Graduate Course Descriptions

International Studies (INS)

INS 5290 Internship 2 (2-0)

Students who do not have at least one year of relevant work experience need to complete an internship. The internship should be a minimum of eight weeks, or 320 hours, in a suitable organization. On the completion of the internship, students are required to submit a written report which will be defended before an examining committee. Students who conduct an internship will be required to take two additional International Relations courses. Students who are exempted from the internship will take three additional International Relations courses.

INS 5301 Theories and Models of International Relations 3(3-0)

The course is a survey of the main theories and models of international relations. After considering some concepts such as order, power, sovereignty and international justice, the course examines central themes in international relations such as the balance of power, international law and organizations, diplomacy and globalization. This theoretical background is then applied to specific issues in international politics such as interventionism, human rights, terrorism, or peace and war.

This is a Foundation Course in the MAISD

INS 5302 World Issues Seminar 3(3-0)

This course is intended to give students a solid grounding in both a broad range of contemporary international issues and also issues relating to Morocco and its immediate surroundings. Readings and discussions will examine major current international issues as well as look at the developments and events in the world’s major sub-regions. The seminar will be a forum for a range of guest speakers, from both within and beyond the university, to address topics of international, contemporary and Moroccan relevance.

This is a Core Course in the MAISD and the Combined BAMAISD

INS 5303 Advanced International Relations Theory 3(3-0)

This course presents a broad variety of theoretical approaches to analyzing the international political situation. It covers the different debates that take place in the field of International Relations. The course will discuss Realist, Liberal and Post-Modern approaches to International relations theory. The course also examines different forms of Constructivism and their critiques.

This is a Core Course in the MAISD and the Combined BAMAISD

INS 5304 Moroccan Foreign Policy and Diplomacy 3(3-0)

This course looks at the development and formulation of Morocco's foreign policy since independence in 1956. In addition it provides a historical overview of the major events and developments of the post-independence period. The course also examines the issues and actors involved in the making of policy and the changing nature of the regional and international context in which Morocco has had to adapt itself.

This is a Core Course in the MAISD and the Combined BAMAISD

INS 5305 International Law and Organizations 3(3-0)

The aim of this course is to provide a framework for understanding the normative dimension of international relations. The emphasis is on the role of norms and rules in international relations through the role of international treaties and their effects on international relations.

This is an International Relations Course in the MAISD

INS 5306 Diplomatic Negotiation 3(3-0)

This course surveys the theory and practice of diplomatic negotiation aspects of both bilateral and multilateral negotiations will be covered. Models of negotiation, steps of negotiation and strategies of negotiations will be a consistent component of the program. Psychological and sociological influences will be emphasized. Case studies will complement the theoretical framework of the course.

This is an International Relations Course in the MAISD

INS 5307 Diplomatic Theory and Practice 3(3-0)

The purpose of this course is to survey the different approaches in analyzing diplomacy and foreign policy. The debate from an American and European perspective is emphasized. The different aspects to be analyzed are the constitutional, the organizational, and the partisan dynamics of the foreign policy process. The evolution of diplomacy and the new role of diplomats in International Politics are examined in the light of the new challenges to ‘traditional diplomacy’.

This is an International Relations Course in the MAISD

INS 5310 Special Topics in International Relations 3(3-0)

Specially scheduled courses on significant issues or topics relevant to the study of international relations.

This is an International Relations Course in the MAISD

INS 5311 Geopolitics 3(3-0)

The objective of this course is to analyze the twentieth century geopolitical thought as one of the components of contemporary political philosophy. The course surveys Western geopolitical thinkers, including Mackinder, Vidal de La Blache, Haushofer, Kennan, Kissinger and Huntington. Alternative and opposing geopolitical discourses (Soviet, Third Worldist, Islamist and Environmentalist) are also studied. The role of geopolitical ideologies in international relations and strategic policymaking is analyzed. The course is based on fundamental readings and involves bibliographic research.

This is an International Relations Course in the MAISD

INS 5312 International Security 3(3-0)

This course deals with issues related to international security. It examines the legacy of both World War II and the Cold War. It surveys different theories of peace and war with an emphasis on the causes of war and the conditions for peace. Emphasis is given to peace research and the positive definition of peace in International Relations

This is an International Relations Course in the MAISD

INS 5313 Conflict Management and Resolution 3(3-0)

This course explains the theoretical and analytical tools used to understand the causes of violent conflicts and the means to manage and resolve them. It surveys the different forms of political violence, including ethnic, domestic conflict and terrorism. It examines different forms of conflict management and resolution including preventative diplomacy, humanitarian intervention, peace making, and peace keeping. The course will use case studies.

