International Studies
Director: Ioannis Stivachtis
Web: www.liberalarts.vt.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/international-studies-major.html
Overview
The International Studies Program offers four (4) majors, leading to a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (BAIS):
- Major in EUropean & Transatlantic Studies (EUTS)
- Major in International Public Policy (IPPL)
- Major in International Relations (IREL)
- Major in International Studies (IS)
- Major in National Security & Foreign Affairs (NSFA)
Students pursuing these majors are prepared to continue their studies in graduate or law school or immediately apply their skills and knowledge in various professional settings because of the broad applicability of both the theory to which they are exposed and the competencies they develop. Rooted in a strong liberal arts curriculum, the International Studies Program prepares students to enter careers in government service (Department of State, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, the intelligence community), Foreign Service, Think Tanks, teaching, journalism, international governmental and non-governmental organizations, and private companies.
Majors
Students may choose to pursue one or more of the five majors offered by the International Studies Program. In this case, no course can double count within or between International Studies-related majors with the exception of IS 1004, IS 2004, IS 2054, IS 2064, IS 2084, IS 3115, IS 3116 and IS 4004.
All students who wish to obtain a major offered by the International Studies Program must complete: 1) the Core Curriculum requirements of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences; 2) the Core Curriculum requirements of the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (BAIS) degree; and 3) a set of elective courses associated with each of the five majors.
The EUropean & Transatlantic Studies (EUTS) major has been designed in response to the growing need for a new generation of scholars and analysts to address issues pertaining to Europe and the relations between the European Union and the United States (transatlantic relations). The purpose of the EUropean & Transatlantic Studies program is to provide its students with the knowledge, skills and competencies necessary to enable them to pursue successful careers both in the public and private sector. Students pursuing a major in EUropean & Transatlantic Studies will examine the historical, political, security, geostrategic, economic (trade, finance, and business), and societal (ethnic, cultural, and religious) aspects of European and transatlantic affairs. They will also gain competence in at least one foreign language. The study of Europe includes the following sub-regions: Western, Central & Eastern Europe; Russia and Eurasia; the Balkans and the Mediterranean region (North Africa & the Middle East), and the transatlantic space (relations between Europe, Africa, North America, and Central & Latin America)
The International Public Policy (IPPL) major is designed to help students analyze the choices and challenges that arise in the global economic system and equip them with a better understanding of how states and societies can pursue their economic goals in an environmentally and socially sustainable manner. It emphasizes the role of international organizations in global economy and development as well as helping students to think critically about the globalization's impact on world economy, sustainable development and the fight against global poverty. Its purpose is to relate theory to practice and provide students with a breadth of knowledge and training in the various facets of sustainable international development and the sub-fields of governance and political economy, environment and development, and international public health. It seeks to prepare students for a fast-growing number and variety of careers in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of development programs, working for governments, international organizations, NGOs, and private companies.
The International Relations (IREL) major focuses on the analysis of the political, societal, cultural, ethical, and normative aspects of international relations, as well as offering students a rigorous international and comparative perspective on the contemporary global system. It emphasizes a solid grounding in the methods of analysis used in the social sciences and humanities to help students think critically about international phenomena and analyze the choices and challenges that arise in this arena. It seeks to foster creative thinking about complex global problems and produce very competitive graduates and enlightened citizens who would possess the necessary knowledge and skills that would allow them not only to successfully pursue careers in their chosen field but, most importantly, serve their communities and the nation.
The International Studies (IS) major offers an opportunity to learn about foreign cultures, religions, languages, economics, and history. The curriculum is interdisciplinary in orientation and is designed to introduce students to a variety of important approaches for understanding the international scene. Whether or not students will pursue careers directly related to world affairs, the understanding gained in this major will provide a much broader perspective of the world and the United States' place in it. This major makes use of courses in economics, geography, foreign languages, history, religion and culture, sociology, and other disciplines.
The National Security and Foreign Affairs (NSFA) major offers students expertise and understanding of the broad range of threats to national and global security in the 21st century and equips them with the necessary knowledge and skills that would allow them to successfully pursue careers in diplomacy and international organizations. The National Security and Foreign Affairs (NSFA) major analyzes the role of diplomacy in the management of world affairs and examines in-depth U.S. grand strategy and foreign policy; the current and future global geopolitical environment that affect the U.S. and its interests; the ends, ways, and means that impact the use of military force; the informational issues that contribute to the holistic implementation of strategy, and counterterrorism and homeland security. It is designed to connect theory to practice thereby providing a hands-on, practical approach to the field that would equip students with the tools to analyze threats that challenge U.S. security both at home and abroad.
Please see http://liberalarts.vt.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/international-studies-major.html for more information.
