The seminar defines the methodology of international studies in three ways: as a theory of institutional interactions between people separated by distance and/or culture, as a problem-based research agenda aimed at discovering more effective mechanisms for these institutional interactions, and a collection of methods that employ historical, political, economic and cultural research techniques, simultaneously or sequentially, to uncover solutions to international problems. The objectives of this seminar are accomplished by studying a series of cases, most of which require library research, with students. These serve as model thesis projects, thereby introducing students to the methodology of the field and the program requirements simultaneously. Faculty from the various disciplines offer lectures in the seminar, introducing students to a wider range of approaches and potential advisors in the Autumn term.

The seminar will work through a series of cases that show students how to connect the surface events of a contemporary economic or political situation to the underlying social and cultural structures and processes that precipitate it. Theories that attempt to validate assumptions about these underlying structures and processes are examined. Through this seminar students acquire a fundamental knowledge of social theory and the methodology of organizational analysis.

The seminar focuses on the organization of power in contemporary societies and the processes that legitimatize or impeach authority. Students examine cases from both historical movements and contemporary movements. Through this seminar students acquire a fundamental knowledge of the agendas of modern political movements and the ideological supports for existing regimes.

An examination of contemporary issues in cultural analysis of global processes. Topics may include local-global linkages, transnational identities and communities, diasporas, Orientalism, the post-colonial condition, the post-socialist condition, commodification and consumption, meanings of gender and sexuality, globalized spaces and places, and technological transformation.

Examines the historical development of the contemporary international economy. The principle channels of interaction in this economy are examined: trade and investment, diffusion of technology, and institutional borrowing and adaptation. Students encounter classical, marxian, and neoclassical (political) theories of the interaction between national economies.

This seminar explores the cultural, economic, and political dimensions of current globalization processes. Topics may include flows of people, goods, ideas, or capital and how these flows impact states, movements, regimes, and localities.

The workshop extends the opportunity for students to discuss their thesis research activities with faculty and to learn various techniques and strategies of effective research. Ordinarily, students register for this course in Spring term.

The workshop extends the opportunity for students to discuss their thesis writing activities with faculty and to learn various techniques and strategies of effective scholarly writing. The culmination of this course is the defense of the thesis. Ordinarily, students register for this course in Winter term.