Regulations

Undergraduate Programs

Graduate Programs


Undergraduate Programs

Graduation

To earn a bachelor’s degree, students must complete 120 credits, meet the University General Education Requirement, major requirements, and have a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.0. A maximum combined total of 6 credits in Health and Wellness (HLWL) and Lifestyle, Sport, and Physical Activity (LSPA) coursework can be  counted towards the 120 credits required to graduate. These credits can be taken as either a maximum of 6 credits in HLWL coursework, or a maximum of 3 credits in HLWL coursework and 3 credits in LSPA coursework. Such courses are counted toward the degree as electives.

Scholarship Performance in the Major

All courses indicated as requirements for the major, including courses taken to fulfill the third-year language proficiency requirement, must be completed with a minimum grade of C–. If a student receives a grade of D+, D, or D– in any of these courses, the credit will count toward the degree, but the student must either repeat the course or, with approval of the academic advisor, substitute another course; in either case, the student must earn a minimum grade of C–. If the student must repeat the course for which they earned a D+, D, or D–, credit for the repetition does not count toward the degree but the student may submit a request for undergraduate academic forgiveness for the exact course repeated. In that instance, the grade in the initial attempt will be deleted from the GPA computation and replaced by RP. The grade in the second attempt will be computed into the GPA. If the Elliott School Office of Undergraduate Academic Advising allows another course to be substituted, the initial course is considered to be an elective. Students are expected to consult the Elliott School Office of Undergraduate Academic Advising in all matters affecting the program of study, such as changes, substitutions, withdrawals, or transfer of credit from other institutions. 

Incompletes

Conditions under which the symbol I (Incomplete) may be assigned in a course are described under University Regulations.

Pass/No Pass Option

A student who has a cumulative grade-point average of 2.5 or above may, with the approval of the Elliott School Office of Undergraduate Academic Advising, take one course per semester and receive a grade of Pass (P) or No Pass (NP), which is recorded on the student’s transcript, but is not reflected in the cumulative grade average. A student must sign up for this option at the Elliott School Office of Undergraduate Academic Advising within the first eight weeks of classes in the Fall and Spring terms or within the first four weeks during the summer term sessions. Under no circumstances may a student change from P/NP status to graded status, or vice versa, after the end of the eighth week of the semester. Language courses and required courses in the student’s degree program (except those in which the grade of P or NP is normally assigned) may not be taken on a P/NP basis. Students in their first semester may not elect to take a course on a P/NP basis. No more than six courses in which the grade of P or NP is assigned will apply toward the degree, including courses in which the grade of P or NP is normally given.

Study Abroad

Students are encouraged to study abroad. Those wishing to study abroad must consult their academic advisor and the University’s Office for Study Abroad. Students must secure prior approval from the Elliott School Office of Undergraduate Academic Advising for any plan of study abroad in order for the credit to apply toward the student’s degree requirements. Students must apply to a program from the University’s list of approved study abroad programs.

Internships

Internships offer students the opportunity to make practical use of the knowledge they acquire in the classroom. Elliott School undergraduate students who have completed at least 24 credits in residence, are in good academic standing, and have no more than one incomplete on their transcript are eligible to arrange internships for credit or zero credit, for a maximum total of 6 credits toward the degree. This may include 6 credits in IAFF 3195, or 3 credits in IAFF 3195 and 3 credits in IAFF 3196. Academic work in the field of the internship is required. A zero-credit internship, which requires no additional academic work outside of the internship itself, is also available. Internships are available in the private, nonprofit, and public sectors. Students must register for internships (even if for zero credit) through the Elliott School Office of Undergraduate Academic Advising but are responsible for locating their own internships.  

Double Majors

Students who complete the requirements of two majors in the Elliott School (such as international affairs and Asian studies) may graduate with a double major. Students should consult the Elliott School Office of Undergraduate Academic Advising to officially declare both majors on the appropriate form.

Students in the Elliott School may declare a second major offered by Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Milken Institute School of Public Health, or School of Business (except accountancy). Permission for the second major must be obtained from the appropriate administrative office of the other school. Students are encouraged to consult the advisor of the second major to discuss requirements, course sequencing, and to ensure all prerequisites will be met for that major.

Students in Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Milken Institute School of Public Health, and the School of Business may declare a second major in the Elliott School. Students wishing to pursue these options must request approval through the Elliott School Office of Undergraduate Academic Advising. Students must complete all degree requirements for their major in their home school in order to graduate with a second major from the other school.

In all cases, double majors do not result in two degrees. See Double Majors and Double Degrees in the University Regulations.

Special Honors

Students who complete a senior thesis, a research seminar during their senior year, or the Dean's Scholars Seminar in the Dean's Scholars Program with a minimum grade of A–, earn a cumulative GPA of 3.7, and complete 60 credits in residence at GW are awarded Special Honors. 


Graduate Programs

Academic Standing Requirements

Information on grades and computing the grade-point average can be found under University Regulations. Courses taken to satisfy degree requirements cannot be taken on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) basis except for approved Law School courses. Graduate students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Academic Probation

A graduate student whose GPA falls below 3.0, or who receives a grade of F in a course after having completed 9 credits, is placed on academic probation. While on academic probation a student:

  • must earn a minimum semester GPA of 3.0 in the semester following that in which their cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 or the grade of F was earned;
  • cannot receive an Incomplete (I) in any course;
  • must meet with their academic advisor to discuss their progress; and
  • cannot receive a grade of F in any course. A student who receives a grade of F will be subject to academic dismissal.