Major Requirements
The curriculum is designed to provide foundational and development courses, major-specific study, and a capstone experience. Students are introduced to concepts early in the undergraduate career, and the curriculum allows them to build knowledge and skills as they work on increasingly complex tasks. They also develop skills in written, spoken, and visual communication across their studies in the major. At the foundational level, students in every major are required to take the same introductory courses. Then students move into one of four majors, and later they come back together in the senior year to work on a capstone experience.
Degree Requirements
The graduation requirements in effect during the academic year of admission to Virginia Tech apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year you started at Virginia Tech. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as "Checksheets." The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion. The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program.
Please visit the University Registrar's website at https://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/checksheets.html for degree requirements.
Minor Requirements
The International Studies Program offers seven (7) minors:
- Minor in EUropean Studies (EUST)
- Minor in European Engagement (EURE)
- Minor in Global Engagement (GLBE)
- Minor in International Public Policy (IPPL)
- Minor in International Relations (IREL)
- Minor in International Studies (IS)
- Minor in National Security & Foreign Affairs (NSFA)
For the 18-hour minor, students enroll in three required courses and choose other three courses from the minor elective list. Please see http://liberalarts.vt.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/international-studies-major.html for details.
The minor in EUropean Studies (EUST) seeks to provide students with knowledge, skills and competencies pertaining to European affairs to enable them to pursue successful careers both in the public and private sectors. It focuses on the study of the historical, political, security, geostrategic, economic (trade, finance, and business), and societal (ethnic, cultural, and religious) aspects of European affairs. The study of Europe includes the following sub-regions: Western, Central & Eastern Europe; Russia and Eurasia; the Balkans and the Mediterranean region (North Africa & the Middle East). This minor also focuses on the study of the relations between the European Union and the various world regions, s well as its relations with major great powers (e.s., the United States, Russia, and China) and international organizations (e.s., the United Nations, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the IMF/World Bank).
The experiential learning minor in European Engagement (EURE) offers a "hands on" – "minds on" approach to the understanding of European affairs. It seeks to encourage and reward Virginia Tech students who wish to explore and study European affairs through a variety of educational tools, such as study abroad, in-class simulations, participation in various European organizations models (e.s., Model NATO, Model European Council, etc.), field studies, undergraduate research, internships and externships, and educational programs and engagement opportunities offered by the European Union and its Diplomatic Delegation in Washington DC, as well as by NATO and the Atlantic Council of the United States.
The minor in Global Engagement (GLBE) offers a "hands on" – "minds on" approach to the understanding of global affairs. Adopting an experiential learning approach, this minor seeks to encourage and reward Virginia Tech students who wish to explore and study the "international" through a variety of educational tools, such as study abroad, in-class simulations, participation in various international organizations models (e.s., Model UN, Model NATO, Model OAS), field studies, undergraduate research, internships and externships, and educational programs and engagement opportunities offered by U.S. national federal agencies and other organizations, such as the Department of State (e.s., Diplomacy Lab and Foreign Policy Classroom), the Council of Foreign Relations, and the U.S. Institute for Peace.
The minor in International Public Policy (IPPL) is designed for students who wish to develop the analytical and leadership skills necessary to formulate and advocate policy on key international issues. It seeks to provide students with a detailed and systematic understanding of how political institutions, processes, and public policies operate in world affairs. The program brings together the academic study of international relations with analysis of public policy formulation and governance beyond the nation-state. The program seeks to prepare students for a fast-growing number and variety of careers in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of development programs, working for governments, international organizations, NGOs, and private companies.
The minor in International Relations (IREL) is designed to offer students a rigorous international and comparative perspective on the contemporary global system. It focuses on the changing political and cultural relations within the international system in the modern era, exploring how global, regional, and domestic factors influence relations between actors on the world stage. Students are equipped with both the foundational skills and specific knowledge necessary to analyze the choices and challenges that arise in this arena. The program seeks to provide a hands-on, practical approach to the field that would equip students with the analytic tools, language expertise, and cross-cultural understanding necessary to pursue successful careers in government, Foreign Service, and international organizations.
The minor in International Studies (IS) offers students an interdisciplinary approach to the study of global affairs. The purpose of the program is threefold: first, to supplement the knowledge and skills that students have acquired through their major field of study with knowledge about the global political and economic system and the global forces and processes that shape our daily lives; second, to further students' critical and analytical skills; and third, to create knowledgeable and enlightened citizens and global leaders.
The minor in National Security and Foreign Affairs (NSFA) analyzes the role of diplomacy in the management of world affairs and provides a hands-on, practical approach to security analysis that would equip students with the tools to analyze threats that challenge US security both at home and abroad. The program seeks to supplement the knowledge and skills that students have acquired through their major field of study with expertise and understanding of the broad range of threats to national and global security in the 21st century, as well as to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills that would allow them to successfully pursue careers in diplomacy and international organizations.
Satisfactory Progress Toward the Degree
University policy requires that students demonstrate their progress toward the degree by meeting minimum requirements.
