University Catalog 2023-2024

Political Science - International (POLI)

Political Science - International (POLI)

POLI 1290  Semester Abroad  (1-20)  

Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLI 2500  International Relations  (3)  

An introductory analysis of basic factors influencing international politics, organization and law.

POLI 2890  Service Learning  (0-1)  

Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit co-requisite course. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLI 3010  Special Projects  (1-4)  

Special Projects course in Political Science - International. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLI 3011  Special Projects  (1-4)  

Special Projects course in Political Science - International. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLI 3012  Special Projects  (3)  

Special Projects course in Political Science - International. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

POLI 3013  Special Projects  (1-4)  

Special Projects course in Political Science - International. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLI 3020  Special Projects  (3-4)  

Special Projects course in Political Science - International. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLI 3040  Politics of Immigration  (3)  

This course will explore the history of immigration to the U.S., the major push and pull factors fueling immigration, the impacts of immigration on sending and receiving communities, and the outcomes of various policy responses.  

POLI 3360  Politics of Civil Wars  (3)  

From Syria to South Sudan, India to Colombia armed conflict within nation-states keeps challenging domestic and international institutions. The aim of this course is to understand the different causes and paths of civil wars. We will survey contemporary theories related to the causes, duration, and consequences of civil wars. Further, we will consider what these theories and findings mean for the prospects of successful conflict management and prevention. Case studies of ongoing and recent wars will elucidate the theories and underline the urgency to advance our knowledge in this area.The study of civil wars is a growing research field of international relations, as civil wars have become more common than wars between states. By examining theories of civil war causation and testing these on case studies from the 20th and 21st centuries, the course covers important subject matter in the International Relations concentration of Tulane's BA in Political Science.

POLI 3410  Globalization and Politics  (3)  

The Globalization and Politics course examines diverse aspects of globalization and their effects on politics. The course begins with the analyses of the debate between globalists and anti-globalists, followed by the study of the economic effects of globalization and increase in capital and labor mobility. The issues of global inequality, global civil society, North-South gap and global governance are also addressed. The course provides answers to the questions about the impact of global culture and growing influence of high-tech global flows in special social networking.

Corequisite(s): ISIB 3890.

POLI 3450  Global War on Terrorism  (3)  

The course will ask student to examine broad questions about the nature of the contemporary world in order to understand the roots of modem terrorism, including its historical, philosophical and political background. It will also discuss and evaluate the various counter; terrorism policies developed by the United States and elsewhere to address terrorist violence. Prerequisites: POLI 3450

POLI 3520  International Organizations  (3)  

A systematic study of attempts to modify the international system through multilateral organization.

POLI 3530  Engaging the United Nations  (3)  

The purpose of this class is to increase students’ knowledge about history, organization, issues, policy-making and the activities of the United Nations. During this class we will explore the purpose and functions of the United Nations. We will trace the institution’s development since its inception, consider current international problems the UN is tasked to solve (like migration and Ebola), and grapple with debates surrounding the organization, from the structure of the Security Council to the Responsibility to Protect. Through readings, course assignments and simulation exercises, and service learning students will gain valuable skills in public speaking, policy brief research and writing, negotiation, organization, and interpersonal communication.

POLI 3540  Internationl Political Economy  (3,4)  

Survey of traditional and recent theories and approaches to the study of international political economy. Emphasis will be given to the microfoundations for macromodels such as liberalism, Marxism, and realism. Topical areas will include monetary management, trade, and multinational corporations.

POLI 3550  Conflict Mgmt in Arab-Israeli  (3)  

This course is part of the Mandel-Palagye Program for Middle East Peace. It will introduce students to a range of theories and experiences exploring ways to resolve violent conflict, and conditions to build sustainable peace, with a focus on the Arab-Israeli conflict. Corequisite(s): HISM 3910 and JWST 3100.

Corequisite(s): HISM 3910 and JWST 3100.

POLI 3630  Causes & Prevent Intl War  (3)  

This course surveys the causes of war among nations. The course examines theories of war causation, and tests these out on historical case studies from the 20th century. The lessons of the past will be applied to important contemporary questions: Is the postwar peace among the great powers permanent? What policies can help reduce the likelihood of future war? Can 20th century theories explain 21st century conflicts? Upon completion of this course, students will be familiar with many of the factors that seem to cause, exacerbate, or lessen military conflict between nation-states. Students will be able to apply these factors in examining real-world scenarios.

