Unit 2635: International Relations Comprehensive Study

1. Introduction to International Relations

• Definition and scope of international relations
• Historical evolution of the field
• Key theoretical frameworks:
  • Realism
  • Liberalism
  • Constructivism (brief introduction)
• Importance of studying international relations in a globalized world

2. Research Methods in International Relations

• Overview of research paradigms
• Qualitative methods:
  • Case studies
  • Interviews
  • Content analysis
• Quantitative methods:
  • Surveys
  • Statistical analysis
  • Data modeling
• Data collection techniques
• Data analysis methods
• Ethical considerations in international relations research

3. International Organizations and Institutions

• Role and significance of international organizations
• The United Nations:
  • Structure
  • Functions
  • Peacekeeping and conflict resolution
• World Trade Organization (WTO):
  • Trade regulations
  • Dispute settlement
• International Monetary Fund (IMF):
  • Financial assistance and surveillance
  • Conditionality and critiques
• World Bank:
  • Development financing
  • Projects and impact assessment
• Effectiveness and challenges faced by these organizations

4. Conflict and Security Studies

• Theories of conflict and conflict resolution
• Causes of war:
  • Political
  • Economic
  • Social
• Peacekeeping operations and their frameworks
• Humanitarian intervention:
  • Legal and ethical issues
  • Case studies
• Role of military actors
• Influence of non-state actors in global security

5. Global Governance and Diplomacy

• Concept of global governance
• Challenges in global governance:
  • Climate change
  • Human rights
  • Economic development
• Diplomatic tools and strategies
• Multilateralism and bilateral diplomacy
• Role of diplomacy in managing global issues

6. Regional Studies in International Relations

• Middle East:
  • Geopolitical dynamics
  • Conflicts and alliances
• Asia-Pacific:
  • Rising powers
  • Security architecture
• Europe:
  • European Union integration
  • Regional cooperation
• Africa:
  • Economic development and challenges
  • Conflict zones and peace initiatives
• Latin America:
  • Political trends
  • Regional organizations

7. International Political Economy

• Theories of international political economy
• Trade agreements and their implications
• Development policies and foreign aid
• Globalization and its impact on national economies
• Case studies on economic diplomacy

8. Capstone Project Proposal

• Selecting a research topic
• Formulating research questions
• Conducting a literature review
• Outlining research methodology
• Preparing a project proposal document

9. Capstone Project Implementation

• Data collection techniques
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Writing the final report
• Receiving feedback and revising work

10. Capstone Project Presentation

• Preparing presentation materials
• Effective communication of research findings
• Answering questions and defending conclusions
• Peer and faculty feedback