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International and Comparative Politics

Introduction

The Applied Behavioral Science Program currently offers Master of Arts degree tracks in two fields: Criminal Justice and Social Problems, and International and Comparative Politics. Effective Fall Quarter 2006, International and Comparative Politics will be a new and seperate program.

The training received in basic social science skills and knowledge is also a useful foundation for those who wish to proceed to doctoral-level study in a number of fields. An optional practicum provides field experience for those without prior experience in a criminal justice field. The program culminates in an applied research effort that, at the student’s option, takes the form of either a journal article project or a traditional thesis. Courses are offered primarily in the evenings and workshops primarily on the weekends to accommodate employed students.

The International and Comparative Politics track prepares students who intend to continue their education in a Ph.D. program in international relations, comparative politics, or a related field. The program also provides continuing international education opportunities for those working in the public or private sector. Graduate seminars, independent readings, and practicum opportunities enable students to explore the scholarship in their field and its applications. Students may select from among three specialized areas of study: Peace and Security Studies, International Organizations, and Area Studies. Program students are required to complete or demonstrate a quantitative or foreign language research requirement. The degree culminates in either a traditional thesis or a project developed in consultation with a program advisor.

Admission

Applicants to the International and Comparative Politics M.A. degree program must meet the graduate school’s admission criteria, and should additionally demonstrate in their letter of application how their undergraduate and/or professional record will be enhanced by participation in the program.

Faculty

Professors
Jeanne Ballantine, applied research methods, sociology of education
Edward Fitzgerald, international law, natural resource law
Charles Funderburk, corruption
December Green, Africa, human rights, gender, violence
Douglas Nord, Canada, Scandinavia, migration
Donna M. Schlagheck, American foreign policy, terrorism, United Nations
Robert Thobaben (emeritus), political thought
James Walker (emeritus), peace studies

Associate Professors
Anna Bellisari, human evolution, human growth and development, cultural diversity, women’s issues
Carl Brun, child welfare, qualitative methods, program evaluation, domestic violence
Anita Curry-Jackson, social work
Marlese Durr, organization, occupations and work, research methods
Laura Luehrmann, China, Chinese foreign policy, transitions
David Orenstein (director), theoretical foundations, qualitative methods
Mark Sirkin, Middle East, Israeli-Palestinian
Tracy Snipe, Africa, France, radical black thought
Jim Steinberg, family dysfunctions, child welfare

Assistant Professors
Liam Anderson, Europe, Russia, Central Asian, weapons destruction
John Feldmeier, comparitive constitutions, politics and ethics
Pramod Kantha, South Asia, comparative political theory, nationalism
Tracey Steele, crime and social control, gender, sexuality, medical sociology
Norma Wilcox, corrections, criminological theory, quantitative methodology

Instructor
Jackie Bergdahl, women and crime, methodology
Rashida Hussain, international law, theory, American foreign policy

Course of Study

International and Comparative Politics

Financial Assistance
The ICP program offers several graduate assistantships. Graduate scholarships for both part-time and full-time students may be available through the School of Graduate Studies. Awards of financial assistance are generally for the entire academic year, which begins with the fall quarter. Applications for assistantships are obtained from the ICP office and should be submitted to that office by March 15

Core Requirements	8

ABS/PLS 730 Theories in International and Comparative Politics	4
ABS/PLS 731 Seminar in International and Comparative Politics	4
Foreign Language/Quantitative Methods	0-8

Students who do not have sufficient foreign language skills may substitute the following:
ABS/PLS 701 Methodology I	4
ABS/PLS 702 Methodology II	4
Research	5

ABS/PLS 703 Applied Methodology	4
Electives	24

Select one in consultation with advisor.
Courses related to Peace and Security Studies
Courses related to International Organizations
Courses related to Developed Nations
Courses related to Developing Nations
Thesis or Project	10

Student selects either in consultation with advisor
ABS/PLS 799 Practicum	1-4
AND
ABS/PLS 798 Graduate Project	6
OR
ABS/PLS 799 Thesis Research	10

Total	46-54