Course Descriptions

CIS 161 Computer Information Systems

This course is designed to be a comprehensive guide for students who will work with computers in a business environment. It will address very practical aspects involved in the everyday uses of computers, how computers work, and the technical terminology involved. The areas being taught are: history of computers, computer hardware (computer components and how they make up a computer), computer networks (various categories e.g. uses in a business environment, Internet), computer security, computer buying and integration into a business environment, software and the major operating systems (e.g. Microsoft operating systems).

COM 101 Composition I

This course is designed to develop and improve essential writing skills. Interactive lectures, in-class activities, and peer critiquing will play an important role in this course, which is required for all students in their first year. By the end of the course, students will have a firm enough grasp of the mechanics of English grammar and usage to enable them to write the essays and reports that form a major part of college study.

COM 102 Composition II

Prerequisite: COM 101

This second part of the Composition curriculum builds upon what has been covered in COM 101 and concentrates on improving writing style and helping students develop the skills required to produce an academic research paper. These skills include summary writing, critical reading, note taking, library research, field research, working with primary and secondary sources, bibliographical techniques, finding a topic and organizing formal writing.

COM 200 Introduction to Mass Communication

This course gives students an overview of the main themes within Mass Communication, paying particular attention to the political, economic, cultural and technological influences on both the form and the nature of mass communication. The course considers the many ways that the form and content of mass media contribute to our understanding of the social and cultural world around us. It will examine the role of the state, organizations, and technology in the production and distribution of mass communication. This course will also look at how media messages are received and interpreted, considering the general effects of media at both the individual and the collective level.

CZE 101 Elementary Czech

This course, designed for exchange students, introduces students to contemporary Czech language. It focuses on conversation and basic grammar, but includes reading and writing elements. The course is conducted using interactive methodology.

DIPL 404 Practical and Political Perspectives of Cultural Diplomacy

This course will concentrate on public diplomacy as a tool of foreign policy and a matter of strategic communications. The course will explore the recent history of public diplomacy and the projection of its use world-wide in the foreseeable future. The course will be oriented on the practise of public diplomacy in the U.S., in the UK, and other selected European countries, France, and Germany. Attention will be devoted to Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic, and partly also to other post-communist countries.

DIPL 505 International Organizations in Diplomatic Practice

Instructor(s): Heinrich Reimann, Michael Hahn

This is a general course on diplomacy, while focusing on lessons to be drawn from an advanced knowledge of the subject matter. The course will introduce the concept of international actors and their legal parameters within the framework of international law, while analyzing the United Nations system and its impetus for reform. The latter part of the course covers other key international actors in view of their response to global issues and changes in the political scene - namely a look into the EU, NATO, OSCE, NATO, and WTO. Finally, the course covers international organizations in other parts of the world: the African Union, League of Arab States, MERCOSUR, ASEAN, Organisation of American States and the Organisation of Islamic Countries. The course will contribute to the understanding of the specifics of bilateral and multilateral diplomacy and their roles in present diplomacy.

DIPL 601 Role of Diplomatic Missions

Instructor(s): Michael Hahn

The goal of this course will be to demonstrate and examine international relations and politics from the perspective of diplomatic misSions abroad. Whether it is the increasing influence of non-governmental organizations, multinational corporations, or traditional trans-governmental organizations like the UN, IMF or World Bank, diplomatic missions must address not only the policy objectives of their own countries in foreign contexts, but also the increasing diversity of often conflicting political and economic interests of non-state players. The course will also make students familiar with the structure of everyday affairs in diplomatic missions abroad.

DIPL 602 Environmental Diplomacy

Instructor: Bedřich Moldán

Pollution and other forms of environmental degradation very often “do not know borders.” Therefore, the international dimension of environmental problems is of particular importance. Multilateral environmetal agreements (MEAs) and other elements of environmental hard and soft law play a very important role in the development of relations between states. The same applies to international and intergovernmental conferences, including European and global summits. This is also the case in the area of bilateral relations, for Europe and also for the broader intergovernmental and international structures, including the United Nations Organization. Environmental diplomacy is an increasingly important component of diplomacy. It necessitates that environmental diplomats receive special preparation in the environment and its protection, as specialists in this field.

DIPL 650 Internet and Diplomacy (Cyber-Diplomacy)

Instructor(s): Béatrice Maaloufová

This course will familiarize students with the impact of the internet with special atttention paid to the problems of using the internet in diplomacy. Particularly, the security of storage and transfer of data in the field of dilomacy will be examined. Other topics discussed in the course will include so-called “e-diplomacy,” cyber-diplomacy, Internet crime, e-divided, internet stakeholders and the e-gap between North & South. The aim of the course is to make students aware of the legal, economic and social impacts of Internet governance in diplomatic and international affairs. The increasing role of e-diplomacy in the promotion, and in the public diplomacy of countries will be included in the course.

