International Studies

PROFESSORS

John F. Copper. 1977. The Stanley J. Buckman Distinguished Professor of International Studies. B.A., University of Nebraska; M.A., University of Hawaii; Ph.D., University of South Carolina. (East Asia, China and Japan, international politics, international law.)
Andrew A. Michta. 1988. The Mertie Buckman Distinguished Professor of International Studies. B.A., St. Maryís College; M.A., Michigan State University; Ph.D., The Johns Hopkins University. On Leave, 2008-2009. (U.S. foreign and security policy, Central and Eastern Europe, Russia and Soviet successor states, international politics.)

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

Stephen J. Ceccoli. Chair. 1998. P.K. Seidman Professor of Political Economy. B.A., Heidelberg College; M.A. and Ph.D., Washington University. (International relations, political economy, comparative public policy.)

ASSISTANT PROFESSORS

Nuray Ibryamova. 2007. B.A., Graceland College; M.A., University of Wyoming; Ph.D., University of Miami. (European politics and integration, international relations.)
Shadrack W. Nasong’o. 2005. B.A. and M.A., University of Nairobi, Kenya; Ph.D., Northeastern University, Boston. (African Politics, international relations, comparative politics.)
Amy Risley. 2005. B.A., University of Wisconsin, Madison; M.A., New York University; Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin. (Latin American politics, comparative politics, international relations.)
David Romano. 2006. B.A. and M.A., McGill University, Canada; Ph.D., University of Toronto, Canada. (Middle East politics, international relations, comparative politics.)

STAFF

Brenda Somes. Departmental Assistant.

The Department of International Studies offers a number of interdisciplinary majors in cooperation with other departments. These majors include International Studies/Economics; International Studies/History; and International Studies/Political Science.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

A total of sixty (60) credits as follows:

Required courses: International Studies 100, 190, 200, 300, 475 (or 495-496).
Economics 101-102.
Political Science 151 or 214.
Twenty-four (24) additional credits in International Studies with at least 6 credits from each area (A and B).
Completion of courses in a modern foreign language through the second full year at the college level (through the 202-level). Any 4-credit foreign language course above the 202-level and taught in the foreign language could also be used to satisfy the language requirement. (Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew, or Latin will not satisfy this requirement.)
A Senior Paper or Honors Paper (done in I.S. 475 or I.S. 495-496).

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

A total of twenty-four (24) credits as follows:

International Studies 100, 190, 200.
Two-course sequence numbered 200 or above in either area A or B.
One additional course at 200-level or above (I.S. 300 is recommended).

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION:

Area A Functional Specializations
310-311: Comparative/International Political Economy
336: Nationalism
371-372: U.S. Foreign Policy/National Security Policy
395: U.S. Foreign Policy in East Asia
420-421: Revolution/Democratization in World Politics
451-452: International Organization/International Law
Area B Area Specializations
243-244-245: The Middle East
251-252-253: Africa
261-262: China/Chinese Foreign Policy
263-264-265: Japan/Southeast Asia/East Asia
273-274: Latin America
281-282: Western Europe
284-285: Russia/Eastern and Central Europe
Other Courses (these can be either A or B area courses):
133: Model United Nations
270: Research Methods
431-432: Selected Topics in International Studies
450: Washington Semester
460: Internship in International Studies
470: Summer Internship Abroad (Mertie W. Buckman International Internship Program)

HONORS IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

Required: The process of completing Honors in the Department of International Studies is comprised of two semesters (Fall and Spring). Students must enroll in International Studies 475 in the Fall semester of the year in which the student intends to complete the Honors Project and gain departmental approval of a research proposal. Students will select a first and second reader for the Honors Project and a third member will be selected by the department. Students should consult with an International Studies faculty or staff member about their intentions to pursue an honors project at the beginning of the fall semester and obtain a copy of the Honors in International Studies Guidelines.
Prerequisites: Senior standing, a minimum GPA of 3.70 in all course work, and approval of the department.

COURSE OFFERINGS

100. Introduction to International Relations.
Fall, Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science, F8.
A survey of contemporary international politics. Major topics covered in this course include international political geography, the nation-state, modern diplomacy, international political economy, international law and organization, the East-West conflict, North-South issues, and the evolution of the international system.

133. Model United Nations.
Fall, Spring. Credits: 1.
Simulation of United Nations bodies (General Assembly, Security Council, etc.) in a controlled class environment to prepare students for participation in Model United Nations Sessions to which Rhodes College is invited annually. Students engage in detailed topical research on political, economic, and social issues of assigned countries and formulate position papers and resolutions for debate in the simulation. May be repeated for credit (4 credits maximum).