A student’s program may be restricted by the program director and/or academic dean if deemed necessary.

Academic Suspension

A student who fails to meet the conditions outlined above is subject to suspension. During the period of suspension, the student will not be permitted to enroll in any courses. A student who has remained on suspension from the University for a period of at least one semester may request reinstatement. The request for reinstatement must provide a clear explanation of the factors that prevented the student’s success and outline a plan for successful completion of the program.

Academic Dismissal

A student is subject to dismissal under the following circumstances:

  • They receive a grade of F at any point during the academic program;
  • They are reinstated after a period of suspension and fail to meet the written requirements of their reinstatement;
  • They are subject to probation or suspension for a second time at any point during the academic program; or,
  • Their cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 and they do not have enough required credits remaining in the program with which to raise their GPA to 3.0 or above. In such circumstances, the student may be permitted to take up to 6 credits of graduate-level coursework beyond those required for graduation to achieve the GPA requirement.

The program director will determine whether the student is dismissed in consultation with the academic dean. This decision is final and cannot be appealed.  

Readmission

A graduate student who has not been continuously enrolled or on an approved leave of absence must file an application for readmission the semester before planning to return to school. 

General Requirements for Master of Arts Degree Programs

Programs leading to the master of arts degree require a minimum of 40 credits of graduate coursework, which includes a capstone project. By the end of the first semester in residence, candidates for the degree are required to submit to the Office of Graduate Student Services for final approval a plan of study that includes concentrations, supporting coursework, and any other required information as endorsed by the program director. Degrees are awarded after the student has completed the required coursework, an acceptable capstone project, and satisfied the foreign language proficiency requirement (if relevant).

Students with sufficient academic backgrounds may waive a core course with the approval of the program director and academic dean. A course waiver does not reduce the number of credits required for the degree. Under special circumstances, upper-level undergraduate courses taken while enrolled as a graduate student at the Elliott School may be counted toward the master’s degree; registration for graduate credit must be approved at the beginning of the course by the program director, the instructor, and the Office of Graduate Student Services. The student who takes an undergraduate course for graduate credit is expected, by arrangement with the instructor, to do work at the graduate level in addition to the regular work of the course. Normally, no more than 9 credits of approved undergraduate coursework may be taken for credit toward a graduate degree.

All master’s degree candidates must complete degree requirements within five years of matriculation in the program. Students who are temporarily unable to continue their studies may request a leave of absence not to exceed one year. Extensions beyond the five-year period may be granted in exceptional circumstances, but the student is required to register for continuous enrollment or leave of absence status each semester.

Students are encouraged, and in some cases required, to take the professional skills-based courses (IAFF 6502 and IAFF 6503). The Elliott School allows a maximum of 4 credits to be taken in these courses, but program-specific limits may vary.

No more than 9 graduate credits may be transferred from accredited institutions or from non-degree status. Transfer credits may be accepted only under limited conditions, including length of time since the courses in question were completed, grades earned, and relevance to the student’s program. The sole exception to the transfer credit policy is made for MA students who attend one of the Elliott School’s International Exchange Partner schools. Such students may transfer a maximum of 10 graduate credits, provided no prior transfer credit has been accepted. No student may transfer more than a total of 10 credits from all sources combined. Credit from foreign language courses is not eligible for transfer. Credit from a previously earned degree may not be counted toward the master’s degree.

Capstone/Thesis Option

Every student must successfully complete a capstone near the conclusion of the master’s program. For the capstone, the student must have completed 18 credits prior to the start of the capstone course work. If there is a lapse of time between the completion of other coursework and the capstone, the student must be continuously enrolled during this period. The student will have one opportunity to retake a capstone if they fail the course. If the student fails a second time, their degree will not be conferred. Details concerning the capstone course vary across programs; students should consult their program guidelines for details.

For most programs, exceptional students may write a thesis, in addition to the capstone, if they qualify by having a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 for a minimum of 18 credits of coursework in their program. Students also must develop a formal thesis proposal approved by their prospective thesis advisor, who must be a member of the full-time faculty, and the program director.

The thesis subject should be selected as early as possible to permit effective integration with the student’s coursework. A student is not permitted to register for thesis courses (IAFF 6998 and IAFF 6999) until the thesis subject has been formally submitted to the Office of Graduate Student Services. The subject must be approved by the thesis advisor, a second member of the faculty who serves as a reader, and the student’s program director. The thesis in its final form must have the approval of the thesis director and one other reader. Thesis proposals must be submitted electronically by May 1 of the year preceding the anticipated submission of the thesis in a fall-spring sequence. For a spring-fall sequence, thesis proposals must be submitted electronically by November 1 of the year preceding the anticipated submission of the thesis. All theses must meet the formatting and other requirements set forth in the GW's Electronic Theses and Dissertations Submission website.

Payment of tuition for thesis research entitles the candidate, during the period of registration, to the advice and direction of the thesis director and the other reader. In case a thesis is unfinished, the student must maintain continuous enrollment and is allowed one calendar year to complete it. If the preparation of the thesis extends beyond the additional calendar year, the student must register for the entire 6 credits of the thesis again and pay tuition for a repeated course.