ECO 110 Macroeconomics

This course looks at the economy as a whole and we try to explain the factors that make it work. Therefore, we want to know the signs that indicate whether the economy is growing or declining. We look at national income, unemployment, inflation, the role of banking and monetary activity, the government’s role, and how international economic relationships operate.

ECO 120 Microeconomics

This course explores those theories that explain in detail how an economy works. It looks at aspects such as supply and demand, the firm, price theory, production and cost, the application of theories, and problems in the market economy.

ENV 401 Environmental Law and Public Policy

This course will cover a broad spectrum of inter-related environmental issues and contexts including: Fundamentals of Ecology (ecosystems, biodiversity,  habitats, indicator species); Energy Use and Climate Change (the challenge of balancing economics, environmental impact, national security); Principles of Environmental Law (land, water, air:  prevention and clean-up); Natural Resources (endangered species,  preservation of land, forests, marine life, problems of scale; balancing preservation with utilitarianism); Environmental Theory (tragedy of the commons, internalizing externalities, risk assessment/risk management; methods of encouraging environmentalism: education/ information, tax incentives, cap and trade, laws/regulation); Environmental Administrative Law (procedures for decision making; implementing environmental laws and regulations; public choice/capture);  Land Conservation (how to encourage conservation on private land);  Trade and Environment (balancing EU and WTO principle of non-discrimination with environmental polluter pays principle; role of NGOs in MEAs (Multilateral Environmental Agreements).

FRE 100 French I

The approach adopted here, generally speaking, is an action-oriented one, based on the development of the four skills (listening, reading, speaking, writing) together with thorough and in depth learning of the language. Students will learn the basics of French language based on the study of oral and written assignments. These assignments will emphasize specific grammar, vocabulary, phonetics…so that students can conceptualize the way language works. The cultural dimension is also part of the course (French regions, symbols). The course aims at delivering an all-round practical knowledge of grammar, skills, vocabulary and real-life functional language. At the end of French I students will be able to: Understand and use familiar everyday expressions to satisfy needs of a basic type-- Introduce him / herself and others and ask and answers questions about personal details--Interact in a simple way.

HIS 104 World History II

This class begins with a survey of major world civilizations in the Early Modern Period (native “Americans,” the Muslim empires, and China and Japan) then deals with several “revolutionary” European events of global importance, including English constitutional developments in the 17th century, the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, and the Industrial Revolution. Emphasis is placed on how these European events influenced non-western cultures. Modern themes, such as late 19th-century imperialism, the global significance of the two world wars, and the international dimensions of the Cold War will be examined including the way western trends, such as liberalism, industrialization, or Communism were adopted, adapted, or rejected by people around the globe.

HIS 110 United States History

This course will focus on selected themes while at the same time giving a general overview of the history of the United States. Main topics will include the transition from colonialism to the balance of power written into the Constitution; solution to the Native American question; slavery; Civil War strategies (1820-1865); industrialization, labor and capital; and immigration, WWI, WWII and the Americanization of the United States. In addition to the standard textbook, the course will rely on period readings, documents and photographs.

HIS 111 US History to 1877

This course will give an overview of US political and social history from the colonial period through Reconstruction. Main topics will include the transition from colonialism to the balance of power written into the Constitution; planting the West and solutions to the Native American question; the evolving role of women in American society; and slavery, the march towards civil war, and Reconstruction. Although the course will focus on several Great White Men, it will primarily take the viewpoint of (in Lippmann's phrase) the “bewildered herd” in an effort to understand what American history has meant for the many as opposed to the few.

HIS 122 European History II

This course examines the transformations in European politics, society, culture and economic life from Renaissance to the end of the World War II. It focuses in particular on major characters, events and trends, and considers the growing strength of nationalism, the rise of mass political movements, the impact of economic modernization on both individuals and society. The goal is to go beyond the national histories and to discuss the continuity and discontinuity, common trends and fundamental issues in the history of modern Europe.

HIS 231 History of the Cold War and Post-Cold War Transition

This course will examine the Cold War, from its beginnings in World War II to its aftermath in the 1990's. The focus will be on U.S. - Soviet/Russian relations, but considerable attention will be devoted to other affected areas of the world, particularly Europe. Readings and lectures will provide general background as well as closer analysis of key events of the period. In papers, examinations and class discussions, students will be asked to offer and assess interpretations of the events and trends.