To proceed satisfactorily toward a degree, students who pursue the majors in International Public Policy (IPPL), International Relations (IREL), Intenational Studies (IS), and National Security & Foreign Affairs (NSFA) must complete IS 1004, IS 1034, IS 2004, IS 2054, IS 2064, IS 2084 and Foreign language 2105 & 2106 by the end of the semester in which 60 hours have been attempted; must maintain an overall GPA of at least 2.0 and must maintain an in-major GPA of 2.0.
To proceed satisfactorily toward a degree, students who pursue the major in EUropean & Transatlantic Studies (EUTS) must complete IS 1004, IS 1024, IS 1034, IS 1104, IS 2004, HIST 1026, IS 2084, HIST 2114 and Foreign Language 2105 & 2106 by the end of the semester in which 60 hours have been attempted; must maintain an overall GPA of at least 2.0 and must maintain an in major GPA of 2.0.
Students who fall below the standard for either the overall GPA or the in-major GPA will have one semester to regain the required GPA standards. A student who fails to make satisfactory progress toward degree after that semester will be blocked from continuing in the major.
Undergraduate Course Descriptions (IS)
1004 (PSCI 1004): NATIONS AND NATIONALITIES Introduction to world and American ethnic and indigenous cultures and to social constructions of human and group identity, nationalism and extreme ethno-nationalism. History of the political, economic, and cultural transition from primordial communities to sovereign states. Introduction to the rise of racism, sexism, ethnicism, classism, nativism, xenophobia, etc. in modern societies and episodes of mass political violence including ethnic cleansing and genocide. (3H,3C)
1024 (PSCI 1024): COMP GOV & POLITICS Government and politics of selected countries outside the United States; nature of politics and government, types of political systems, linkages of people and governments, and current political issues. (3H,3C)
1034 (PSCI 1034): INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND POLITICAL SCIENCE Introduces students to the fields of International Studies and Political Science and their respective subfields. Familiarizes students with the undergraduate programs in International Studies and Political Science and emphasizes student preparation for careers in the respective fields. Focuses on inquiry, problem-solving, integration of ideas and experiences with a focus on International Studies and Political Science. Familiarizes students with the basic principles of the research and writing process. (3H,3C)
1104: INTRODUCTION TO EUROPEAN STUDIES Multidisciplinary analysis of core issues and topics in European studies. Current affairs, politics, economics, culture, religions, society and history. Regional and individual country perspectives. Basic research techniques and evaluation of sources. (3H,3C)
2004: RESEARCH AND WRITING IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES Introduces the research and writing process in the field of International Studies. Addresses topics such as selecting and planning a research project, conceptualizing a research design, gathering and analyzing data, interpreting the results and writing a report. Prioritizes research within a framework of rigorous, well-rounded and thorough practices of research ethics. Emphasizes intercultural and diverse research and practices. (3H,3C)
2034 (GEOG 2034) (PSCI 2034): GEOGRAPHY OF GLOBAL CONFLICT Geographical dimensions of global conflicts, international management of conflicts, conflicts of differences, historical, ideological, failed states and resources will be examined. Background to conflicts, current status of conflicts, different points of view in conflict. Topics in the course will change as the geography of global conflict changes. (3H,3C)
2044 (FST 2044) (PSCI 2044): FOOD, WAR AND CONFLICT Explores the history of food production and processing relative to the commencement or continuation of conflict. Examines why and how wars have been fought over economic policies, food trade and control of food supplies. Examines efforts to protect food and water supplies from intentional contamination and acts of terrorism. Focus on food products and the preservation, processing and distribution technologies that arose from war and conflict. (3H,3C)
2054 (GEOG 2054) (PSCI 2054): INTRODUCTION TO WORLD POLITICS An introduction to the prevalent methods and theories in the study of world politics. Topics include: historical context of contemporary world politics, global actors and power relations, conflict and conflict resolution, international law, and contemporary global issues. (3H,3C)
2064 (GEOG 2064) (PSCI 2064): THE GLOBAL ECONOMY AND WORLD POLITICS Introduction to theories and methods in the study of global political economy. Topics include: historical origins, comparative advantage, the factor endowment trade theory, the gold standard, economic nationalism, the Great Depression, the Bretton Woods System, Keynesianism, the Nixon shocks, international organizations, monetary governance, the Great Recession, poverty and underdevelopment, and contemporary challenges of income inequality within and among economies. (3H,3C)
2084 (PSCI 2084): THEORETICAL APPROACHES TO GLOBAL ORDER Examines the evolution of the inter-state system and focuses on the political, economic, societal and technological progresses that shape the relations among states and people. Investigates topics such as the role of religion, culture and civilizations in world affairs; the globalization of the European system and the question of human equality; the impact of colonialism and post- colonialism on the question of justice and rights; and the effects of imperialism, capitalism and globalization on world order. (3H,3C)