Foreign Language Requirements

In most degree programs, a candidate for the master of arts must demonstrate reading and speaking proficiency in a modern foreign language. All students in regional programs (including those who are not native speakers of English) must demonstrate proficiency in a language appropriate to the study of the specific region. Students should consult their program guidelines for specific requirements, including academic credit and options for demonstrating language proficiency. 

Certificate programs

The Elliott School of International Affairs offers a series of graduate certificates covering topics of specialized interest. The certificate programs are open to all graduate students presently enrolled in the Elliott School, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate School of Education and Human Development, School of Business, and Milken Institute School of Public Health. The programs also are open to graduate students from other universities, individuals who already have earned a graduate degree, and individuals with a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of eight years of relevant professional work experience. Applicants who have less than eight years of work experience are eligible to apply but must submit the same application materials required of other MA degree programs. Transfer credit from non-GW institutions is not accepted into any graduate certificate program. No more than 6 credits of graduate coursework taken in any degree or non-degree status within the University, including the Elliott School, may be included in any graduate certificate program. Additional information is available in the Elliott School Graduate Admissions office.

Graduate certificate programs

Faculty

University Professors: M. Barnett, M. Finnemore

Professors: H. Agnew, A. Ayres, G. Brazinsky, J. Brinkerhoff, M. Brown, N. Brown, M. Chen, B. Dickson, A. Downes, I. Feldman, J. Foster, H. Hale, H. Harrison, J. Hershberg, B. Hopkins, G. Kaminsky, M. Lynch, B. Miller, S. McHale, M. Moore, J. Pelzman, W. Reich, D. Shambaugh, J. Shambaugh, R. Thornton, N. Vonortas, P. Williams, S. Wolchik

Associate Professors: P. Alonso-Gortari, C. Arrington, M. Atia, M. Deloffre, R. Jedwab, S. Kaplan, J. Kim, E. Kramon, M. Mochizuki, H. Mylonas, S. Robinson, E. Teitelbaum, D. Yang

Assistant Professors: N. Anderson, A. Bateman, A. Cooperman, M. Kansanga, N. Kelsey, R. Lopez Monti, D. Pardo Pedraza, L. Rafanelli, T. Regan, E. Schluessel, L. Welcome, Y. Zhao

Kuwait Professor of Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Affairs and Professor of the Practice of International Affairs: G. Gray

Professors of Practice: D. Abente-Brun, C. Fink, C. Kojm, S. Pace, S. Roberts, R. Sutter

Associate Professors of Practice: J. Cooke, S. Graham

Assistant Professor of Practice: S. Ledermann, L. Sorurbakhsh

Specialized Faculty: R. Lal, N. Lazarus, M. Repellin

Research Professors: S. Aaronson, M. Creedon, P. Ehrenfreund, H. Hertzfeld, I. Iyer, M. Laruelle, M. Levinger, D. Ollapally, R. Orttung, S. Peyrouse, T. Rabgey, M. Russell-Einhorn, D. Shaw, J. Spear, S. Squassoni, A. Teich, L. Yarr 

Associate Research Professors: Y. Kim, E. Lagadec, S. Zhemukhov

Assistant Research Professor: S. Marshall

Visiting Professors: M. Yourish

Emeritus Professors: C. Allen, H. Askari, M. Atkin, W. Becker, M. East, R. Entman, C. Glaser, E. Gnehm, D. Gow, D. Grier, D. Hawkins, C. Herber, P. Hill, W. Johnson, D. Kennedy, Y. Kim, Y. Kim-Renaud, P. Klaren, R. Krulfeld, D. Lee, J. Logsdon, G. Ludlow, M. Marquardt, E. McCord, D. Moore, H. Nau, P. Reddaway, B. Reich, F. Robles, R. Spector, J. Thibault, H. Wolman, R. Yin

Explanation of Course Numbers

  • Courses in the 1000s are primarily introductory undergraduate courses
  • Those in the 2000s to 4000s are upper-level undergraduate courses that also may be taken for graduate credit with permission and additional work assigned
  • Those in the 6000s and 8000s are for master’s, doctoral, and professional-level students
  • The 6000s are open to advanced undergraduate students with approval of the instructor and the dean or advising office

IAFF 1001. First-Year Experience. 1 Credit.

First-Year Experience assists students in developing their personal, academic, and career goals. Restricted to students in the Elliott School.

IAFF 1005. Introduction to International Affairs. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the field of international affairs; the challenge of promoting cooperation and order in a world in which competition, conflict, and disorder are common; interstate relations, intrastate conflicts, regional problems, and old and new global challenges. Credit cannot be earned for this course and PSC 1003.

IAFF 1099. Variable Topics. 1-36 Credits.

IAFF 2040. Basic Topics in International Affairs. 3 Credits.

Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Primarily for Elliott School freshmen and sophomores.

IAFF 2090. Latin America: Problems and Promise. 3 Credits.

An interdisciplinary course in Latin American studies designed to introduce undergraduates to the diverse, rich, and complex history, politics, economy, culture, and society of Latin America.

IAFF 2091. East Asia-Past and Present. 3 Credits.

An interdisciplinary course offering a comprehensive and integrated introduction to the civilizations and present problems of East Asia.

IAFF 2092. Russia and Eastern Europe: An Introduction. 3 Credits.

A multidisciplinary introduction to the lands and cultures of the former Soviet Union and Central and Eastern Europe. The main emphasis is on history and politics, with attention also given to economics, trade, geography, military matters, literature, and the media.

IAFF 2093. Africa: Problems and Prospects. 3 Credits.