190. International Politics since 1945.
Fall, Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science, F3.
Survey of significant events and trends in the international system since 1945. Topics will include the origins, evolution, and end of the cold war. The emergence of the post cold war era, decolonization and East-West competition, the rise of nationalism, the role of nuclear weapons in world politics, changes in the global economy, and challenges facing the United States today will also be considered.

200. Introduction to Comparative Politics.
Fall, Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science, F8.
An introduction to the principal theories, analytical approaches, and methods relating to the study of comparative politics. Concrete country and case studies are used to highlight the relationship between the tools of comparative politics and real world events.

242/442. Travel Study in the Middle East.
Summer. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: F11.
A 4-week traveling study program in selected Middle Eastern countries. An in-depth examination of the history and politics of selected cases, such as “The History and Politics of Identity in Turkey.” (Advanced students should register as I.S. 442.) Students should contact the I.S. Department and/or the Buckman Center for additional details.
Prerequisites: 2.0 GPA; other prerequisites may apply depending on the country.

243. Government and Politics of the Middle East.
Fall. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science, F8.
Survey of historical and political trajectories of selected Middle East states, including Turkey, Iran, Israel-Palestine, and the Eastern (Mashreq) Arab world. The region’s history, influence of Islam, and ideological trends are considered as are the role of ethnic and religious minorities, state building, economic and political liberalization, authoritarian rule, conflict, and gender questions.
Prerequisites: International Studies 200.

244. Issues in Middle East Politics.
Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science, F8.
Survey of topical area of significance to Middle East politics. Possible topics include the treatment of minority peoples, social movements, and political ideologies in the region as well as the Arab-Israeli conflict and the Kurdish dispute.
Prerequisites: International Studies 200 or permission of the instructor.

245. Foreign Policies of Middle Eastern States.
Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science.
Survey of the foreign policies of selected Middle Eastern states. Particular attention is paid to theoretical interpretations of state behavior, individual decision makers, unintended policy results, and the need to balance domestic and external policy imperatives. The central pedagogic concern revolves around understanding how and why various Middle Eastern states choose the policies they do.
Prerequisites: International Studies 200 and 243.

251. Government and Politics of Africa.
Fall. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science, F8.
The African mosaic in its complexity is introduced to students in this course. Beginning with a brief review of African history, the politics, economics and social transitions on the continent since 1945 will be examined. The role of both external and internal factors in shaping these transitions provides the theoretical focus for an investigation of present political economy, and future possibilities.
Prerequisites: International Studies 200.

252. Pan-Africanism and the Politics of African Unity
Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science, F8.
Examination of the origins and development of Pan-Africanism and its impact as a political movement for the empowerment of Africans in the Diaspora and the decolonization of the African continent. The role of the OAU/AU as the basis of collective African unity, security, diplomacy, regional economic integration, and development is evaluated with a view to determining its achievements, problems, and prospects.
Prerequisites: International Studies 200.

253. Ethnic Conflict in Africa
Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science, F8.
This course begins with a theoretical delineation of how ethnic groups are socially constructed and maintained through a deliberate process of cultural objectification. Focus then shifts to analyzing the historical, political, religious and socio-economic roots of ethnic conflict in Africa. Conflicts such as the Sudanese civil war; the Rwandan genocide; the Biafran civil war; conflict in the Great Lakes region as well as ethnic strife in other areas will be covered.
Prerequisites: International Studies 200.

261. Government and Politics of China.
Fall. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science, F9.
A study of the political system of the Peopleís Republic of China, including an examination of the three centers of power (party, government, and military), ideology, leadership, political change, provincial and local governments. The Chinese political system will be assessed as a unique communist system and one that is changing due to rapid economic development. Current political problems will be analyzed.
Prerequisites: International Studies 200 or permission of the instructor.

262. China’s Foreign Policy.
Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science.
An analysis of Chinaís foreign policy from 1949 to the present. Particular emphasis will be placed on Chinaís relations with the United States, Russia, Japan and Europe, its bid to lead the Third World bloc, Beijingís efforts to adjust to a new world order and its new role as an economic power.
Prerequisites: International Studies 190 or permission of the instructor.

263. Government and Politics of Japan.
Fall. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science.
A study of the Japanese political system focusing on political culture, constitutionalism, the party system, elections, political leadership, local governments, and the relationship among business, labor, and the bureaucracy. The Japanese political system is assessed as a mixed presidential-parliamentary system and as a model in terms of consensus efficiency and smooth decision-making.
Prerequisites: International Studies 200 or permission of the instructor.

264. Government and Politics of Southeast Asia.
Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science.
A study of political structures, parties, bureaucracies, leadership hierarchies, foreign policies in selected Southeast Asian countries. Particular attention will be given to political development; the impact of war in Indochina; the threat of communism; the potential for regional organizations, especially the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN); and the areaís role in the new world order.
Prerequisites: International Studies 200 or permission of the instructor.