2104 (PSCI 2104): EUROPE COUNTRY ANALYSIS Examination of the politics, economics, culture, society, population patterns, and history of individual European countries. Impact of individual European states domestic affairs on their respective European sub-regions and Europe as a whole. Analysis of intra-European regional developments. Examination of differing country perspectives on European integration. (3H,3C)
2134 (GEOG 2134) (PSCI 2134): GEOGRAPHY OF THE GLOBAL ECONOMY Geographical dimensions of the global economy since World War II. Globalization and the emergence of a new international division of labor. The relative decline of the United States and the growth of Japan, East Asia and the European Union. Changing geographies of foreign direct investment location. Places and regions in geo-economic discourse. Population and resources issues in the early twenty-first century. (3H,3C)
2224 (GEOG 2224) (PSCI 2224): GEOGRAPHY OF EUROPE Europe: as an idea, as a place, as a space, and as a political entity. Basic knowledge of Europe s historical physical environments, political geography, population distribution, varied cultures, and economic development. Cultural variations and their implications on settlement patterns, political divisions, and economic patterns and processes. (3H,3C)
2474 (RLCL 2474): RELIGION AND VIOLENCE Investigation of the categories of religion and secularity as they apply to war and peace. Analysis of episodes from both past and present in which religion seems to have played a role. Introduction to research skills related to the study of religion and violence, building from theoretical and historical considerations. (3H,3C)
2484 (PSCI 2484) (RLCL 2484): RELIGION AND POLITICS Investigation of religion and politics as distinct categories in different times and places. Analysis of episodes from both past and present in which religion and politics have come together, or have been kept apart. Examination of the roles religion and politics play in the modern world and how they impact the lived experience of diverse populations both in the United States and throughout the world. (3H,3C)
2964: FIELD STUDY Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY Variable credit course.
2974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY Variable credit course.
2984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course.
3004 (PSCI 3004): PROFESSIONALISM AND CAREERS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES Designed to teach students how to synthesize skills and information learned in their Political Science and International Studies classes. Exploration of various career options, graduate school options, and proper procedures for seeking and applying for employment and graduate school. Introduction to professionalism in the workplace and professional development in the area of political science and international studies. Junior Standing. (3H,3C)
3034 (GEOG 3034) (PSCI 3034): THE CIA: ITS CAPABILITIES IN TODAY'S GEO-POLITICAL WORL D Role of the discipline of geography in the origins, procedures, and history of CIA. Role of the CIA in providing national intelligence at both strategic and operational levels. Origins and changes to the CIA since WWII. Capabilities to support both policy-makers and national security entities. Case studies illustrating the CIAs operations in different regions of the world. (3H,3C)
3044 (PSCI 3044): THE POLITICS OF INTERNET GOVERNANCE Introduces students to theoretical, technological, and policy debates in Internet governance. Topics include multistakeholder governance, cybersecurity and cybercrime, network investigative techniques, data protection, vulnerability disclosure, use of anonymity-granting technologies, network neutrality, virtual currencies, big data, algorithmic bias and decision-making, politics of the domain name system, privacy, free expression, cross-border dispute resolution, data ownership, and challenges to state authority. Pre: PSCI 2054 or IS 2054 or GEOG 2054. (3H,3C)
3054 (PSCI 3054): THE DARK WEB AND THREAT ANALYTICS Introduction to dual-use anonymity-granting technologies such as the Dark Web. Covers open source threat intelligence as a technique to assess trends and trajectories in anonymous online content. Substantive topics include the use of Dark Web technologies for political expression in repressive regimes, anonymity and privacy protection in an age of big data as well as the misuse of these tools for doxing, trolling, and the creation of illegal markets for drugs, guns, malicious software, human trafficking, and child abuse imagery. Junior Standing. (3H,3C)
3104 (PSCI 3104): SECURITY STUDIES: THEORIES AND CONCEPTS Introduces the various theoretical approaches to security. Examines key concepts in the field of Security Studies, such as uncertainty, polarity, war, coercion, terrorism, intelligence, genocide, crimes against humanity, ethnic conflict, and human security. Pre: 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054. (3H,3C)
3114 (PSCI 3114): GLOBAL SECURITY Explores various theoretical approaches to security and discusses traditional and non-traditional security issues. Focuses on global, international and regional security challenges and examines alternative strategic and tactical solutions for addressing them. Pre: 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054. (3H,3C)
3115,3116 (PSCI 3115, 3116): SELECTED WORLD PROBLEMS Selected world problems and how they affect various countries and regions. Each semester, a topic will be chosen. 3115: World problems in a global or regional context. 3116: World problems in a European context. 3115 and/or 3116 may be repeated for a combined maximum of 9 credit hours. (3H,3C)