Aspects of the environment, culture, and politics as they affect the present and anticipated future of Africa.

IAFF 2094. Europe in Transition. 3 Credits.

A multidisciplinary view of contemporary Europe, including the E.U. states, other states of Eastern Europe, and Turkey. The widening processes of political, judicial, economic, cultural, and security integration. Prerequisites: IAFF 1005 and PSC 1001.

IAFF 2095. The Middle East in International Affairs. 3 Credits.

Multidisciplinary survey of social, cultural, political, historical, and religious issues in the Middle East with a concentration on the modern period.

IAFF 2101. International Affairs Research Methods. 3 Credits.

Overview of the variety of research methods, both qualitative and quantitative, used in international affairs research; theoretical groundings and approaches to research methods; the research process.

IAFF 2190. Special Topics. 3 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more details.

IAFF 2190W. Special Topics. 3 Credits.

Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement.

IAFF 2201W. Women in Global Politics. 3 Credits.

An overview of the global status of women, focusing on the discrepancies between normative frameworks and policies developed to benefit women and their actual implementation. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement.

IAFF 2202W. Critical Issues in U.S.-Asia Relations. 3 Credits.

Major issues in U.S. relations with Asian countries since the end of the Cold War. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement.

IAFF 2444. International Law. 3 Credits.

Overview of public international law. How public international law is established, implemented, interpreted, changed, and enforced; the legal structure underpinning international society; and the relationship between domestic and international law. Credit cannot be earned for this course and PSC 2444.

IAFF 3171. U.S. Foreign Policy Summer Program. 3-4 Credits.

The institutions and ideas that shape U.S. foreign policy, including the U.S. Congress and administration, foreign embassies, international organizations, think tanks, interest groups, and media outlets. A separate section of the course covers issues of reporting on foreign policy issues. The program has special admission criteria.

IAFF 3172. Conflict and Conflict Resolution. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the field of conflict analysis and resolution. Analysis of conflicts and their resolutions; major theories and driving causes of conflict; barriers to and mechanisms for resolving conflict; and applications to real-world conflicts.

IAFF 3177. Political Economy of Latin America. 3 Credits.

The politics of economic policymaking in Latin America. Successes and failures with policymaking ideas, political reasons for adopting different development models, and political and economic obstacles to prosperity. Restricted to juniors and seniors. Prerequisites: ECON 1011 and ECON 1012; or PSC 2439.

IAFF 3179. Special Topics in Science and Technology Policy. 3 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more details. Prerequisites: IAFF 1005 or PSC 1003.

IAFF 3180. Special Topics in Security Policy. 3 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more details. Prerequisites: IAFF 1005 or PSC 1003.

IAFF 3180W. Special Topics in Security Policy. 3 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more details. Prerequisites: IAFF 1005 or PSC 1003.

IAFF 3181. Special Topics in Conflict Resolution. 3 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more details. Prerequisites: IAFF 1005 or PSC 1003.

IAFF 3182. Special Topics in Foreign Policy. 3 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more details. Prerequisites: IAFF 1005 or PSC 1003.

IAFF 3183. Special Topics in Development Policy. 3 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more details. Prerequisites: IAFF 1005 or PSC 1003.

IAFF 3184. Special Topics in Trade and International Economic Policy. 3 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more details. Prerequisites: IAFF 1005 or PSC 1003.

IAFF 3185. Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies. 3 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more details. Prerequisites: IAFF 1005 or PSC 1003.

IAFF 3186. Special Topics in Asian Studies. 3 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more details. Prerequisites: IAFF 1005 or PSC 1003.

IAFF 3186W. Special Topics in Asian Studies. 3 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more details.

IAFF 3187. Special Topics in Latin American and Hemispheric Studies. 3 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more details. Prerequisites: IAFF 1005 or PSC 1003.

IAFF 3188. Special Topics in Middle East Studies. 3 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more details. Prerequisites: IAFF 1005 or PSC 1003.

IAFF 3189. Special Topics in African Studies. 3 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more details. Prerequisites: IAFF 1005 or PSC 1003.

IAFF 3190. Special Topics in International Affairs. 3 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more details. Prerequisites: IAFF 1005 or PSC 1003.

IAFF 3190W. Special Topics. 3 Credits.

Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement.

IAFF 3191W. Populism and Regime Change in Latin America. 3 Credits.

Theoretical frameworks for defining classical and contemporary examples of populism in Latin America and globally; analysis of paradigmatic cases of 20th and 21st century Latin American populism; integration of relevant theory and empirical findings. Recommended background: Latin America, upper-level political science/international affairs coursework, and writing experience.

IAFF 3192. ESIA Dean's Scholars Workshop. 1 Credit.

For Elliott School students who have applied and been accepted to the ESIA Dean's Scholars Program. Students fine-tune their research questions, conduct the bulk of their research, draft abstracts, and outline their papers. Visit the Elliott School website for more information.

IAFF 3193W. ESIA Dean's Scholars Seminar. 3 Credits.

For Elliott School students who have applied and been accepted to the ESIA Dean's Scholars Program. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement. Visit the Elliott School website for more information.

IAFF 3194W. Latin America's Violent Peace. 3 Credits.

The complex governability challenges facing Latin America; discussion of the historical evolution of conflict and contestation in Latin America through inquiry into patterns in state building, political violence, armed forces, insurgencies, and criminal gangs. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement. Recommended background: Latin America, upper-level political science/international affairs coursework, and writing experience.