265. The East Asia Miracle.
Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science.
Survey of the development (economic and political) miracles that have taken place in East Asia since WWII. Special attention will be given to change in Japan since the war, the “Four Dragons” (S. Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore), Southeast Asia, and China.
Prerequisites: International Studies 100.

270. Research Methods in International Relations.
Fall. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science.
This course examines various tools and methods used in the study of international relations. The formulation and design of research projects will be emphasized. Basic analytical concepts and techniques will also be introduced as students explore various approaches to the study of world politics.
Prerequisites: International Studies 100 and 200, or permission of the instructor.

273. Government and Politics of Latin America.
Fall. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science, F8.
An introduction to Latin American politics. Military rule, human rights, democratization, populism, and the politics of gender, class, and ethnicity are examined in relation to specific countries in the region. The course then explores the political dimensions of development, poverty, and inequality. Emphasis is placed on the most important conceptual and theoretical frameworks used to understand politics and governance in Latin America.
Prerequisites: International Studies 200.

274. Contemporary Issues in Inter-American Relations.
Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science.
A survey of Inter-American affairs, with a focus on past and present relations between Latin American countries and the United States. The course examines the consequences of U.S.-Latin American relations for democracy, human rights, and economic prosperity In the Western Hemisphere during the Cold War and post-Cold War periods. Relevant themes Include democracy promotion, Immigration, and trade. The course combines case studies of specific countries, policy analysis, and historical and theoretical perspectives on Inter-American relations.
Prerequisites: International Studies 200.

281. Government and Politics of Western Europe.
Fall. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science, F8.
A comparative study of the governmental structures and political dynamics of Western Europe. Emphasis is given to the varieties and evolution of parliamentary democracy, governmental, political, and social institutions, and disparate decision-making patterns. The course also examines key concepts and theoretical frameworks to identify and interpret institutional and political outcomes.
Prerequisites: International Studies 200 or permission of the instructor.

282. Politics of European Integration.
Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science, F8.
An examination of the evolving European regional integration process, institutions and policy-making procedures, and the interaction between national and “European” interests and political outcomes. The development of Europe as a “community of values” and the fostering of a “European” identity are examined in the context of the European Union’s growth as a political community and its relations with non-member states.
Prerequisites: International Studies 100 or permission of instructor.

283. Introduction to International Business Cases.
Summer. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: F11.
This course is a combination of lectures, case discussions, and site visits in Antwerp, Belgium. Same as Business 283. Students should contact the Economics and Business Department and/or the Buckman Center for additional details.
Prerequisites: Economics 101 and admission to summer study abroad program for Business 283.

284. Russia and Soviet Successor States.
Fall. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science.
A study of the countries comprising the former USSR. The course will discuss the politics of the reform, as well as the domestic, foreign, and security policies of the successor states, and the context of the changed global power equation after the Cold War.
Prerequisites: International Studies 200 or permission of instructor.

285. Eastern and Central Europe.
Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science.
A study of contemporary Eastern and Central Europe, including domestic politics, foreign and economic policy, regional cooperation, and discord. Special attention will be paid to the changes taking place in the region in the aftermath of the 1989 anti-communist revolutions, including prospects for democracy and market reform in the region.
Prerequisites: International Studies 200 or permission of instructor.

300. International Relations Theory.
Fall, Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science.
An examination of the major theoretical paradigms in the study of international politics and/or comparative politics. An overview of approaches to the study of international relations with emphasis on the realist, liberal, critical, and Marxist debates. Paradigms of international development studies will also be analyzed.
Prerequisites: International Studies 100.

310. Comparative Political Economy.
Fall. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science.
Contemporary nation-states display a wide range of diversity in their patterns of power and authority and choices of economic systems. This course seeks to comprehend from a theoretical perspective the processes which produced these present systems, their similarities and differences, and their sources and mechanisms of change. Major theoretical perspectives will be reviewed.
Prerequisites: International Studies 200.

311. International Political Economy.
Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science.
This course provides an overview of the major issues in international political economy: interdependence, the making of foreign economic policy, evolution of the international financial system, the role of multinational corporations, and issues in the North-South dialogue. Emphasis is on the variety of ways in which political and economic forces interact to affect flows of goods, services, investments, money and technology. Major theoretical perspectives will be reviewed.
Prerequisites: International Studies 100 or permission of instructor.

336. Nationalism.
Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science.
A study of nationalism and its impact on international relations. The course examines the roots of national identity, the evolution of nationalism in the twentieth century, and changes brought about by the end of the Cold War. It explores links between nationalism and foreign policy-making, war, and conflict resolution.
Prerequisites: International Studies 200 or permission of the instructor.

371. American Foreign Policy.
Fall. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science.
This course examines the foreign policy making process in the U.S. and American foreign policy since World War II. Emphasis will be placed on the historical evolution of American foreign policy, the conduct and style of foreign policy making and the contemporary foreign policy establishment. Policy alternatives for specific issues in the present and near future will also be studied.
Prerequisites: International Studies 190 or permission of the instructor.