HIS 238 Tradition and Modernity: Jewish Culture in Central Europe

This course will take Central European Jewish history as a prism through which to trace the major processes, events and personalities that shaped the late modern period (1780-1990s). Looking at diverse sources such as law, fine arts, literature, architecture and music (with a strong emphasis on Prague and the Czech Republic), we will explore the interrelationships between Central European Jewish history and modern economics, the rise of the nation-state, school curricula, class society, language wars, urban development patterns, national identity, individual liberties and more. The course will include a visit to Prague’s Jewish Museum and a day-trip to Terezín.

HIS 370 East Central European Post War History

This course aims to teach the post-World War II history of Central and Eastern Europe from the immediate aftermath of the war in 1945 through the anti-Communist revolutions of 1989 and the early transition period of the 1990s. Though the treatment will be historical in nature, lectures and readings will be amply supplemented by literature, film, video clips, music and audio from the period to promote a fuller, richer understanding. Countries to be covered include Czechoslovakia (Czech and Slovak republics), Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and the former East Germany. Though this is not a Soviet history class per se, there will be significant discussion of the role of the Soviet Union (and later Russia) in Central and Eastern European affairs.

HSS 350 Internship

Prerequisite: 3rd year of study, and approval of Chair or Coordinator

The goal of an internship is to enable students to get practical professional experience and, at the same time, to provide the students an opportunity to use their knowledge and skills in the real professional environment. Students generally work 20 hours per week for the duration of a semester.

HSS 390 Senior Thesis Colloquium

In the final year, students work independently on research projects and produce a senior thesis of approximately 40 pages. The topic of the senior thesis must be approved by the Chair, and the students must have an approved faculty advisor working under his/her guidance. The defense of this thesis is a part of the State Exams and is a condition to graduate.

LEG 101 Introduction to Law

This course gives a general overview of law and legal systems. It covers the nature and sources of law, court systems, and the substantive areas of constitutional law, contracts, torts, criminal law, contracts, agency, and property. This course is geared towards providing students with the basic knowledge of all aspects of the law, critical legal thinking, and a comparative approach to the civil and common law systems. This course is a prerequisite for all other Legal Studies courses.

POL 101 Introduction to Politics I

This course focuses mainly on the political ideologies that lie behind the practice of modern day politics. Students will explore, in detail, political creeds such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism, fascism, and nationalism as well as feminism, anarchism and environmentalism. The course also introduces students to the basic concepts of government, state, sovereignty, nation and supernationalism, power, authority and legitimity, law, order and justice, duty and citizenship, democracy, equality, social justice and welfare.

POL 102 Introduction to Politics II

This course focuses on the institutions and procedures of modern governments. Topics covered will include political cultures, constitutions, political parties, presidentialism versus parliamentarism, the judiciary, bureaucracy, social cleavages and civil society.

POL 200 Political Philosophy

This course examines significant themes in political philosophy, highlighting the way in which major concepts of political thought have evolved from ancient Greece to contemporary western society. By critically examining the works of political philosophers, we will explore such themes as the nature of the state and political power, the justification of political authority, the elements of a just society, and whether some types of regime should be preferred over others. Readings include Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Mill, Nietzsche, Marx and more recent challenges to classical positions in political theory.

POL 201 Nations and Nationalism

Prerequisite: POL 101 or 102

This course will examine the formation of modern national identities with a major emphasis on Europe, including the historical circumstances in which nationalism emerged, the national awakening, national policies of multi-ethnic states, national programs and their leaders. The main focus of the course will be oriented toward topics surrounding three phenomena that had fateful consequences for the 20th century: (1) the unsuccessful attempt to eliminate, after WWI, national tensions by creating new nation-states, and the encounters with both major totalitarian ideologies, (2) Nazism and (3) Communism. The present eruptions of nationalism are rooted in the heritage of these phenomena.

POL 220 West European Politics

Prerequisite: POL 101 or 102

This course examines the politics of Western Europe; the United Kingdom, France and Germany will serve as the main case studies; however, students will also explore other West European countries as they relate to the various aspects of politics discussed. History, constitutional development, political culture, geography, political institutions, leaders, mobilization structures, political behavior, and policy agendas are topics to be discussed in relation to the above mentioned countries.

POL 231 Czech and Slovak Politics

Prerequisite: POL 101 or 102

This course examines all aspects of Czech and Slovak politics. Students will study the historical background, analyze the contemporary situation and discuss predictions for the future of Czech and Slovak politics in a modern European context.