This is an International Relations Course in the MAISD

INS 5314 Diplomatic Negotiation: Theory and Practice 3(3-0)

This course surveys the theory and practice of diplomatic negotiation and covers both bilateral and multilateral negotiations. Models, steps and strategies of negotiations will be covered and case studies will complement the theoretical aspects of the course.

INS 5315 International Political Economy 3(3-0)

This course provides a survey of theories of international political economy as well as a short review of the history of the discipline. The course examines the relationship of economics and politics. It covers several issues including the relationship of wealth and power, the role of the nation-state in economic management and control, regional economic and political integration, the role of the multinational cooperation, the North- South economic divide, political dialogue, and the impact of globalization the world’s economies.

This is an International Relations Course in the MAISD

INS 5316 Comparative Political Economy of Development 3(3-0)

The main theories of economic development are surveyed. Comparison of their effects is applied to different regions of the world. Strategies of economic development among different regions of the world are compared. The similarities, the differences, and the lessons of different strategies of development are emphasized. The role of policies, institutions and the international environment in constraining the action of policy makers is examined.

This is an International Relations Course in the MAISD

INS 5317 European Union - North Africa Relations 3(3-0)

This course will survey and examine relations between the Maghreb region and Europe. Bilateral ties between states as well as the policies of individual European states such as, France and Spain will be explored. The main focus of the course will be on relations with the European Union itself. Students will study issues such as trade, co-operation, migration, security and the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership Initiative.

This is an International Relations Course in the MAISD
This is a Concentration Course in North African & Middle Eastern Studies for the MAISD
This is a Concentration Course in European Studies for the MAISD

INS 5318 The Policies of the European Union 3(3-0)

This course provides students with a solid basis for understanding how the European Union makes policy. The role of the Brussels-based European Union administrative apparatus will be explored with regard to economic policies, including the Common Agricultural Policy; Foreign Policy, including the European Security and Defense Identity; and Justice and Home Affairs Policy, including drug policy and border controls. Students will participate in a simulation concerning a current issue facing the EU.

This is a Concentration Course in European Studies for the MAISD

INS 5319 Special Topics in North African and Euro-Mediterranean Studies 3(3-0)

Specially scheduled courses on significant issues or topics relevant to the study of North Africa and Euro-Mediterranean region.

This is a Concentration Course in North African & Middle Eastern Studies for the MAISD

INS 5320 The European Union: An Introduction 3(3-0)

This course aims to introduce students to the basic workings and institutions of the European Union. The origins of the EU will be examined along with its progressive growth of the institution, its expansion to include new members, and its transformation in search of deeper political integration. Students will also study the construction and goals of European policies such as those concerning agriculture, foreign affairs and economics.

This is a Foundation Course in the MAISD

INS 5322 United States Policy in the Middle East 3(3-0)

This pro-seminar examines the interests of the United States in the Middle East from the Truman Doctrine onwards. The formation of the Baghdad Pact, the Suez Crisis, the Arab-Israeli Conflict, Palestine, the Gulf Wars and the Iranian Revolution are discussed in terms of their effects on United States interests and orientation. The role of oil and the region’s reliance on the United States for security along with the rising role of counter-terrorism in shaping United States foreign policy are analyzed within the broader framework of United States foreign policy.

This is an International Relations Course in the MAISD
This is a Concentration Course in North African & Middle Eastern Studies for the MAISD
This is a Concentration Course in American Studies for the MAISD

INS 5324 United States Foreign Policy 3(3-0)

This course examines the foreign policy process of the United States. The roles played by the Pentagon, the State Department, the intelligence community, and various social and economic interests groups in the formation of United States foreign policy is addressed by this course. The course will also offer various interpretative perspectives on United States foreign policy by presenting both traditionalist and revisionist theories on the matter. The course will introduce students to major texts that shaped US foreign policy.