IAFF 3195. Internship. 3 Credits.

Internships in public, private, and nonprofit organizations concerned with international affairs. Students must meet selection criteria, find a sponsoring faculty member, and receive approval from the Elliott School Office of Academic Advising and Student Services. May be repeated for up to 6 credits with permission.

IAFF 3196. Internship Professional Development Seminar. 3 Credits.

Students leverage an internship in IA to enhance professional development, increase leadership capacities, and refine career focus. They must meet selection criteria, set goals, and receive approval from the course instructor to register.

IAFF 3198. Independent Study and Research. 1-3 Credits.

For juniors and seniors with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0. Students must find a sponsoring faculty member and receive approval from the Elliott School Office of Academic Advising and Student Services. May be repeated for credit with permission of the dean.

IAFF 3201W. China’s Rise and Its Implications. 3 Credits.

Examination of major sources of growing Chinese power and influence; assessment of the Chinese government's domestic and foreign policies and practices and their international implications. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement.

IAFF 3202. Space Policy. 3 Credits.

An examination of the origins, evolution, current status, and future prospects of U.S. space policies and programs. Topics include civil, national security, commercial, and international space activities.

IAFF 3203. Space Power in Global Affairs. 3 Credits.

Domestic and international space policy issues facing the US; technical, historical, and policy foundations for space programs and activities. International cooperation and competition in space across civil/national security and commercial sectors.

IAFF 3204. Spaceflight and the Modern World. 3 Credits.

A global perspective on the past and present of spaceflight's impact on society. Civil, commercial, intelligence, and military space programs in regions around the world.

IAFF 3205. Holocaust Memory. 3 Credits.

The sources, construction, development, nature, uses, and misuses of public understanding and memory surrounding the Holocaust. Discussion of what the Holocaust teaches us about human behavior and political leadership, including its usable lessons.

IAFF 3210W. Migration, Gender, and International Development. 3 Credits.

The relationship between migration and international development as an established feature of social and economic life. Gender as a framework for analyzing elements of the migration-development nexus. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement.

IAFF 3501. International Development Theory, Policy, and Practice. 3 Credits.

Historical overview of theoretical approaches, policies, and practices associated with international development. Possible thematic foci include state-directed development approaches, environmentalist-influenced green development, or similar topics. Prerequisites: ANTH 1002 or ANTH 1002W; or ANTH 1004 or ANTH 1004W. Credit cannot be earned for this course and ANTH 3501.

IAFF 3502. Strategic Management and Qualitative Methods in International Affairs. 3 Credits.

Introduction to basic tools of strategic management and qualitative research methods in international affairs; practical applications to real policies and programs set in Africa.

IAFF 3513. Human Rights and Ethics. 3 Credits.

Theoretical and empirical basis of human rights from a multi-disciplinary perspective. How rights have been conceptualized, envisioned, imagined, promoted, and asserted by philosophers, political scientists, anthropologists, and other scholars. Prerequisites: ANTH 1002 or ANTH 1002W; or ANTH 1004 or ANTH 1004W. Credit cannot be earned for this course and ANTH 3513.

IAFF 3632. Global Gender Policy. 3 Credits.

An interdisciplinary approach to examining the development of global policy approaches aimed at achieving gender equality and providing grounding in gender equality; the creation of legal and normative approaches to tackling inequality.

IAFF 3752W. Equitable Development in Southeast Asia. 3 Credits.

Exploration of what equitable development means and how political, economic, and social factors hinder or facilitate the achievement of equitable development in Southeast Asia. Writing assignments align with careers in international affairs. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement.

IAFF 3753. International Relations of South Asia. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the region of South Asia and its importance in international affairs; focus on its characteristics as a distinctive and dynamic region that is still deeply divided and facing multiple internal and external conflicts.

IAFF 3754. U.S.-China Relations. 3 Credits.

Historical background and assessment of major issues in US-China relations with a focus on contemporary relations.

IAFF 3756. Christianity and Islam in East Asia. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the historical and contemporary state of Christianity and Islam in East Asia. Explores these two religions with critical issues of secularism and modernity, ethnicity and nation-state, and global politics. Same as: REL 3756.

IAFF 3855. Argentina in Global Context. 3 Credits.

The history of Argentina from colonial times to the present day; the country’s political, social, economic, and cultural developments in regional and global contexts.

IAFF 4191. Research Seminar. 3 Credits.

Intensive readings, discussion, research, and writing. Students must meet selection criteria and receive advisor approval. Restricted to juniors and seniors in the Elliott School.

IAFF 4191W. Research Seminar. 3 Credits.

Intensive readings, discussion, research, and writing. Students must meet selection criteria and receive advisor approval. Includes a significant engagement in writing as a form of critical inquiry and scholarly expression to satisfy the WID requirement. Restricted to juniors and seniors in the Elliott School.

IAFF 4199. Senior Thesis. 3 Credits.

Students must meet selection criteria, find a sponsoring faculty member, and receive approval from the Elliott School Office of Academic Advising and Student Services. Restricted to seniors in the Elliott School.

IAFF 5099. Variable Topics. 1-99 Credits.

IAFF 6101. International Affairs Cornerstone. 3 Credits.

Political, economic, and social theories of international relations and their applications to practice.

IAFF 6102. Global Gender Policy. 3 Credits.