POL 241 The Arab Israeli Conflict

The aim of this course is to enhance your understanding of the domestic, regional, and international factors in the Arab-Israeli conflict. This course focuses on the causes, course, and implications of the Arab-Israeli conflict. It explores the history, politics, and diplomacy, of the conflict, comparing the narratives of the Israel, Arab States, and Palestinians. It also examines domestic political, economic, and social forces in Israel and the Arab countries. The relationships among Arabs and Israelis, inter-Arab relations and the role of the external powers on the conflict will be explored.  Irrespective of your own convictions, you will be expected to develop your critical thought, in order to be able to detect "bias" or "spins" in narratives of the Arab-Israeli conflict and in the daily press.

POL 242 East Asian Politics

As the 20th Century will go down in history as one of American hegemony and primacy, many today have few doubts that the next century will tell the story of the rise of East Asia, and China in particular. Beginning with the end of the Cold War, East Asia’s rise to the center of global politics has been unparalleled, and the theme of this class is to explore how the politics of the region have developed and  shaped external relations with the US & Russia, two of the largest stakeholders in the past. The course will focus on contemporary recent history, politics and the economics of selected countries in the region. The aim the course is to provide an overview of East Asia sufficient to prepare someone who might need to work or visit there, and serve as an adequate basis for further study at the MA level. A few theoretical aspects, such as political culture, modernization, civil society, power structure and external factors are discussed to help shed light on political democratization and to help analyze the changes in East Asia's political systems.

POL 250 Political Geography

This course consists of three parts: political geography of state, political geography of international relations, and political geography of the most important countries of today's world politics. It will examine theoretical issues as well as practical examples of the geographical aspects of contemporary political problems.

POL 251 International Relations

This course serves as an introduction to some of the fundamental issues and perspectives used by scholars in the study of international relations. Students will explore the impact of history, geography, economic power and social and cultural traditions on conflict and cooperation in the global arena. This course will allow students the opportunity to gain a theoretical understanding of world politics while encouraging them to apply this knowledge to contemporary international events taking place around them.

POL 256 Introduction to Diplomacy

Prerequisite: POL 101 or 102

This is an undergraduate course for students interested in pursuing their career in the sphere of international relations: it is for future diplomats of respective national Ministries of Foreign Affairs, those interested in working for international organizations, as well as for students interested in the day-to-day process of foreign policy making. The aim of this course is to give students an insight into the real-world practice of international relations. Lectures will introduce the most important facts and concepts about actors in the area of international relations and the basic knowledge necessary for diplomats. Other sessions will help students improve their writing and presentation skills in this area.

POL 280 Political Economy

Prerequisite: ECO 110

Political Economy is an area of international relations that studies the politics of international economic activities. This course looks at the main challenges faced by the world economy in the period from 1945 to today. This course concentrates on international trade, international monetary relations, international organizations managing the world economy and the process of globalization.

POL 315 Contemporary Latin American Politics

Prerequisite: POL 101 or 102, POL 251

This course selectively covers the politics, regional organizations and international role of South America. It provides an introduction to the development and current context of politics in Latin America as well as to theoretical approaches to democracy and development used in political science. It includes case studies of Mexico, Cuba, Colombia, Brazil, Chile and Argentina. Major themes include the issues of political and economic reform, social crisis and transformation, challenges to democratization, and the emerging role of economic regionalism, driven by organizations such as Mercosur, NAFTA, and the FTAA. New foreign and security policies are also accessed, looking forward to the region’s needs in the 21st century.
This class is an upper-level elective for PS major, and only open to other majors with the approval of the lecturer.

POL 320 Politics of the European Union

Prerequisite: POL 101 or 102

This course examines the politics and economics of the European Union. Beginning with an historical overview of why the EU was originally created and how it has developed, the course then examines the institutions of the European Union and how they promote cooperation between the member states. After examining the successes and shortcomings of the EU, students will look to the future and what European integration may mean for the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

POL 330 East Central European Politics

Prerequisite: POL 101 or 102

This course will address the issues facing East-Central Europe as a region, beginning with an historical overview of the region, followed by a discussion of the 1989 revolutions and the collapse of communism. Students will address issues such as the re-emergence of nationalism, the break-up of states, and the desire to join Western security institutions, and they will study how specific countries in the region are addressing the current political and economic challenges of transition.

