International Studies and Languages Division

Course Descriptions: International Studies (INTS)

The following abbreviations denote a course that satisfies or partially satisfies a particular general education requirement: GE (General Education), PS (Presentation Skills), RM (Research Methods), and WI (Writing Intensive).

INTS 292. Selected Topics (1-4)

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INTS 344. International Relations (4)
An introduction to the ways in which states and other participants in the international system deal with one another. Specific attention is devoted to the evolution of the international system, the balance of power, collective security, and independence. (INTS 344 is equivalent to POSC 344.) (WI)

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INTS 351. Global Economics (4)
General introduction to the study of international economics and the implications of global interdependencies that emerge among countries as a result of international trade. Focuses on the history of commercial policies and the implications for international trade with special emphasis on preferential trade agreements and institutional integration. The role of foreign exchange markets and the globalization of currency markets is also examined. Economic studies students are not required to take this course. (INTS 351 is equivalent to ECON 351.) Prerequisite: ECON 200.

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INTS 444. Democratization and Development in Africa (4)
Examines themes of democratization, development, and conflict in Africa. Combining academic instruction with real-world exposure to the issues discussed in class, the course uses South Africa and Swaziland as a field laboratory in order to study the political, economic, and cultural impact of globalization on the developing world. (GE)

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INTS 445. Contemporary African Politics (4)
A study of the contemporary political, social, economic, and cultural life of Africa with emphasis on three central themes of governance, development, and security. Specific attention is devoted to political and economic liberalization in Africa, the Rwandan genocide, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and the role of South Africa. (GE)

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INTS 452. Political and Cultural Geography of Central Asia (4)
Provides an opportunity for upper-division undergraduate scholars to explore the extensive possibilities for work and research in former Soviet Central Asia and its neighboring states. Through study of diverse issues such as nationalization, territoriality, environmental crisis, economic reform, demographic shifts, women’s issues, language policy, and foreign policy in the historical, political, social, and cultural contexts, students will understand the challenges of transitioning from Marxist-Leninism to capitalist democracy. (INTS 452 is equivalent to POSC 452.)

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INTS 456. East Asian Politics (4)
A comparative study of politics and society in several countries or regions of East Asia. Examines pan-Asian history and culture and explores the determinants of political and economic liberalization. Students majoring in international studies may apply this course to either the political studies or Asian studies specialization, but not both. (INTS 456 is equivalent to POSC 456.)

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INTS 497. Senior Seminar (4)
Deals with subject matters tailored to individual students’ programs and needs. A major paper or senior thesis is required. This course must be taken during the senior year or as close to the completion of the academic program as possible. The senior seminar is taken within the student’s specific track. (PS, RM, WI)

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INTS 514. International Communication and Negotiation (4)
Focuses on international media and related organizations, communication between representatives of nations and international agencies, and the negotiation processes involved. (INTS 514 is equivalent to COM 514.) (PS, RM, WI)

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INTS 553. Ethnicity and Nationalism: The Politics of Identity (4)
A research-oriented seminar that will engage in a sophisticated examination of the key issues connected with ethnicity, nationalism, and transnationalism. Themes to be explored include primordialist, modernist, and post-modernist views of identity; national territoriality and its catalysts; interactive nationalism and subordinate group separatism; diaspora politics; and the utility of autonomy and ethnic federalism in managing multi-national/multi-homeland states. Case studies in a variety of world regions will enable students to engage in comparative analysis of these main themes. (INTS 553 is equivalent to POSC 453.)

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INTS 555. International Conflict Management (4)
An examination of international conflict and its management in the post-Cold War era. Of general interest are the sources of intra- and inter-state conflict, diplomatic and military methods of intervention to address conflict, and an examination of these successes and failures on conflict management theory and practice. Prerequisite: INTS 344 or POSC 344 or consent of instructor.

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INTS 590. Research in International Studies (1-8)
Consent of the divisional chairperson is required.

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INTS 592. Selected Topics (1-4)

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INTS 595. International Studies Internship (1-4)
A supervised internship in a student’s emphasis. Placement may be with government agencies, political, religious, educational, business, or humanitarian organizations. Prerequisites: Students must meet the standards set by the Council for International Studies and have consent of the instructor and the divisional chairperson. Cr/NC grading only.

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INTS 599. Directed Studies (1-4)
Students interested in a particular topic may take a directed studies course. Consent of the divisional chairperson and the relevant specialization coordinator are required.

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Although the above are excerpted from the 2011-2012 Seaver catalog this is not an official binding document. To view the actual catalog visit: http://seaver.pepperdine.edu/academics/catalog/