credits.
No sections are currently scheduled.
Honors-level research on specialized topic in Global Affairs culminating in substantial paper and oral presentation. Limited to three attempts.
No sections are currently scheduled.
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.
No sections are currently scheduled.
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.