POL 333 German Relations in East Central Europe

The aim of this course is to provide an outline of the relationship between Germany and Central and Eastern Europe during the last two centuries (from Chancellor Otto von Bismarck to the government of Angela Merkel). On this basis various historical and ideological reasons are analyzed, starting with the aspiration of the German nation to create a political hegemony over Central and Eastern Europe during World War I and II. On the other hand this course shows also the positive role of Germany in Europe after WW II and its decisive support for the Eastern Enlargement of the EU after 1990. Moreover several theoretical approaches related to East-Central Europe are presented, that emerged in the German thought, for example „Mitteleuropa“ of  Friedrich Naumann.

POL 344 South Asian Politics and Culture

Prerequisite: POL 251

The class will analayze and overview the major issues in government and politics in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal. The course of study has been divided country wise, in order to ensure continuity and clarity. For each country we will delve into the political culture and heritage, Government and Institutions, leaders and parties and finally policy issues and current perspectives, in order to understand best what characterises South Asian Politics. Highlights of our discussions will include the success of India’s democracy, dictatorship in Pakistan, monarchy and communism in Nepal, ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka and the ineffectiveness of Political rule in Bangladesh.

POL 345 Geopolitics of Asia

As the world's eyes turn further east, the diminishing of American hegemony and the equally momentous growth of Asia led by China and India and consolidated by Korea and Japan is quickly becoming a subject of study. The course at its most basic level aims to examine the geography of the international relations of the region and the omnipresent role the US plays in it. While at its most basic level, the course will examine the interaction between the geography and politics of the largest landmass, home to 50% of the world's population and more perhaps importantly 70% of the world's foreign reserves, the course will focus on key aspects of political economy, critical geopolitical theory and other post-modernist perspectives, including the interaction of globalisation and religion.

POL 351 Global Security

Prerequisite: POL 251

Security studies is moving from a purely state-centric focus anchored in the military instrument to one considering transnational issues with global implications, implying collective effort to address these issues. Security Studies is the study of transnational security issues which have global implications such as war, terrorism, conflicts, migration. Threats to security span a wide spektrum of threats ti the survival of someone, be they individuals, groups, nations, regions, or the world community. Nowadays, the vast majority of conflicts and potential conflicts are internal conflicts, most often in states undergoing major politoval, social, and economic transition and disclocation. Those conflicts have different causes, different effects and certainly different dynamics. In sum, students are to be provided with an introductory grounding in conceptual and theoretical skill as well as in empirical knowledge to further develop their interest in and understanding of security studies.

POL 375 Public Policy

Prerequisite: POL 102

This course introduces students to basic methodological approaches to public policy. Emphasis will be placed on concepts, practices, and rationales for policy analysis as well its limitations. Continuing attention will be paid to defining a policy problem; separating the issues; principles of hypothesis testing; analysis of policy issues; selecting appropriate methodologies, examining options, and developing policy recommendations. Concepts will be applied to actual policy issues.

POL 381 Multiculturalism in Europe

This course discusses and analyses major ethnic, racial, national, and religious minorities in contemporary Europe from a sociological, political, legal, historical and anthropological perspectives. It will look at a broad range of topics such as inclusive citizenship, identity, conflict, migration, minority rights, international law, minority policy development and implementation. By using case studies, students will deepen their understanding of the status and condition of minorities in Europe, the roots of and solutions to ethnic conflict, and gradually changing European conceptions of citizenship and the multicultural state.

POL 401 International Systems in World History

ElectivePrerequisite: POL 101&102,POL 251

This course is intended to extend and deepen existing knowledge of International Relations Theory, and to allow students to identify the historically specific features of the contemporary international system when viewed in the context of world history. The course examines the different ways in which the concept of the international system has been understood within the International Relations literature, and, in particular, the different traditions of theorizing the international system in American and British International Relations. It builds upon this understanding to compare the many different forms of the international system that have existed historically, from the city-state systems and empires of the ancient and classical world, through the rise of the modern state-system and its particular historical features, to the emergence of new developments in the contemporary international system, such as the rise of global cities and new theories of empire.

POL 403 Cultural Diplomacy

Prerequisite: COM 200

This course intends to provide students with an approach on Public Diplomacy and its affiliates like Global Diplomacy, Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power. Its objective is to help students understand the importance of International public opinions in today’s Diplomacy, mostly from a Western point of view, but also from developing countries such as Lebanon or former Communist countries. Techniques of Strategic Mass Communication will be provided along with case studies on today’s Public Diplomacy.