POLI 3890  Service Learning  (0-1)  

Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit co-requisite course. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLI 3891  Service Learning  (0-1)  

Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit co-requisite course. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLI 4010  Special Projects  (3,4)  

For majors only. Non-major juniors and seniors may enroll in courses at the 4000-level or above only with the consent of the instructor. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours. Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLI 4011  Special Projects  (3-4)  

For majors only. Non-major juniors and seniors may enroll in courses at the 4000-level or above only with the consent of the instructor. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours. Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLI 4012  Special Projects  (3-4)  

Special Projects course; topic varies. For majors only. Non-major juniors and seniors may enroll in courses at the 4000-level or above only with the consent of the instructor. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLI 4310  Peace Studies & Conflict Mgmt  (3,4)  

Peace Studies is often defined as the study of conflict resolution through nonviolent means. This course will introduce students to a range of theories and experiences exploring ways to resolve violent conflicts, with a focus on intrastate war, and conditions to build sustainable peace in nations that have seen armed conflict. Taking an interdisciplinary approach by including readings from psychology, anthropology, international relations and more, we will consider theoretical debates regarding the roots of conflicts and how these interpretations affect the choice of conflict management tools. Then we will study various attempts of peacemaking, ranging from mediation to nonviolent resistance, nation-building to human rights regimes. Reflecting on both evidence and theory the course will give students an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of current approaches to conflict management and peace building. Pre-requisites: POLI 2500, POLS 2010

Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.

POLI 4410  International Law  (3)  

This course provides an introduction to basic principles of international law and how it is created, implemented, and enforced. Students will learn what forms of law make up international law; how international law is made and by whom; to whom international law applies; and the specific rules of international law in various subject areas. For majors only. Non-major juniors and seniors may enroll in courses at the 4000-level or above only with the consent of the instructor. Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.

POLI 4510  Women and War  (3,4)  

The course explores the many different roles women play in international affairs, with a particular focus on violent conflict. Beyond their vulnerabilities as potential victims, women are soldiers, diplomats, terrorists and peace activists. We will consider if and how gender influences individuals’ perceptions of war and peace, leaders’ policy choices, and whether increased participation of women in conflict resolution and mediation affects the outcome of conflict management processes. Prerequisites: POLS 2100, POLI 2500 or PSDV 2400

Prerequisite(s): POLS 2010 and (POLI 2500 or PSDV 2400).

POLI 4520  Intell. & Covert Ops.  (3)  

The class examines the uses of intelligence and clandestine operations as strategies affecting international relations from the end of World War II to the present. For majors only. Non-major juniors and seniors may enroll in courses at the 4000-level or above only with the consent of the instructor. Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.

POLI 4530  American Foreign Policy  (3)  

Theory and practice of American foreign policy. Emphasis is on major issues in United States diplomacy and on basic ideas governing American foreign policy. Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.

POLI 4600  Latin Am Intl Relations  (3,4)  

This course deals with relations among Latin American nations as well as those with the United States, Europe, Japan, and multinational institutions. This class will cover the international aspects of issues such as trade, security, human rights, immigration, and environmental politics as they relate to Latin America. Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.

POLI 4620  Global Envirnmnt Politcs  (3-4)  

An examination of the political dimensions of international environmental problems. The course will include investigation and analysis of the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to a range of environmental problems. Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.

POLI 4630  Strategy & Politics  (3,4)  

The focus of this course is grand strategy - the economic, diplomatic, and military policies adopted by states to improve their security. Theory and historical evidence will be used to address these questions: What are the different types of grand strategy, and which are appropriate to different international conditions? What forces determine a state's choice of grand strategy? What political, psychological, and cultural factors lead states to choose badly? Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.

POLI 4650  Russian Foreign Policy  (3)  

This course will explore the sources and substance of Russian foreign policy with a focus on security issues, and on relations with the U. S., Europe, and the new independent states of Eurasia. Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.

POLI 4660  Middle East Security  (3)  

Overview of contemporary security conditions in the Middle East, including conventional arms balances, weapons of mass destruction, guerrilla wars, terrorism, and economic conditions affecting security. Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.

POLI 4670  Politics of Arab Israeli Confl  (3,4)  

Examines the origins and development of the Arab-Israeli conflict from the beginning of renewed Jewish settlement in Palestine in the 1880s until the present day. Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.

POLI 4883  Writing Practicum: POLI 4010  (1)  

POLI 4890  Service Learning  (0-1)  

Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit co-requisite course. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLI 5190  Semester Abroad  (1-20)  

Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLI 5380  Junior Year Abroad  (1-20)  

Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLI 5390  Junior Year Abroad  (1-20)  

Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLI 6530  Int'l Human Rights  (4)  

This course is an exploration of the history, theory and practice of human rights law. It pays particular attention the interactions between international law and repressive campaigns, transnational social movements, and the operation of domestic courts. Students will be challenge to assess claims about progress and decline in human rights over time. Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.

POLI 6630  International Security  (4)  

A review of critical issues threatening the security of the major powers including nuclear strategy, arms control, weapons procurement, international economics, and military interventions in regional disputes. In addition to the substance of selected issues, the course deals with the literature on decision-making, crisis management, and the organization of governments for effective foreign policy-making. Emphasis is on American security problems and policy-making. Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.

POLI 6890  Service Learning  (0-1)  

Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit co-requisite course. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLI 6950  Special Topics  (3,4)  

Special Topics course in Political Science - International. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours. Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.

Prerequisite(s): POLI 2500 and POLS 2010.


Maximum Hours: 99

POLI 7510  Sem:Internation.Relation  (3)