An interdisciplinary and comparative approach to examination of policies targeted at achieving gender equality and of the costs of policies that are not gender-specific. Topics include poverty reduction, environmental sustainability, social justice, global and personal security, and prevention of and responses to extreme calamities and crises. How global gender policies are rationalized, adopted, implemented, and assessed. Focus on "what works" and why it works; gaps that remain in achieving global gender equality.

IAFF 6104. International Law. 3 Credits.

The fundamental underpinnings of international law, with a focus on public international law, the international legal order, and the law’s applicability to international issues. Specialized topics ranging from environmental law to the law of war. Restricted to graduate students.

IAFF 6106. Nuclear Weapons. 3 Credits.

The technology and politics associated with nuclear weapons. Strategy and deterrence, force planning and operations, and the prospect of nuclear terrorism.

IAFF 6107. The Science of Nuclear Materials. 3 Credits.

Fundamental principles of nuclear materials, including the origins of radiation, manufacture and detection of nuclear materials, nuclear weapons and power issues, and medical uses and environmental issues related to nuclear materials.

IAFF 6108. International Development Policy. 3 Credits.

The changing scope and nature of international development and the challenges currently facing development agencies; how the mixed results of investment in development has brought methods and concepts into question and how agencies are responding to this challenge.

IAFF 6118. Special Topics in International Affairs. 3 Credits.

Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes.

IAFF 6121. International Development Studies Cornerstone. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the concepts and methods of international development. Prerequisite: students in the MA in international development studies program.

IAFF 6122. Development Policy and Practice. 3 Credits.

An overview of economic development in developing countries; key challenges of economic growth, poverty alleviation, and development.

IAFF 6136. Gender and Development. 3 Credits.

Theoretical approaches to gender and development and debates over how to promote gender equity and rights across the gender spectrum. Key issues in gender and development and the range of actors who are involved in promoting gender equality. General patterns, lessons with broader applications, and challenges and differences within and between societies.

IAFF 6137. Development Studies Pre-Capstone Workshop. 1 Credit.

Students work in teams to find a suitable client and negotiate a project, with detailed terms of reference and a work plan to be carried out in the spring semester. Restricted to students in the MA in international development studies program.

IAFF 6138. Special Topics in International Development Studies. 3 Credits.

Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes.

IAFF 6139. International Development Studies Capstone. 3 Credits.

A project-oriented development course abroad, designed to synthesize the skills and knowledge that students have acquired in their graduate study. Restricted to students in the MA in international development studies program.

IAFF 6141. International Science and Technology Policy Cornerstone. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the study of international science and technology policy; focus on policy issues that arise from interactions between scientific and technological developments and government activity.

IAFF 6142. Technology Creation/Diffusion. 3 Credits.

Examination of the relationship between invention (inception), innovation (first application), and dissemination (diffusion) of technological knowledge; focus on the technological environment prevailing in the major developed market economies.

IAFF 6143. Science and Technology Policy Analysis. 3 Credits.

The use of science by policy decision makers; the affects of policy on science and technology; issues of risk, uncertainty, regulation, democratization, and politics in science and technology policy.

IAFF 6145. U.S. Space Policy. 3 Credits.

Origins, evolution, current status, and future prospects of U.S. space policies and programs. U.S. civilian, military, and national security space programs and space activities of the U.S. private sector.

IAFF 6146. Space Law. 3 Credits.

The underlying principles of international space law, with emphasis on issues of particular concern as the uses of space increase for exploration, commerce, and security.

IAFF 6148. Space and National Security. 3 Credits.

Historic and current factors and emerging trends shaping the development and implementation of U.S. national security space policy and strategy, including the global security environment, domestic politics, and technology.

IAFF 6151. Environmental Policy. 3 Credits.

Examination of public policies designed to protect the human and physical environment; focus on the ways science and technology can simultaneously create new environmental problems and contribute to their mitigation and prevention.

IAFF 6152. Energy Policy. 3 Credits.

Energy and its implications for the environment, the economy, and global security; the theory and practice of policymaking in conventional and post-fossil energy at the national and international level.

IAFF 6153. Science, Technology, and National Security. 3 Credits.

The contributions of science and technology to U.S. security in military, intelligence, and homeland security activities.

IAFF 6157. International Science and Technology Policy Capstone Workshop. 2 Credits.

First course in a two-semester sequence. Second-year students in the MA in international science and technology policy program work in groups on a project addressing a policy problem or issue in international affairs. Restricted to students in the international science and technology policy program.

IAFF 6158. Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy. 3 Credits.

Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes.

IAFF 6159. International Science and Technology Policy Capstone Project. 2 Credits.

A seminar designed to synthesize the skills and knowledge acquired in graduate study. Open only to MA candidates in science and technology policy.

IAFF 6160. Defense Policy and Program Analysis. 3 Credits.

Examination of how national security policy is formulated and translated into a defense budget, program priorities, and force structure. Focus on nuclear forces.

IAFF 6161. International Security. 3 Credits.

Survey of the field of international security studies; overview of key concepts, theories, and approaches; inter-state, intra-state, and transnational security problems and the interrelated nature of these categories; analysis of security topics such as great-power relations, arms racing and arms control, crisis management, civil wars, terrorism, and gender, combined with a review of regional developments; non-military issues that have major security implications, including poverty, health, population movements, energy consumption, and climate change; the role of international organizations in promoting international security, and prospects for the future. Restricted to students in the MA in security policy studies program.

