Master of Arts in International Studies and Diplomacy

Master of Arts in International Studies and Diplomacy

The Program

The Master of Arts in International Studies and Diplomacy (MAISD) offers qualified students the opportunity to become specialists in the fields of diplomacy and international affairs. Sponsored by the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the program provides students with a strong theoretical background and the analytical skills essential to gaining an understanding of international issues and events. The program draws upon the expertise of Al Akhawayn University faculty from different disciplines, and of professionals from the field.

Who is the Program for?

The MAISD program is designed for:

• academically qualified graduates from AUI and other Moroccan institutions who seek advanced education and training in International Studies and Diplomacy,
• professionals who are interested in furthering their training,
• international students who wish to gain expertise specifically in North African Studies.

Program Description

The MAISD program consists of the following:

Foundation courses in the fields of history, economics, statistics, international relations and cultural studies for students who need the necessary background knowledge in these areas;

• Core courses which provide students with the strong theoretical and analytical skills necessary to be competent professionals;
• Concentration courses in International Relations and North African and Euro-Mediterranean Studies, relating to fields such as diplomacy, international security, international co-operation, development, and the relations between the Maghreb, Europe and the Mediterranean;
• An internship which provides students with practical professional experience in an organization, agency or business of their choice;
• Elective courses which may be selected from any graduate-level program offered at AUI.

An International Environment

Students of the Master’s program in International Studies and Diplomacy have the opportunity to interact with students and faculty members from many different countries. The MAISD program sponsors international conferences and invites diplomats and international affairs professionals as guest speakers.

Foundation Courses

Students who lack the academic background in International Studies are required to take one or more of the following foundation courses. The decision as to which foundation courses are required will be taken by the Admission Committee and will be based on the student’s undergraduate transcripts and choice of concentration.

Foundation requirements for MAISD students:

In addition, students may be required to take a foundation course in the area concentration of their choice:

A maximum of five of the above courses (up to 16 SCH) may be required. Students who wish to test out of the foundation courses to which they have been assigned must submit a written request to the Dean stating their reasons. The request will be evaluated by the Admissions Committee.

Core Courses: 18 SCH

The following courses are required for all students.

The internship is required of students with less than one year of relevant work experience. If the student is exempted from the internship requirement, he or she should select three additional courses from the following list. If the student is required to conduct an internship, then he or she are to choose two courses from the list:

International Relations Courses (6-9 SCH)

Area Concentration (9 SCH)

Students are required to take three courses from an area concentration of their choice.

North African and Middle Eastern Studies

The aim of this area concentration is to situate Morocco and its international relations within the Arab and Islamic contexts. Both the Moroccan state and Moroccan society define themselves as part of this greater historic and cultural realm, an identity which is particularly reflected in Morocco’s relations with other North African and Middle Eastern countries, and also with Europe and the USA. Courses in this concentration explore contemporary issues related to state-building, identity construction, cultural and artistic expression, philosophy, religious practice, material culture, and such social phenomena as gender relations, migration, tourism and urbanization. Courses deal with both the domestic and the international aspects of these issues.

Courses

The following courses satisfy this area concentration.

European Studies

The European Studies concentration aims to provide students with in-depth knowledge of European international relations, politics, history, culture, and society. The concentration will also explore the role of the European Union in external relations, institution-building, and the construction of pan-European norms. Europe’s quest for security, prosperity and identity will be addressed throughout the concentration’s courses. The concentration will also address issues that have shaped European identities, thought, and literature

Courses

The following courses satisfy this area concentration.

American Studies

This concentration seeks to respond to the growing need within Morocco to understand, analyze and deal with issues concerning the United States within an international framework. This concentration will focus on providing the Moroccan graduate student with a high degree of understanding of American political and societal structures and life. The student will become familiar with basic texts and historical events in the American experience and learn about the leading problems and characteristics of the United States. The current concentration focuses on the United States, but it is envisioned that other countries will be added in due time. The concentration is aimed at graduates from both Al Akhawayn and other universities, career professionals interested in further training and, overseas students who wish to gain expertise about the United States and other American countries.

Courses

TOTAL 35-51 SCH