Catalog Course Descriptions
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Global Affairs Courses
Undergraduate
100-Level Courses in GLOA
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.
300-Level Courses in GLOA
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.
400-Level Courses in GLOA
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.Limited to three attempts.
Honors-level research on specialized topic in Global Affairs culminating in substantial paper and oral presentation.Limited to three attempts.
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.
Topics in GLOA
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.
Graduate
500-Level Courses in GLOA
Studies current issues and debates in global affairs. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different.May be repeated within the term for a maximum 12 credits.
600-Level Courses in GLOA
Explores the nature of globalization. Students will understand the characteristics of the current global system; be familiar with key global issues and debates; have an advanced understanding of and appreciation for organizations, languages, cultures in many global contexts; and be better habituated to thinking across disciplinary lines.May not be repeated for credit.
Designed to provide students with an overview of basic techniques in quantitative and qualitative methods with special attention to epistemological and ethical concerns in global studies research. Course includes a discussion of the theoretical assumptions that shape research questions and design, practical exercises in research techniques, and analysis of methodology in practice.May not be repeated for credit.
Focuses on the intersection of countries and firms in the arenas of international trade, investment and finance, as the lenses into understanding better today's "global" economy: countries of differing levels of economic development and economic system structure, factors of monetary union and currency disequilibria, trade liberalization or protectionism, market entry, cross-border variables, risk and relations. May not be repeated for credit.
Introduces interdisciplinary, social theoretical approaches and themes useful to understanding today’s global issues and then applies them to a particular case study. Considers scholarly debates around globalization in the context of this case study.May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
Examines the human dimensions relative to international educational systems and their relationship to basic education and higher education policy, research policy, science and technology, culture, language, social justice, equity, conflict and peace, human resources and national development. May not be repeated for credit.
Reading or research on specific topic related to globalization, under directions of faculty member. Notes: At least one written paper required. Course may involve combination of reading assignments, tutorials, presentations, or off-campus activities.May not be repeated for credit.
700-Level Courses in GLOA
Intensive program in a foreign setting focusing on a deep overview of the research specialization of the supervising faculty member. Required pre-departure component to set the intellectual, logistical and culture terms of the abroad period. Locations vary from year to year. Notes: May be repeated with permission of program.May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
Provides students with the opportunity to engage in significant original research an analysis of a topic in global affairs. Topics vary from year to year.May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
Topics in GLOA
Studies current issues and debates in global affairs. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different.May be repeated within the term for a maximum 12 credits.