3125-3126 (PSCI 3125-3126): INTELLIGENCE AND NATIONAL SECURITY Introduces students to the field of Intelligence Studies. Focuses on the structure, role and capabilities of the U.S. intelligence community and investigates the relationship between intelligence and national security strategy. Addresses topics pertaining to data collection and intelligence analysis, covert operations and counterintelligence. 3125: Intelligence and National Security. 3126: The Intelligence Process. Pre: 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054 for 3125; 3125 or PSCI 3125 for 3126. (3H,3C)
3134 (PSCI 3134): GLOBAL CONFLICT AND WAR Focuses on the causes, legal and moral constraints, impacts, and consequences of conflict and war. Explores historical and contemporary cases of conflict and war and investigates the role of state and non-state actors in these conflicts. Examines the impact of technology, religion, culture and identity on the present and future of war. Pre: 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054. (3H,3C)
3135,3136 (PSCI 3135, 3136): STRATEGIES OF MODERN WARFARE 3135: Analyzes the theory and practice of conventional warfare and investigates how strategic thought has influenced and shaped modern warfare. 3136: Examines the theory and practice of irregular warfare and focuses on the theory and practice of counterinsurgency and counterterrorism. Pre: 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054 for 3135; PSCI 2054 or IS 2054 or GEOG 2054 for 3 136. (3H,3C)
3144 (PSCI 3144): GLOBAL GOVERNANCE & PUBLIC POLICY Examines the norms, institutions, practices and processes developed by the international community to address global problems such as poverty, pandemics, global warming, displaced persons and transnational crime. Utilizes theories of decision- and policy-making and investigates the role of states, international governmental and non- governmental organizations, coalitions and corporations in global public policy-making. Pre: (2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054), (IS 2064 or PSCI 2064 or GEOG 2064). (3H,3C)
3154 (PSCI 3154): TOPICS IN GLOBAL PUBLIC POLICIES Examines in depth selected global public policies pertaining to health, energy, environment, development, education, refugees or labor. May be repeated with different content for a maximum of nine (9) credits. Pre: (2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054), (IS 2064 or PSCI 2064 or GEOG 2064). (3H,3C)
3165,3166 (PSCI 3165, 3166): GLOBAL ECONOMIC GOVERNANCE & POLICY 3165: International Trade - Focuses on the operations of global and regional international organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), the European Union (EU), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations Industrial Organization (UNIDO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and examines their policies and regulations. 3166: International Finance - Focuses on the operations of global and regional international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, the European Union (EU), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and examines their policies and regulations. Pre: 2064 or PSCI 2064 or GEOG 2064. (3H,3C)
3175,3176 (PSCI 3175, 3176): GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT 3175: The Politics of Development - Examines issues and politics of the developing world and investigates the forces that promote or cut off economic development in low-income countries. Discusses development issues in various world regions. 3176: Economic Development - Emphasizes economic development and focuses on domestic and international policies aiming at addressing poverty in the developing world. Pre: (2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054), (IS 2064 or PSCI 2064 or GEOG 2064). (3H,3C)
3184 (PSCI 3184): HUMAN SECURITY Introduces the field of human security and examines the conceptual, theoretical, and methodological issues surrounding it. Identifies the relevant human security actors, explores the tools of human security, and discusses the application of human security. Investigates the implications of human security and discusses its future. Pre: 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054. (3H,3C)
3194 (PSCI 3194): NUCLEAR STRATEGY & POLITICS Examines the fundamentals of nuclear strategy and investigates the politics associated with the acquisition and proliferation of nuclear weapons. Focuses on nuclear doctrines and policies and explores international efforts associated with nuclear arms control and disarmament. Analyzes the nuclear postures of various nuclear states. Pre: 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054. (3H,3C)
3615-3616 (PSCI 3615-3616): INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Structure and development of the modern international system, theories of international policies, international law; international organizations. Pre: 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054 or PSCI 2064 or IS 2064 or GEOG 2064 for 3615; PS CI 2054 or IS 2054 or GEOG 2054 or PSCI 2064 or IS 2064 or GEOG 2064 for 3616. (3H,3C)
3624 (PSCI 3624): FOREIGN POLICY AND DIPLOMACY Focuses on actors, issues, and processes pertaining to foreign policy formulation and implementation. Examines theoretical and historical perspectives on foreign policy analysis. Investigates the national security, foreign policy, and diplomacy nexus. Discusses type of diplomacy and diplomatic methods. Pre: 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054. (3H,3C)
3625,3626 (PSCI 3625, 3626): US-RUSSIA FOREIGN POLICIES 3625: Formulation of American foreign policy; roles of the President; Congress; press; public; and bureaucracy; central themes, issues, and problems of American diplomacy; 3626: Development and operational practices of Russian foreign policy decision-making in the international environment; party and state political institutions; Marxist-Lenninist ideology. Pre: PSCI 1024 or IS 1024 or PSCI 1024H or IS 1024H for 3625; PSCI 1024 or PSCI 1024H for 3626. (3H,3C)