POL 405 Comparative Political Systems and Strategic Governance

Prerequisite: POL 320

The course examines governance through the lens of comparative political systems. It focuses on public policy questions as they are conceived, debated and resolved by political systems. Political systems act as the primary source of discussion and debate attempting to reconcile opposing interests in furtherance of a collective or general will. Then, more closely, the course examines numerous societal ills exemplified by demands for public services vs. competition processes in a globalized world; national vs. local, regional and supranational agendas; interaction of state, market and civic capacities, to address pathologies such as corruption, clientelism, organized crime; poverty; exclusion vs. inclusion; unemployment; hierarchic traditions of administration vs. information and communication networks and technologies. Strategies will be evaluated such as collective/collaboration; unified economic, political and civic engagement; knowledge construction; networking; increasing social capital; competition tempered by equity, dignity, respect and care for the individual; equal opportunity; resolution of scientific, technological and traditional values; and sustainable development.

POL 430 Central Europe and Stalin: The Making of the Soviet Bloc

Prerequisite: POL 101 or 102

This course studies the process that resulted in the transformation of Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Poland into the Soviet satellites. We will examine both the Bolshevik concepts and activities toward Central Europe, and the approaches of Central European countries toward Bolshevik Russia and the Soviet Union, as applied from the end of the World War I to Stalin’s death. Particular attention will be paid to the diplomatic history of Central Europe “between Hitler and Stalin”, and to the Communization of foreign policy and foreign service after the Communists seized the power in the Central European countries. Insights into the history of Czechoslovak Embassy in Moscow and Czechoslovak diplomatic exile will be included into the course and students will be exposed to rare primary diplomatic sources.

POL 436 CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPEAN POLITICS

This course covers the history and politics of East Central Europe. This includes Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. While we will focus on the core states of this geographic area, lectures and readings will also analyze other areas of the broader East European land mass that have influenced the history of East Central Europe. This includes Germany, Russia and the Balkans. Topics to be covered in the readings and lectures include: demographic and imperial history; the interwar period; the communist takeovers; the nature of the communist system and communist regimes; Stalinism and de-Stalinization; the output and decline of communist regimes; the revolutions of 1989; transitions to democracy and the market; and European integration.

POL 442 Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa

Prerequisite: POL 251

This course assesses Sub-Saharan Africa of the 20th Century including its features, the pace of development, organizational structure, behavior and its position in international arena. It deals with practical and theoretical aspects that are interrelated with the subjects of Political Science and International Relations. The course will compare and analyze outstanding thinkers of Sub-Saharan Africa and the degree of their influence in the continent. This course will also focus upon the major issues that Sub-Saharan Africa is wrestling with today and perspectives of 21st Century. The course will cover historical as well as current issues. Particular emphasis will be placed on the traditional African political philosophy and society, traditional political system, Pan-Africanism, African-nationalism, African-socialism, Ethiopianism or Rastafarism, transatlantic slave trade, legacy of colonialism including authoritarianism, African Union, regional economic integration and the stage in Africa of liberal democracy at present. This is a course designed, basically, to assess traditional and modern Africa.

POL 450 Geography and Politics in Europe

Prerequisite: POL 251

This advanced level course in international relations consists of three core parts: political geography of the European states, political geography of international relations, and the political geography of the most important countries of today’s world politics in relation to Europe. It will examine theoretical issues as well as practical examples of the geographical aspects of contemporary political problems.

POL 452 Human Security

How does one define human security? How do the security and existence of the individual relate to the security of the state? Can security of the individual be deconstructed and studied within the context of the state? The course aims to answer these questions by exploring the relationship between globalization, development and human security in the view of the post-modern creations that threaten society today. Human security refers to the safeguarding of individuals and groups from the threats that exist beyond their control. Threats that are necessarily not a part of their day-to-day existence i.e. conflict, genocide, economic crises, disease epidemics, terrorist attacks, environmental degradation, destitution, water and even other social aspects of society. Further the course will explore how international institutions that exist, interact with civil society, government and organizations to ensure an enduring human security

POL 510 US Foreign Policy

Instructor(s): Michael Hahn

This course will examine US Foreign Policy from its beginnings to the present period. A major emphasis will be placed on understanding US Foreign Policy as an outgrowth of its cultural and structural influences. To this end, the course will look at arguments by Robert Dallek, Robert Kagan, Henry Kissinger, John Spanier and others. The course will include ample time for analysis of the foreign policy of the administration of President George W. Bush and the “war on terrorism.”

POL 512 The Americas

Instructor(s): Michael Hahn, David Reichardt

This course will examine the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, focusing on both internal characteristics of the members of each region as well as relations among the regions. While the focus on the U.S. will address isolationism, interventionism and the military option, civil rights and minorities, immigration, and economic characteristcs both endogenous and exogenous, the focus on the other regions will address identity and indigenous influence (primarily Indian), internal economy and trade with each other, the slowly emerging disparate leadership focusing more on internal reform and various political modalities and an awakening to globalization and the world system.

