Foundations of Global Politics introduces students to the key concepts that shape the global political system, including power, sovereignty, legitimacy, and governance. Organized into five thematic units, the course examines how states, international organizations, NGOs, corporations, and social movements influence political outcomes on the global stage. Using contemporary case studies and inquiry-based activities, students investigate how authority operates within international politics. The course equips learners with the conceptual foundations needed to analyze global events and understand how power is exercised in world affairs.

Theories of International Relations helps students understand the competing frameworks scholars use to interpret global politics. Organized into five thematic units, the course focuses on realism, liberalism, and feminism to explore how different theories explain power, cooperation, conflict, and global order. Through case studies such as NATO, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, U.S.–Iran relations, and debates about the liberal world order, students apply theory to real-world events. By comparing these perspectives, students develop the analytical tools needed to evaluate competing interpretations of international politics.

Human Rights in the World Today explores how human rights are defined, protected, and contested in the modern world. Across four thematic units, students examine the foundations of the international human rights system, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and major treaties such as the ICCPR and ICESCR. Through contemporary case studies—from marriage equality in Thailand to the Black Lives Matter movement and China’s crackdown on Hong Kong—students analyze how rights are advanced and challenged. The course also highlights the role of NGOs, social movements, and international institutions in shaping human rights outcomes.

Mass Atrocities and Global Justice examines how the international community responds to the most serious crimes against humanity. Organized into five thematic units, students explore genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing, as well as the institutions designed to prevent and prosecute them. The course investigates mechanisms such as the International Criminal Court and debates over humanitarian intervention and the Responsibility to Protect. Through historical and contemporary case studies, students analyze the political and ethical challenges of achieving justice and accountability.

Peace and Conflict explores why violent conflict occurs and how societies attempt to build lasting peace. Across five thematic units, the course introduces key ideas from Peace and Conflict Studies, including different forms of violence, nonviolent resistance, conflict resolution, peacekeeping, and transitional justice. Through case studies such as the U.S. invasion of Iraq, the rise of ISIS, and post-genocide justice in Rwanda, students analyze the causes and consequences of violent conflict. The course challenges students to consider how sustainable peace can be achieved in complex political environments.

Development & Global Disparities is a complete digital curriculum that introduces students to the key debates, frameworks, and controversies surrounding global development and inequality. Students examine how development is defined and measured through indicators such as GDP, inequality metrics, and the Human Development Index before exploring global poverty through case studies including Kerala and Brazil’s Bolsa Família program. The course then analyzes economic systems, globalization, and institutions such as the IMF and World Bank, concluding with critical theories including dependency theory, Neo-Marxism, and world-systems theory to understand how global power structures shape development outcomes.