372. U.S. National Security Policy.
Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science.
This course examines the evolution of American military power and U.S. national security policy in the twentieth century. Emphasis will be placed on the dynamics of policy formation, the interaction of foreign and defense policy, and the impact of domestic politics and the changing international environment on the policy process. Various strategic theories, assumptions about national security policy, and dilemmas regarding the use of force will also be examined.
Prerequisites: International Studies 190 and 371, or permission of the instructor.

395. U.S. Foreign Policy in East Asia.
Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science.
An examination of U.S. foreign policy toward the countries of East Asia with a focus on Americaís traditional role in the Far East, wars in Korea and Vietnam, problems in current relations with China and Japan, the NICs, ASEAN and the survival of communism in East Asia, trade and security issues, and human rights.
Prerequisites: At least one of the following: International Studies 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 371, 372.

420. Revolution in World Politics.
Fall. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science.
An examination of the concept of revolution, the development and processes involved in revolutionary movements, and the consequences and ramification of revolutionary change. Students will first be familiarized with theoretical frameworks prevalent in the study of revolutions. Focus will then be on historical case studies, and on the specific role of such contributive factors as human agency, mass mobilization, state breakdown, international dynamics, guerrilla activities, and the prevailing social and cultural environment.
Prerequisites: International Studies 200.

421. Democratization in World Politics.
Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science.
An examination of the global expansion of democracy in recent decades. The course analyzes the processes of democratic transition, consolidation, and deepening. Relevant themes include civil society, political institutions, culture, and economic development. A variety of countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and the former Soviet Bloc are explored. Particular attention is given to theories of democratization within the field of comparative politics.
Prerequisites: International Studies 200 or permission of the instructor.

431-432. Topics in International Studies.
Fall, Spring. Credits: 4-4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science.
Concentrated study on issues of special importance in international affairs. This course is arranged to meet particular studentsí interests or faculty research projects. Topics offered recently have included Challenges to State Power, Issues in International Development, Ethnic Conflict, Terrorism, and International Drug-Trafficking.

451. International Organization.
Fall. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science.
The growth of international organizations in the nation-state system; procedures of international cooperation in key issue areas including: the peaceful settlement of disputes and collective security, human rights, ecological balance, and economic well-being. The study of functional and universal organizations, with an emphasis on the League of Nations and the United Nations.
Prerequisites: International Studies 100 or permission of instructor.

452. International Law.
Spring. Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: Social Science.
A study of the sources of international law, general problems of international law such as rights and duties of states, succession, recognition, settlement of disputes, international legislation, individual and collective responsibility, codification and U.N.-formulated international law.
Prerequisites: International Studies 100 or permission of instructor.

460. Internship in International Studies.
Fall, Spring. Credits: 1-8.
Arranged on an individual basis and in conjunction with the Career Services Office, students can receive internship credit for work in various professional settings. Internships have been arranged in the past with a variety of local law firms, non-profit agencies, and area corporations. Internship opportunities are also available with local, state, and federal government agencies. The typical internship experience receives 4 academic credits on a pass/fail basis. Student interns are expected to keep a regular log of their activities and write a final paper reflecting on their overall internship experience.

470. Summer Internship Abroad.
Credits: 4.
Degree Requirements: F11.
The Mertie W. Buckman International Internship Program provides an opportunity for outstanding International Studies majors and International Studies-related Interdisciplinary majors to spend two months abroad while working on an internship project approved by the International Studies faculty. The Mertie W. Buckman International Internships, which seek to expose students to international politics and economics, are awarded on a competitive basis and cover all direct expenses associated with the internship, including travel and accommodations abroad.

475. Senior Tutorial.
Fall, Spring. Credits: 4.
Conducted as a tutorial in seminar format, this course seeks to assist each student in intensive research and the completion of the Senior Paper and an oral presentation of the Senior Paper. The Senior Paper is based on a topic of studentís choice and faculty memberís approval. Social science research methods and theories used in the study of international relations and comparative politics are also discussed. Required of all International Studies majors and International Studies-related Interdisciplinary majors.
Prerequisites: Senior Standing.

495-496. Honors Tutorial.
Fall and Spring. Credits: 4-4.
An Honors version of International Studies 475, this tutorial will consist of individual research and writing of the Honors Project. Students will select a first and second reader for the Honors Project and a third member will be selected by the department. Students should consult with an International Studies faculty or staff member about their intentions to pursue an honors project at the beginning of the fall semester of the senior year (or earlier) and obtain a copy of the Honors in International Studies Guidelines.
Prerequisites: Senior standing, minimum GPA of 3.70 in all course work, and approval of the department.