POL 520 West European Politics and Society

Instructor(s): Lenka Rovná

This course focuses on the discussion on the future of Europe, the Convention, the Intergovernmental Conference, the European Constitution and on the process of its ratification. Students will be divided into groups representing different member’s states of the EU and follow these topics connected with the discussion about the future of Europe [finalité]: the establishment of the Convention and different attitudes of MSs to the Convention, working methods of the Convention including the relationship of the Presidium versus the members of the Convention, question of European values, European identity including the membership of Turkey in the EU, common foreign and security policy of the European Union, reforms of the Institutions, national debates and NGOs.

POL 530 East Central European Politics

Instructor(s): Bořivoj Hnízdo, David Reichardt, Jonathan Terra

This is an advanced course in East-Central European politics. The goal of the course is to provide the students an in-depth understanding of the democratic transformation of the countries of East-Central Europe in the context of geographic, historical, cultural and ethnic, and political factors. The course addresses the issues facing East-Central Europe as a region, beginning with a historical overview of the region, followed by the discussion of the 1989 revolutions and the collapse of communism in Central and Eastern Europe. Other topics will include re-emergence of nationalism, the break-up of the states and their political orientation, and involvement in the Western security structures. Attention will also be paid to specific countries in the region and their approaches to current political problems and struggles.

POL 531 The Post-Soviet Region (Current Political Issues)

Instructor(s): Petr Kratochvíl, Emil Souleimanov, Tracy Dove

This course examines the development of political relations of states that emerged after the break-up of the Soviet Union, with major attention paid to Russian foreign policy within the examined area of the post-Soviet region. The course will be divided into three sections: the first section will review the historical developments that resulted in the present political arrangement (Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Caucuses, Central Asia). The second section will focus on the struggles of the Russian Federation to maintain influence in the entire region, and the last section will discuss the role of external actors and links of the entire post-Soviet region (European Union, United States and others).

POL 534 Central Europe and Stalin: The Making of the Soviet Bloc

Instructor(s): Milada Polišenská

The main focus of this course is on communist concepts and activities towards Central Europe, as well as on approaches of Central European countries towards Bolshevik Russia and the Soviet Union from the end of the World War I to Stalin’s death. The course will concentrate particularly on the diplomacy of Central European countries “between Stalin and Hitler” and on the Communization of foreign policy and foreign service in Central European countries after the Communists seized power in the region. Students will be exposed to first hand experience of work with primary diplomatic sources. After the completion of this course, students should be able to identify the Communist strategies and tactics as applied toward Central Europe, understand the process of incorporation of Central Europe into the sphere of direct Soviet influence, and analyze and interpret primary sources.

POL 535 Contemporary Politics in the Balkans

Instructor(s): Přemysl Rosůlek, Pavel Barša

This course provides students with the knowledge of the present political situation in Southeast Europe. Strong emphasis will be paid to the historical roots, including economic, ethnic, religious and cultural developments. The introductory part of the course will examine the term “the Balkan countries” and South East Europe, and will provide a view of the Ottoman Empire, following the national movements and struggles of the Balkan peoples. These phenomena will be interpreted in a comparative perspective and in combination with selected chapters from Balkan history in the period of Communism (e.g.Yugoslavia, the civil war in Greece, the idea of Balkan Federation, Tito, etc.). The climax of the course will be an examination of the disintegeration of Yugoslavia, problems of multiethnic Macedonia, and the Europeanization of the Balkans.

POL 540 Contemporary Issues in the Middle East

Instructor(s): Marek Čejka, Béatrice Maaloufová

The course would cover the hot issues in the Middle East with worldwide impact. Each week would cover at least once of these topics: Arab-Israeli conflict, the Iranian Revolution & the Iran-Iraqi War, the First Gulf War, the second & third Gulf Wars culminating with the Iraqi occupation, Democratisation Processes in the Middle East, the Euro-Mediterranean Partnerships in the Middle East & North Africa, and the issue of weapons of mass destruction in the wider Middle East. The prerequisite for this course is a basic knowledge of the history of the Middle East and basic familiarity with the region.

POL 541 East Asian Modernities

Instructor(s): Ying Qian

This course is a survey of 19th and 20th century social and cultural history of East Asia, focusing on the areas of Chinese, Japanese and Korean civilizations upon their full-scale encounters with the West starting in the mid-19th century. While South and South-east Asian countries would often come into discussion as we study East Asia, the focus of the course is on the East Asian region, so as to give enough space to treat complex issues in depth. Themes include shifts in ideology, political systems, social organizations, economy and culture; colonial and post-colonial experiences; the representations and memories of war and other man-made catastrophes; and perspectives from both genders.

