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International Relations Curriculum

Courses in the International Relations track of the MSPA program are listed on this page. Also available are:

Public Affairs Courses

International Relations Courses

PAF G 631 - Theories and Concepts of International Relations

This course provides students with a critical assessment of the major theories and concepts which define international relations as a field of study. It has two primary goals: (1) in-depth analysis of explanatory theories (e.g., realism, idealism, structuralism, neo-liberalism, interdependence, functionalism) and of core concepts (e.g., sovereignty, national interest, collective security, balance of power); and (2) examination of the historical evolution of international systems, with focus on the modern state system and the Cold War period. Special attention is given to the processes and institutions (e.g. international law, United Nations, NGOs, international civil society) that contribute to conflict resolution and international cooperation. Ultimately, this course provides the foundations (conceptual, historical, theoretical) that graduate students in International Relations need as a preparation for the curriculum's more specialized and advanced courses.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

PAF G 632 - Contemporary Issues in World Politics

This seminar focuses on current, major issues with an international dimension and/or global impact and with salience for the emerging patterns of world politics. While engaging in critical analysis of current issues, the primary objective is to examine the broader conceptual context and analytic framework which explain interactions among nations. Weekly reports based on assigned readings as well as a major research paper pursue distinct goals: the critical utilization of concepts; the refinement of analytic tools; the examination of different perspectives (national, international, global community); policy analysis.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

PAF G 633 - Research Methods and Analysis in International Relations

This course introduces students to basic concepts and skills for research, both academic and practice-based, in international relations areas. It discusses the stages of research, from identifying appropriate questions and assessing existing literature, through framing questions in researchable fashion, identifying the best research approaches for those questions, identifying existing data resources, creating research agendas for gathering new quantitative and qualitative data, analyzing and weighing different forms of data, and drawing defensible conclusions while identifying further areas for research. Specific international relations concepts and major geographic regions are used as foci for readings and major international data sets.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

PAF G 634 - International Political Economy

The course engages students in a study of the relationship between economics and politics in the public affairs of humankind as influenced by global institutions such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the World Trade Organization; non-governmental organizations such as multinational corporations, local business partnerships, workers' unions; and political entities such as national, regional and global governance systems. The course also includes an interdisciplinary focus on the role of theory; the structures of knowledge, technology and security; the behavior of consumers; and the mobilization of values as well as opinions expressive of those values.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

PAF G 635 - Globalization and International Development

This course provides a comprehensive study of the major concepts and theories necessary for a critical understanding of the socio-political-economic problems and possibilities facing Third World countries in their quest for development. While examining the domestic determinants of development, a major focus is on the role of international institutions and the dominant countries (United States, European Union, Japan) in shaping the policy options in developing countries, with particular attention to the process of globalization as a recent contributor to the problem of underdevelopment.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

PAF G 636 - Political Economy of Regional Systems

The general goal of this course is to examine the distinct patterns of regional groupings (Western Europe; Middle East; Southeast Asia; Latin America; North Africa and Mediterranean; Sub-Sahara Africa): the inter-state relations which define the region, with primary focus on politicaleconomic issues; the interplay between regional issues and the broader context of international relations; and the impact of globalization on the political, economic and cultural aspects of each region. For any one semester, however, within the broader analysis of regional systems, the focus will be on one single region-e.g., the European Union.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

PAF G 681 - Advanced Studies in International Relations

This course provides students with a critical, in-depth assessment of a distinct and specialized area of international affairs for example, the impact of multinational corporations, or approaches to international conflict resolution. It is designed for students in the International Relations track who have already completed the required six core courses in the track or the equivalent and it builds on the body of knowledge so acquired. Structured as an intensive seminar, the course includes: study of the relevant literature on the topic, including a critical review of journals; review of the theoretical debates; participation in coordinated, team-research projects designed to analyze all the major aspects of the topic and share the results through systematic presentations.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

PAF G 694 - Independent Study in International Relations

An advanced course of independent readings under the guidance, and subject to the examination, of the instructor. Areas and topics according to student needs, as determined by review of the student's completed coursework and academic goals. The director of the International Relations Track will determine the suitability of the independent study proposal and will guide the student to the appropriate faculty supervisor. The proposed project should provide the student with a critical, in-depth assessment of a distinct area of study within international relations that is not covered by available courses.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits

PAF G 699 - Master's Thesis

Under the supervision of the appointed thesis adviser, students complete a major research project that makes a substantive contribution to critical understanding about a salient issue in contemporary international affairs. Students are also expected to explore in depth the broader context of the thesis topic. The final product is a substantial paper of approximately 60 pages. indicating mastery of pertinent concepts and critical analysis. The thesis is defended before a faculty committee, and also provides the basis for a comprehensive discussion of the broader context.
Hrs by arrangement, 6 Credits

More on the International Relations Track

Additional information on the International Relations track includes:

• International Relations Program
• International Relations Faculty

Contact the International Relations track of the MSPA Program for More Information

If you have questions about the International Relations track of  the MSPA program or need additional information, please contact us at 617-287-7489, email irmasters@umb.edu.

Additional program contact information is available on the Contact page.