3634 (PSCI 3634): HUMAN RIGHTS: GLOBAL ISSUES Identification, articulation and clarification of the relationship between human rights and other contemporary international phenomena, issues, events, and processes that affect human rights. Detailed consideration of the diverse traditions and cultural interpretations of human rights. Pre: PSCI 1024 or PSCI 1024H or IS 1024 or IS 1024H or PSCI 2054 or IS 2054 or GEOG 2 054. (3H,3C)
3704 (PSCI 3704): NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY Focuses on the causes of war and the conditions of peace. Examines the logic, levels, and outcomes of strategy and investigates the impact of international law and politics on the use of force. Explores contemporary strategic theory and discusses current issues in grand strategy. Pre: 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054. (3H,3C)
3734 (PSCI 3734): NATIONAL SECURITY Post-1945 strategic problems, policies, and security commitments of major participants in international politics, especially the United States and Russia; effects of security policies on international and domestic political economies. Pre: PSCI 2054 or IS 2054 or GEOG 2054. (3H,3C)
3735-3736 (PSCI 3735-3736): NATIONAL SECURITY POLICIES Investigates the purposes, contexts and processes of national security policymaking both in the United States and in other states around the world. 3735: Focuses on Homeland Security. 3736: Focuses on Defense Policy. Pre: 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054 for 3735; 3735 or PSCI 3735 for 3736. (3H,3C)
3794 (PSCI 3794): TERRORISM AND COUNTERTERRORISM Examines approaches to the categorization and causes of terrorism and discusses national and regional understandings of terrorism. Explores official and popular understandings of terrorism over time and across regions and investigates how social actors legitimate their use of violence. Focuses on the development of useful counterterrorism policies and utilizes case studies in terrorism and counterterrorism to emphasize the link between theory and practice. Pre: 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054. (3H,3C)
3804 (PSCI 3804): EUROPEAN INTEGRATION Analysis of the process of industrial, political, legal, economic, social and cultural integration of states in Europe as a whole or within a European sub-region. History and theories of European integration. Examination of various European organizations whose actions reflect different approaches to and different degrees of integration in Europe. (3H,3C)
3814 (PSCI 3814): THE EUROPEAN UNION: INSTITUTIONS & POLICIES Evolution, organizational structure, political dynamics, and decision-making mechanisms of the European Union. Major internal and external EU policies such as foreign, security and defense policy, economics, Single Market, and monetary union. Pre: 3804 or PSCI 3804. (3H,3C)
3824 (PSCI 3824): EUROPEAN UNION S FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY The European Union (EU) as an actor in the foreign, security and defense policy fields. The external relations of the EU and its role in world affairs. The institutional arrangements of EU external relations and EU activity in policy areas including human rights, peacekeeping, environmental governance, trade, and economic development. Pre: 3814 or PSCI 3814. (3H,3C)
3825,3826 (PSCI 3825, 3826): EUROPEAN UNION S FOREIGN RELATIONS The global strategy and foreign policy objectives of the European Union and the evolving relations between the EU and the rest of the world. EU s role in world affairs. 3825: EU s global strategy and its relations with major world powers, such as the United States, Russia, and China. 3826: EU s global strategy and its relations with countries in various world regions as well as global multilateral organizations, such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Pre: 3814 or PSCI 3814. (3H,3C)
3834 (PSCI 3834): EUROPEAN SECURITY GOVERNANCE Structure and function of major European security organizations, such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the European Union (EU), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). In-depth analysis of those organizations role in the European security architecture. Examination of inter-organizational cooperation in addressing European security issues and conflicts. Pre: 3804 or PSCI 3804. (3H,3C)
3844 (GEOG 3844) (PSCI 3844): EUROPEAN GEOPOLITICS Impact of Geography on European politics and economics. Significance of territorial, identity, networking and environmental geopolitics. Theoretical debates in the fields of political and population geography. Current culture and demographic challenges and geopolitical disputes within Europe and particularly between the European Union (EU) and its neighboring world regions. Pre: GEOG 2224 or IS 2224 or PSCI 2224. (3H,3C)
3854 (PSCI 3854): EUROPEAN POLITICAL ECONOMY The European Union s major institutions and policies relating to economic and monetary union and trade. Monetary integration, fiscal and economic policy cooperation, financial integration (including the banking union), the single market and the common commercial policy, the common agricultural policy and the EU s regional policy. The internal structure and organization of the European political economy and the external dimension of Europe and its impact on global economics, ranging from the World Trade Organization to EU enlargement and the Developing World. Pre: 3814 or PSCI 3814. (3H,3C)
