College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Graduate Catalog

244 study of various explanation factors, including: stability and change in the structure of the existing "international system"; the individual characteristics of the nations-states parties (power/capabilities, interests, culture/values, negotiating styles, etc.; the strategic and tactical moves of those considered as "key players"; as well as the role of smaller states and non-state actors NSAM 6651 – Theories of Ethnicity & Nationalism Theories of Ethnicity and Nationalism: This course is foundational for theoretical understandings of ethnicity and nationalism. Students will analyze general theories from key debates and critically examine various points of view in relation to defining boundaries, conflict, context, difference, identity, migration, minority/majority, race and tribalism in regard to ethnicity, as well as community, fantasy, ideology, neo-Marxism, modernism, perennialism, political, primordialism, semiotic, sociocultural, socioeconomic, imagination, invention, and tradition in association with nationalism and nationalists, and the entwinement and interrelation between all of these prevalent notions and themes. Upon completion of the course students will better grasp ethnic belonging, ethno- nationalist conflict, and intra/inter-group disputes from the standpoint of applied theory, cultural relativity, and humanism. NSAM 6654 – Islam, Conflict and Peacemaking This course will provide an historical overview of Islam, including an introduction to belief systems, the different branches of the faith and schools of Islamic law with a special emphasis on Muslim doctrines related to conflict and peace. It will include the contemporary era and investigate Muslim engagements with modernity and discuss the varied responses and perspectives. There will some discussions of international relations, but the course will also emphasize micro level issues. Students will have the opportunity to develop research projects designed to extend their understanding of Islam and its potential as a resource for peace building. NSAM 6657 – Conflict Coaching Theory and Practice This course examines the growing use of conflict coaching as a conflict intervention process and introduces different models and related theoretical foundations. The integration of theory and practice will emphasize the various stages including identity framework, narrative, needs assessment, goal setting, and feedback, utilizing a relational and systems orientation. The course develops coaching skills, strategies, and knowledge, and uses a practice-based approach, including role- plays and case studies. NSAM 6659 – Conflict Peace Build in Africa This course examines conflict and peace building dynamics in the African continent. Its content includes a survey of contemporary macro-level conflicts in Africa and an examination of their historical and more immediate causes. Class participants will explore the causes and effects of such conflicts and investigate prospects for constructive transformation. Past and ongoing resolution and peace building efforts will be discussed, and class members will propose a peace building strategy for a case of their choice. NSAM 6661 – Middle Eastern Conflict This graduate seminar explores the many different types of conflict found in the Middle East. It seeks to provide students with the analytical tools and skills required to explain the causes, understand the actors, and analyze and/or predict the outcomes of specific Middle Eastern conflicts. To meet these objectives we will evaluate broad types of Middle Eastern conflict such as religious, ethnic, and cultural, militarized conflicts, civil wars, and occupations. We will also evaluate Middle Eastern conflict negotiation, the Middle East peace process, why negotiation and peace has failed, and what needs to be done so that Middle East peace could be achieved. Finally, we will look at the future of Middle Eastern conflicts. NSAM 6662 – Political Violence Political Violence is a graduate seminar that explores the many different types of political violence; specifically looking at revolutions, terrorism, and transitional- institutional political violence. This seminar examines a wide range of topics in order to provide the student with a deeper understanding of political violence. We will engage in a thoughtful and in-depth examination of the definitions, causes, and consequences of political violence, as well as consider the different means to countering political violence. NSAM 6670 – Introduction to International Relations and International Issues This course is an introduction to world politics and is intended to give the student a better understanding of international relations and the complex issues and perspectives affecting the world community. We will investigate many aspects of international relations such as the dominate theories of international relations, the history of the nation-state, the definition of power, Islamic fundamentalism, terrorism, war, ethnic conflict, political economy, international institutions, transnational organizations, trade, modernization, dependency theory, imperialism, globalization, and the foreign policy of the United States and its impact on the world community. Students are expected to keep up to date with current global events by reading an international newspaper each day and being prepared to connect and apply those current events to the topics covered in class. NSAM 6690 – Special Topics in National Security Affairs and International Relations Special Topics in National Security Affairs and International Relations is reserved