International Negotiations Provides an introduction to the theory and practice of interest-based negotiations with an emphasis on regional and international conflicts. Students learn skills and techniques associated with bilateral and multilateral negotiations, mediation, and arbitration. Course readings and class discussions explore the impacts of culture, language, and gender in the negotiation process. Participation in negotiation simulation exercises teaches research, strategy development, team building, negotiation skills, and the drafting of agreements. The semester will conclude with a study of high risk and hostage negotiation scenarios.
Students pursue in-depth research on the topic of their choice.
Leadership and Political Process Surveys the basic psychological theories that have been used to analyze political leaders. Students are expected to write a biography of a political leader of their choice, utilizing one or more psychological theories, taking into account the culturally specific forms of leadership and those that have more universal appeal. International Organized Crime Introduces students to the growing problem of illegal markets. Topics include extortion, racketeering, gambling, prostitution, human smuggling, arms smuggling, the zoo trade, drug markets, and money laundering. Discusses the influence of terrorism, environmental issues, population growth and economic interdependence on state security.