Ethical Perspectives on Global Issues. Students examine and compare the ethical standards and approaches of Western and non-Western moralists in the resolution of major moral issues. Readings include such topics as nuclear proliferation, the search for peace, ecological issues, world hunger, and genetic engineering. Foundations of International Relations. Students explore the salient issues involving conflict or cooperation in contemporary international politics.
Students examine the role international law plays in today's dynamic world.
Topics include the ever-evolving concepts of legal order, jurisdiction, territoriality, nationality, extradition, and sovereignty over land, sea, and air space, as well as the broadening impact of human rights, statehood, diplomacy, treaties, and international economic regulations. Students examine, too, the ongoing quest to regulate the use of force, including United Nations peacekeeping operations. Students establish a conceptual framework for understanding the international relations of the Eastern European states since 1945. Special attention is devoted to recent changes in the Russian government's approach toward foreign policy. The global impact of these developments is considered.