3864 (AFST 3864) (HIST 3864): DEVELOPMENT AND HUMANITARIANISM IN AFRICA Examines the history of western development and humanitarian projects in Africa, considering western and African perspectives in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Discussion of slavery and abolition, the civilizing mission, modernization and development theory, the impact of humanitarian projects, and international volunteerism. Provides a foundation for students interested in international service learning or careers with NGOs or international aid agencies. No prior knowledge of African history required. (3H,3C)
3874 (MGT 3874) (PSCI 3874): THE EUROPEAN BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT Political, legal, economic, socio-cultural, technological and environmental issues and policies affecting the operation and strategies of foreign companies in Europe. Business operations inside and outside the European Union. Impact of EU policies and the EU legal framework on business strategies and policies of non-EU companies. Business strategy for the European market, marketing and human resources management in Europe, and corporate governance and control in Europe. Pre: Junior Standing. (3H,3C)
3884 (RLCL 3884) (SOC 3884): CULTURE & SOCIETY IN CONTEMPORARY EUROPE The impact of religion and culture in contemporary European politics and societies. Nationalism versus European cosmopolitanism. Religion, religious radicalism and religious tolerance in Europe. Culture and society in European urban and rural areas. Attitudes towards women and LGBTQ in Europe. Social foundations and cultural determinants of marginalization of social groups, migrants and refugees. Pre: 1104. (3H,3C)
3914 (ECON 3914) (PSCI 3914): EUROPEAN ECONOMICS Microeconomics, macroeconomics and economic policies of the European Union. EU economic law, institutions, decision-making, and budgeting. Historic and current influences on regional economic development. Monetary and fiscal policies. Economic research methods, analysis, and reporting. Pre: ECON 2006. (3H,3C)
3944: INTERNATIONAL ENROLLMENT Participation in an approved study abroad program without direct supervision of the Va Tech faculty but with required enrollment in an approved program of study in a foreign university. (0C)
3944S: INTERNATIONAL ENROLL SPECIAL 3 Participation in an approved Study Abroad program without direct supervision of the Virginia Tech faculty but with required enrollment in an approved program of study in an international university. Course represents three billable hours and no academic credit. (0C)
3944T: INTERNATIONAL ENROLL SPECIAL 4 Participation in an approved Study Abroad program without direct supervision of the Virginia Tech faculty but with required enrollment in an approved program of study in an international university. Course represents four billable hours and no academic credit. (0C)
3954: STUDY ABROAD Variable credit course.
4004: SEMINAR IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES Interdepartmental seminar to synthesize and articulate basic assumptions, theories, and methods of international studies. Senior standing in IS and instructor consent required. (3H,3C)
4014: INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Utilizes development, gender, and social theory to examine the impact of aid programs on communities in the Third World. Analyzes such issues as the impact of development projects in agriculture, natural resources, and employment on the local people, the impact of aid on women; and the policies and administrative structures that direct the world of international development. (3H,3C)
4024 (PSCI 4024): SEMINAR IN DIPLOMACY AND SECURITY In-depth analysis of selected topics in diplomacy, strategy, and national security including issues pertaining to international conflict and cooperation; dimensions of national power; objectives of national policy and implementation of national strategy; diplomatic negotiations; and conflict resolution. Senior Standing. Pre: 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054. (3H,3C)
4034 (PSCI 4034): TOPICS IN DIPLOMACY LAB Examines the fundamentals of policy analysis and formulation and emphasizes research and writing on topics pertaining to diplomacy, security, and foreign policy. Focuses on policy analysis and evaluation and concentrates on policy design. Emphasizes preparation and presentation of policy reports. May be taken three times for credit with different policy topics. Pre: Junior Standing. (3H,3C)
4044 (JMC 4044): INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION Comparative perspectives on global communication systems; problems with the flow of information; roles of international organizations; mass communication and national development; implications for conflict resolution; selected case studies. Senior standing required or instructor consent required. (3H,3C)
4054 (PSCI 4054): SEMINAR IN GLOBAL POLITICAL ECONOMY Examines theoretical and historical approaches to global political economy and assesses their practical implications. Focuses on issue areas such as production, trade, money, finance and investment and analyzes their implications for the global economic and political order. Investigates issues pertaining to economies of development and in transition. Senior Standing. Pre: 2064 or PSCI 2064 or GEOG 2064. (3H,3C)
4064 (PSCI 4064): SEMINAR IN GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT Examines how economic and political forces interact in the developing world, discusses the history of these interactions from the pre-colonial period to the present and explores how colonialism shaped the developing worlds economic and political trajectories. Utilizes case studies, historical analysis and development economics to better understand the economic and political condition of countries in the developing world. Senior Standing. Pre: 2064 or PSCI 2064 or GEOG 2064. (3H,3C)