IAFF 6162. Security Policy Analysis. 3 Credits.

Key components of security policy and the decision making behind them. Restricted to students in the MA in security policy studies program.

IAFF 6163. Transnational Security. 3 Credits.

Overview of security concerns that transcend state borders, including terrorism, drug trafficking, organized crime, weapons proliferation, migration, and environmental degradation.

IAFF 6164. Environmental Security. 3 Credits.

The relationship between conflict, environmental degradation, and natural resources, including how the environment, climate change, and natural resources influence national security. Theoretical security concepts and use of multidisciplinary academic literature to consider how environmental security can be integrated into future U.S. defense and foreign policy strategies and decisions.

IAFF 6165. Fundamentals of Intelligence. 3 Credits.

The institutional structure of the intelligence community; the intelligence production cycle, including tasking, collection, analysis, covert action, and counterintelligence; and relations between the intelligence and policy communities.

IAFF 6167. Defense Policy and Program Analysis II. 3 Credits.

Analysis of the development of national security policy and analytic techniques to derive a defense program and force structure from it. Special attention to general-purpose forces.

IAFF 6169. Homeland Security. 3 Credits.

The central missions of a homeland security agency: domestic security, emergency preparedness, technology policy, timely intelligence, counterintelligence, and preemptive actions. How the U.S. has dealt historically with internal security matters; contemporary approaches to security problems.

IAFF 6171. Introduction to Conflict Resolution. 3 Credits.

Interstate disputes, contemporary civil wars, complex political emergencies, and other forms of organized violence.

IAFF 6173. Security and Development. 3 Credits.

Consideration of the relationship between security and development reflecting the growing interest from the security field in issues that have traditionally been the purview of development, and vice versa.

IAFF 6186. Special Topics in Security Policy Studies. 3 Credits.

Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes.

IAFF 6189. Security Policy Studies Capstone. 3 Credits.

A project-oriented course, designed to synthesize the skills and knowledge that students have acquired in their graduate study. Prerequisite: students in the MA in security policy studies program.

IAFF 6191. Financial Accounting. 3 Credits.

Basic concepts and methods used in financial reporting to understand content, context, and related processes. Income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows. Detailed accounting procedures, calculations, and choices. Same As: ACCY 6101, MBAD 6211.

IAFF 6193. Finance. 3 Credits.

Financial management examined through financial analyses, fund sources, investing, capital planning/budgeting, dividend policy, and working capital management. Money and capital markets, primary and secondary markets, and cash and futures markets. Prerequisites: MBAD 6211, MBAD 6224 and MBAD 6242; or MBAD 6211, MBAD 6221, MBAD 6222 and MBAD 6242; or DNSC 6202, MBAD 6211 and MBAD 6242. Same As: MBAD 6235.

IAFF 6198. Special Topics in International Economic Policy. 3 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Consult the Schedule of Classes for more information.

IAFF 6199. International Trade and Investment Policy Capstone. 1 Credit.

A project-oriented course, designed to synthesize the skills and knowledge that students have acquired in their graduate study. Restricted to students in the MA in international trade and investment policy program.

IAFF 6208. Special Topics in Global Communication. 3 Credits.

Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes.

IAFF 6209. Global Communication Capstone. 3 Credits.

A project-oriented course, designed to synthesize the skills and knowledge that students have acquired in their graduate study. Restricted to students in the MA in global communication program.

IAFF 6211. Master of International Policy and Practice Leadership Practicum. 3 Credits.

Major issues in international affairs confronting policymakers in the United States and around the world; the evolving nature of international leadership; how diverse actors exercise power in the international realm. Restricted to MIPP degree candidates.

IAFF 6212. Strategy and Leadership. 3 Credits.

The evolving nature of international leadership in the twenty-first century; lateral leadership for managing expert, networked teams to address complex problems requiring adaptation and learning; strategic thinking and team leadership skills. Restricted to students in the MIPP program.

IAFF 6213. Leadership Capstone. 3 Credits.

Practical application of lateral leadership skills to researching and designing an individual leadership project addressing a critical issue in the student’s professional field; qualitative research methods, program design and evaluation, coalition building, proposal writing, and oral presentation skills. Restricted to students in the MIPP program. Prerequisites: IAFF 6212.

IAFF 6216. Analytic Tools for Global Policy. 3 Credits.

Application of common analytic tools to evaluate contemporary issues and concrete policy problems related to globalization, trade, and technology.

IAFF 6222. Special Topics in International Policy and Practice. 3 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. See school for more details.

IAFF 6302. Taiwan: Internal Development and Foreign Policy. 3 Credits.

The social, political, and economic development in Taiwan since World War II; Taiwan’s foreign affairs.

IAFF 6305. U.S.-South Asia Relations. 3 Credits.

The nature of challenges and opportunities facing the South Asia region and the U.S. policy response. The rise of India as a global actor; relations between India and Pakistan; political transformation in the countries of the region, including Nepal and Sri Lanka.

IAFF 6308. International Relations of South Asia. 3 Credits.

The foreign policy choices of South Asian countries and the domestic and international linkages that drive these decisions; the different patterns of state-society relationships and identity formations which determine a country’s external alliances and partnerships; the changing nature of the Asian balance of power and roles of key Asian actors.

IAFF 6318. Special Topics in Asian Studies. 3 Credits.

Topics announced in Schedule of Classes.