POL 542 Sub-Saharan Africa

Instructor(s): Getnet Temene

This course assesses Sub-Saharan Africa of the 20th Century including its features, the pace of development, organizational structure, behavior and its pos ition in international arena. It deals with practical and theoretical aspects that are interrelated with the subjects of Political Science and International Relations. The course will compare and analyze outstanding thinkers of Sub-Saharan Africa and the degree of their influence in the continent. This course will also focus upon the major issues that Sub-Saharan Africa is wrestling with today and perspectives of 21st Century. The course will cover historical as well as current issues. Particular emphasis will be placed on the traditional African political philosophy and society, traditional political system, Pan-Africanism, African-nationalism, African-socialism, Ethiopianism or Rastafarism, transatlantic sl ave trade, legacy of colonialism including authoritarianism, African Union, regional economic integration and the stage in Africa of liberal democracy at present. This is a course designed, basically, to assess traditional and modern Africa.

POL 552 International Security; Ethno-Political Conflict and International Terrorism

Instructor(s): Petr Mareš, Emil Souleimanov

This course highlights the changing nature of security, focusing on problems in defining national interest and national security threats, security dilemma and the decision making process; the course will further examine causes of ethno-political conflicts, conflict escalation/transformation and post conflict reconciliation. Finally, the course will review terrorism, its definition, its causes, psychological and technological aspects, and the increased role of intelligence and international cooperation.

POL 650 Political Geography

Instructor(s): Bořivoj Hnízdo

This advanced level course consists of three core parts: political geography of the state, political geography of international relations, and the political geography of the most important countries of today’s world politics. It will examine theoretical issues as well as as practical examples of the geographical aspects of contemporary political problems.

POL 682 The History of Arms and Control and its Tendencies in the 21st Century

Instructor(s): Tracy Dove

While chemical and biological weapons have been around for centuries, the power to harness nuclear energy has made the 20th century notorious for the production of weapons of mass destruction. This course will examine, in a chronological approach, how these three categories of weapons became a part of the deterrence strategy of the United States and the Soviet Union, and how their development and proliferation quite often dominated global relations until the end of the Cold War. Further, the break-up of the Soviet Union and the rise of international terrorism have forced the world to seek new approaches to the nonproliferation of WMD, and we will examine through case studies how different countries are responding to international pressure. Of interest in this course will also be the technical specifications of the weapons and their delivery systems, since their simplicity has led to the inclusion of new members into the nuclear community.

POL 700 Selected Issues in International Relations, Diplomacy and its History

Prerequisite: 2nd year of study or approval of the instructor
Instructor(s): faculty and invited specialists

This course is an in-depth focus on selected issues in international relations, diplomacy and its history. This course will be offered occasionally and with a particularly strong attention to the level of qualification of the lecturer and of the topic. This course will benefit from the academic potential of AAU specialists and from visiting experts from the Czech Republic and abroad. The goal of the course is to expose students to a stimulating intellectual experience with selected topics and guest lectures.

PSY 250 Social Psychology (or PSY 150)

The purpose of this course is to give students an insight into the dynamics between the individual and the society. The focus will be upon realizing how an individual is influenced by the environment, and in return how he/she can influence the environment. Other key topics will be the analysis of social identity and of social development of an individual. The course will also concentrate on forms of social behavior such as prejudices, stereotypes, aggression and altruism.

SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology

This course is an introduction to sociology, using historical, theoretical, practical, and topical approaches to the subject. Students will first explore some of the key figures of classical sociology—Durkheim, Marx, Simmel, and Weber. In the second half of the class, students will explore selected topics in sociology and will discuss methodology and the status of the discipline in contemporary society.

SOC 280 Social Anthropology

This course provides an introduction to anthropological themes, such as kinship and exchange, further complemented by ideas related to politics, economics and social identity, which have been developed more recently. Students are expected to think analytically and compare evidence across cultures, including our own. The primary challenge is to develop a capacity for stepping out of our own cultural mindset and entering into the logic characteristic of "the other."

SOC 290 Intro to Social Science Research Methods

Prerequisite: SOC 100

This course is designed as a hands-on introduction to the basic concepts and procedures involved in designing, conducting, and evaluating research in the social sciences. Heavy emphasis is placed on understanding the benefits and limitations of quantitative research methods. The course provides students with theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills necessary to develop and conduct quantitative research projects. It also prepares students for more advanced classes in social science research methods.