4074 (PSCI 4074): THE POLITICS OF CYBERSECURITY Analyses the politics of cybercrime, cyberwar, and the challenges of producing effective cybersecurity. Topics include the economics of cybersecurity, the cross-border nature of global cybercrime, encryption and anonymity-granting technologies, targeting critical national infrastructure, network investigative techniques, cybersecurity measurement, politics of zero-day vulnerabilities, and the process of providing effective cybersecurity at the individual, organizational, subnational, and national levels. Pre: PSCI 3044 or IS 3044. (3H,3C)
4104: TOPICS IN EUROPEAN STUDIES Selected issues pertaining to European Studies, such as racism in Europe, European art and society, religion and society in Europe, gender politics, and demographic trends in Europe. May be repeated twice with different content for a maximum of nine (9) credits. Pre: Senior Standing. Pre: 1104. (3H,3C)
4114: TOPICS IN EUROPEAN UNION POLICIES Governmental and non-governmental actors in environmental policy, climate, energy, health, agricultural, education, industrial, social or similar policymaking. EU organizational structures and decision-making mechanisms. Public opinion. Analysis of policy results and effectiveness. May be repeated twice with different content for a maximum of nine (9) credits. Pre: 3814 or PSCI 3814. (3H,3C)
4124: TOPICS IN EUROPEAN INTEGRATION Research and analysis of selected issues pertaining to European integration. Democracy and European governance. Nationalism and European integration. Impact of fascism and racism on European integration. Integration of refugees and migrants in European societies. May be repeated twice with different content for a maximum of nine (9) credits. Pre: 3804 or PSCI 3804. (3H,3C)
4134: CAPSTONE RESEARCH PROJECT IN EUROPEAN STUDIES Independent research project focusing on contemporary Europe. Identifying a topic of inquiry, formulating a research question, conducting a literature review, and preparing a research proposal. Collecting, evaluating and analyzing data, composing a research paper and presenting the research findings. Topics may originate from any discipline contributing to European studies. Pre: Senior Standing. (3H,3C)
4174 (FREC 4174) (PSCI 4174): CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE INTERNATIONAL POLICY FRAMEWORK Science, causes and impacts of climate change. Mitigation and adaptation measures to address the causes and impacts of climate change. International climate change policy, with attention to the policy making process, in particular the role of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and climate negotiations. Science and diplomacy in climate negotiations to achieve successful outcomes. The ethical and social implications of climate change policies. Pre: FREC 2124 or GEOG 1524. (3H,3C)
4614 (PSCI 4614): SENIOR SEMINAR IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Selected topics in international relations, including objectives of national policy; dimensions and components of national power; comparative diplomacy; international conflict and cooperation; instruments of conflict resolution. Topics vary from semester to semester as announced. Must have senior standing and any two of the prerequisites. Pre: PSCI 3615 or PSCI 3616 or IS 3615 or IS 3616 or PSCI 3625 or PSCI 3626 or PSCI 3 734 or IS 3626 or IS 3734. (3H,3C)
4714 (PSCI 4714): SENIOR SEMINAR IN POLICY ANALYSIS Theoretical, analytical, and methodological approaches used to assess government activities and public policy. Topics vary from semester to semester as announced. Must have senior standing. Pre: PSCI 3724, PSCI 3734. (3H,3C)
4734 (PSCI 4734): THEORIES AND PRACTICES OF INTERNATIONAL CONFLICT MANAGEMENT Examines alternative perspectives on peace, security, and international intervention and their implications for policy. Focuses on the role of international organizations and other actors in conflict resolution and peace-building and explores issues pertaining to humanitarian intervention, human security, and state-building. Utilizes case studies in peacekeeping and peace building to highlight the link between theory and practice. Pre: PSCI 3616 or IS 3616. (3H,3C)
4735,4736 (PSCI 4735, 4736): MULTILATERAL DIPLOMACY WORKSHOP Investigates the purpose, context, and process of multilateral diplomacy and focuses on the strategies and tactics associated with it. Examines format and products of multilateral conferences, decision-making processes, negotiations, mediation, delegation management, and conference management. Utlilizes case studies and simulations. 4735: focuses on multilateral diplomacy at the United Nations. 4736: focuses on multilateral diplomacy in the framework of regional international organizations. Pre: 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054. (3H,3C)
4744 (PSCI 4744): INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS WORKSHOP Examines the impact of historical experience and bureaucratic structures on intelligence analysis. Discusses the contents of the intelligence agenda and explores issues pertaining to intelligence analysis. Focuses on the intelligence process and offers a target-centric approach to intelligence analysis. Emphasizes and evaluates the use of structured analytic techniques in intelligence analysis. Pre: 2054 or PSCI 2054 or GEOG 2054. (3H,3C)
4754: INTERNSHIP Variable credit course.
4964: FIELD STUDY Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY Variable credit course.
4974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY Variable credit course.
4984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course.
4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH Variable credit course.
4994H: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH Variable credit course.