Theory & Practice of International Relations GVT 261 - 4 credits

Review of major approaches to the study of international relations. Definition of concepts such as power, nationalism, imperialism and dependency. Special attention to the use of force and conflict resolution.

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Comparative Democratization GVT 330 - 4 credits

This course explores why some countries are democratic while others are not, and why some democracies survive while others return to authoritarian rule or hover in an ambiguous state of neither true democracy nor outright authoritarianism. The course analyzes how and why transitions from authoritarian rule toward democracy occurred in many countries in Southern Europe, the ex-communist world and the developing world in the late 20th century, and explores the quality of the new regimes, the challenges they face and their prospects for survival. While the course is organized theoretically and brings in examples and illustrations from around the world, we pay particular attention to democratization in Southern and Eastern Europe. Students have the opportunity to enhance their learning by preparing a group presentation on democratization in a particular southern or eastern European country.

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Politics of Spain GVT 367 - 4 credits

This course is designed to provide students with a basic grounding in political institutions and processes in contemporary Spain. Political developments are presented in their socioeconomic context, with special emphasis on the Spanish transition from a dictatorship to a democracy. Attention is also given to the issue of Basque and Catalan nationalism.

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Terrorism and European Security After the Cold War GVT 418 - 4 credits

This course examines the actions of terrorist groups since the end of the Cold War in the western hemisphere. It considers their sources of financing and money laundering, as well as the changes in the organization of European security and defense procedures that have resulted from the awareness of the type of danger posed by such groups. Attention will be given to the most important defense organizations that make up the European Architecture of Security, and to EU-USA relations in the field of security. Terrorism in the Russian territory is also included.

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Global Environmental Threats in the 21st Century GVT 439 - 4 credits

In the 20th Century the general public became aware of the need of following a sustainable lifestyle. Non-governmental organizations, governmental institutions and individuals began to study environmental problems and issues to enhance the concept of conservation of nature and the protection of the planet’s biodiversity among other important concepts. However as we enter the 21st Century, we are finding ourselves involved in new environmental threats such as increasingly disturbing natural disasters, ecoterrorism and endless extreme poverty. This course is aimed at learning the basic environmental aspects that affect society and nature as a whole, along with the new issues that are arising and leading scientists to continue new lines of research in the field of environmental conservation and awareness, knowing also that the key to hope also lies in the field of Environmental Education.

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Politics of European Integration GVT 482 - 4 credits

The object of this course is to provide students with an overview of the process of European integration. We will assess the status and meaning of the "European Union" in its domestic and economic dimensions. A central focus of the course will be to analyze the historical forces that fostered political and economic integration in the continent and to find out why there is a push for deeper integration.

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Politics of the Middle East GVT 485 - 4 credits

Interlocking themes making the contemporary Middle East an area of chronic conflict: Big Power rivalries; social and political change within individual countries; unity and rivalry involved in Arab nationalism; the Palestinian-Israeli-Arab dispute.

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