Course Catalog

Philosophical and political modernity concerns the development of rationality, freedom, and social responsibility from out of the tensions between ethics, religion, politics and the economy. With postmodernist epistemology, the so-called 'return' of religion, and economic globalization, this 'modernity' has been questioned. In this historical context the course re-elaborates the problematic of modernity through selective reading of Kant, Hegel, and Nietzsche.

Examines the role of force, including coercive diplomacy, in contemporary international relations. Considers definitions of national security, alliance systems, force structures, force deployments, and coercive diplomacy. Examines the entire spectrum of force from terrorism and counter-terrorism, insurgency and counter-insurgency, low-intensity conflict, to conventional and nuclear weapon systems.

Topics courses change every semester, offering advanced study in themes, theories and issues beyond the regular departmental course offerings. Taught by permanent or visiting faculty, recent Topics courses include: 'The French Elections', 'Refugee and Asylum Law', 'Turkey and the EU', or 'Law and Corruption'.

Internships are commonly pursued in non-governmental organizations, international development networks or research institutes, but can also be completed in a variety of other institutions depending on students’ interests and initiative. The University cannot guarantee placement in an internship, but will provide assistance with the internship search. Junior standing is recommended as well as early contact with the Internship Office for registration purposes. Internships may be taken for 1 or 4 credits. Students may do more than one internship, but internship credit cannot cumulatively total more than 4 credits.

This course is designed for students involved in editing, writing and producing The Planet and The Peacock. It offers basic instruction and hands-on experience in newspaper and magazine composition. The course will cover everything that comes up in the process of producing a publication, from reporting, writing and editing to page design to working according to a production schedule. A constant concern will be the challenge facing print editors in the Internet age: how to create reader-friendly publications that are informative and attractive enough to appeal despite the draw of the Web. The production of The Planet and The Peacock will be the main work of the course.

This class critically examines the phenomenon of transitional justice, surveying the methods used, the problems inherent therein, and the assumptions underlying the application of transitional justice tools. We will work on case studies, looking at the main actors and institutions. Particular attention will be given to the Colombian transitional justice process. Students will be required to work individually and in groups.

The senior seminar is the culmination of the degree program and is designed to encourage students to combine their skilled analysis of the political in a challenging new context. While topics cover all three track concentrations, the goal of the seminar is to foster a sense of intellectual autonomy, to facilitate the ability to assess paradigms, and to provide a platform for a professional oral presentation of research results, as well as the incorporation of original research in a written thesis. Recent seminar topics include: Sovereignty, International Criminal Law, and Democracy.

A Senior Project is an independent study representing a Major Capstone Project that needs to be registered using the Senior Project registration form.
(Download: https://fd10.formdesk.com/aup/SeniorProjectApplication)

The module topics change each semester and are taught by working professionals in the fields of international affairs, conflict resolution and civil society development. Each semester four or more different modules are offered. May be taken twice for credit.