IAFF 6321. European and Eurasian Studies Cornerstone. 3 Credits.

Survey of current research on Europe and Eurasia. Research paper required. Restricted to students in the MA in European and Eurasian studies program or with permission of the instructor.

IAFF 6338. Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies. 3 Credits.

Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes.

IAFF 6339. European and Eurasian Studies Capstone. 3 Credits.

Survey of current research on Europe and Eurasia. Research paper required. Restricted to students in the MA in European and Eurasian studies program or with permission of the instructor.

IAFF 6341. Latin American and Hemispheric Studies Cornerstone. 3 Credits.

Multidisciplinary foundation course for the Latin American and hemispheric studies program.

IAFF 6342. Drug Trafficking in the Americas. 3 Credits.

A historical, comparative, and contemporary picture of drug trafficking in the Americas and the anti-narcotics policies to combat this trade.

IAFF 6357. Latin American and Hemispheric Studies Pre-Capstone Workshop. 2 Credits.

First in a two-course sequence with IAFF 6359. Planning and preparation to undertake field-based research related to a specific problem or issue of interest to a sponsoring organization. Restricted to students in the MA in Latin American and hemispheric studies program.

IAFF 6358. Special Topics in Latin American and Hemispheric Studies. 3 Credits.

Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes.

IAFF 6359. Latin American and Hemispheric Studies Capstone. 2 Credits.

Second in a two-course sequence with IAFF 6357. A project-oriented course, designed to apply the skills and synthesize the knowledge that students have acquired in their graduate study. Restricted to students in the MA in Latin American and hemispheric studies program.

IAFF 6361. Middle East Studies Cornerstone. 3 Credits.

Multidisciplinary foundation course for the Middle East studies program. Introduction to key issues.

IAFF 6362. Regional Security in Middle East. 3 Credits.

The nature, elements, and future of security in the Middle East region. Various analytical frameworks are examined to consider the interplay of national interests, ideology, and regionalism. Issues in regional security.

IAFF 6363. Political Economy of the Middle East. 3 Credits.

Current political economy of the Middle East, including an overview of Islamic economic concepts and political organizations.

IAFF 6364. Religion and Society in the Modern Middle East. 3 Credits.

Comparative overview, both historical and current, of religious and social trends in the Middle East.

IAFF 6377. Middle East Studies Program Capstone Workshop. 1 Credit.

First in a two-course sequence with IAFF 6379. Second-year students in the MA in the Middle East studies program work in groups on a project addressing a policy problem or issue in international affairs. Restricted to students in the MA in Middle East studies program.

IAFF 6378. Special Topics in Middle East Studies. 3 Credits.

Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes.

IAFF 6379. Middle East Studies Capstone. 3 Credits.

Second in a two-course sequence with IAFF 6377. A project-oriented course, designed to synthesize the skills and knowledge that students have acquired in their graduate study. Restricted to students in the MA in Middle East studies program.

IAFF 6381. African Studies Cornerstone. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the broad historical and contemporary forces that have shaped and continue to affect Africa. Key concepts, theories, and analytic approaches that help deepen understanding of the region. Important challenges, as well as opportunities and innovations, shaping the region's future.

IAFF 6385. Special Topics in African Studies. 3 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. See the Schedule of Classes for more information.

IAFF 6501. Quantitative Analysis for International Affairs Practitioners. 3 Credits.

Overview of quantitative measurement, data summary, statistical inference, and elementary modeling such as linear regression.

IAFF 6502. Professional Skills I. 1 Credit.

Short courses that focus on developing specialized skills for international affairs professionals. Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes.

IAFF 6503. Professional Skills II. 1 Credit.

Continuation of IAFF 6502. Short courses that focus on developing specialized skills for international affairs professionals. Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes.

IAFF 6504. Intermediate Conversation. 1 Credit.

Short courses designed to develop professional language skills for international affairs students. Specific languages announced in the Schedule of Classes.

IAFF 6505. Elliott School Seminars. 3 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. See Schedule of Classes for more details.

IAFF 6515. Graduate Internship in International Affairs. 0 Credits.

Internship and research paper involving experience at an international organization or with international issues. Restricted to MA candidates in the Elliott School.

IAFF 6516. Independent Study and Research. 1-3 Credits.

Restricted to MA candidates in the Elliott School. Prerequisites: Written permission of the instructor.

IAFF 6517. Independent Study and Research. 1-3 Credits.

IAFF 6521. U.S. Foreign Policy Summer Program. 3-4 Credits.

The institutions and ideas that shape U.S. foreign policy, including the U.S. Congress and administration, foreign embassies, international organizations, think tanks, interest groups, and media outlets. A separate section of the course covers issues of reporting on foreign policy issues.

IAFF 6898. Capstone Workshop. 2 Credits.

First part of two-semester sequence that addresses a concrete policy problem or issue in international affairs. In small teams, students refine the policy question of the capstone project, develop a research strategy, select appropriate research methods, and begin research. Continued in IAFF 6899.

IAFF 6899. Capstone Course. 2 Credits.

Second part of a two-semester sequence. Completion of the capstone sequence by conduct of the group's research, completion of the capstone report, and oral presentation of research findings and recommendations. Prerequisite: IAFF 6898.

IAFF 6998. Thesis. 3 Credits.

Restricted to MA candidates in the Elliott School who have selected the thesis option.

IAFF 6999. Thesis. 3 Credits.

Open to Elliott School MA candidates who have selected the thesis option.