This is an International Relations Course in the MAISD
This is a Concentration Course in American Studies for the MAISD

INS 5326 United States-Maghreb Relations 3(3-0)

This pro-seminar examines history and development of United States foreign policy towards the Maghreb from the 18th century onwards. Particular emphasis is placed on political and economic cooperation and conflict during the Cold War and current efforts to enhance economic ties through free trade agreements and economic initiatives. Various aspects of military and security cooperation are also discussed within the framework of the overall relationship.

This is an International Relations Course in the MAISD
This is a Concentration Course in North African & Middle Eastern Studies for the MAISD
This is a Concentration Course in American Studies for the MAISD

INS 5328 Special Topics in European Studies 3(3-0)

Specially scheduled courses on significant issues or topics relevant to the study of the European region.

This is a Concentration Course in European Studies for the MAISD

INS 5330 The United States and the Pacific 3(3-0)

The interests of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region and its history there are the main topic for this course. Structured as a seminar, the course traces the United States’ position in the region from the opening of Japan by Commodore Perry through World War II to its current face-off with North Korea over nuclear programs and other countries over trade practices. The financial and security relationship between Japan and the United States and the influence of Pacific cultures on the United States are also discussed and analyzed.

This is a Concentration Course in American Studies for the MAISD

INS 5335 Special Topics in American Studies 3(3-0)

Specially scheduled courses on significant issues or topics relevant to the study of the American region.

This is a Concentration Course in American Studies for the MAISD

INS 5340 Independent Study in International Studies 3(3-0)

Independent study is for those students who have specific interests or needs that cannot be covered by the courses offered in their program. Students wishing to do an independent study must submit a detailed plan as a written request proposing the study, which must be supported by a member of the faculty and approved by the Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Students may undertake only ONE independent Study in the course of their MA program and may do so should there be no courses offered that cover the same topics. Independent study should be taken only during the last semesters of students’ degree program. Independent Study can only be taken to cover non-core requirements.

INS 5342 The Political Economy of the European Union 3(3-0)

The course provides analysis of the economic rationale for the European Union, evidence of the development of trade and growth in the EU, details of the Single Market program, analysis of convergence and disparities within the EU and prospects for EU enlargement by integration of Central European economies. Focus will be on integration theory and measurement and analysis of EU policy-making, illustrated with current issues such as economic and monetary union, and employment and trade policies.

This is a Concentration Course in European Studies for the MAISD

INS 5344 Security Politics in the New Europe 3(3-0)

This course deals with the methods and theories of security issues. It analyzes the historical background conditions and the significant changes in European security since the end of the 1980s. The course assesses the strategies and shortcomings of European security institutions (OSCE, EU, and NATO) and evaluates current security challenges.

This is a Concentration Course in European Studies for the MAISD

INS 5346 External Relations of the European Union 3(3-0)

The external relations of the EU encompass a wide range of issues, from trade and development to security and the environment. With the expansion of the EU and the deepening of the integration process, the EU has become an increasingly acknowledged actor in the international system. The course will examine the decision-making processes regarding the EU external relations and its main areas of action.

This is an International Relations Course in the MAISD
This is a Concentration Course in European Studies for the MAISD

INS 5348 United States-European Relations 3(3-0)

The course will examine the economic, political and security relations between the United States and Europe before and since the European integration process.. It will examine the economic relationship in terms of trade, investment and financial flows and will examine the security relationship within the rubric of NATO. Major issues for NATO such as the inclusion of West Germany, eastward expansion, relations with Russia and its search for a role in a post-Cold War world serve as the seminar’s signposts. NATO debates over relative burdens and the positions advanced by the United States and some of its allies are also studied in this seminar.

This is an International Relations Course in the MAISD
This is a Concentration Course in European Studies for the MAISD
This is a Concentration Course in American Studies for the MAISD

INS 5391 Thesis Seminar 3 (3-0)

Students who have reached the thesis-writing stage will meet once a week with other students and a supervising professor to report on their progress and to be advised on how to proceed with their project. Students failing to defend their theses successfully by the end of the semester will be awarded an IP grade. This course can be taken only as a Pass/Fail basis.

This is a Core Course in the MAISD and the Combined BAMAISD

INS 5304 Moroccan Foreign Policy and Diplomacy: 3(3-0)
This course looks at the development and formulation of Morocco’s foreign policy since independence in 1956. In addition it provides a historical overview of the major events and developments of the post-independence period. The course also examines the issues and actors involved in the making of policy and the changing nature of the regional and international context in which Morocco has had to adapt itself.

INS 5319 Special Topics in North African and Euro-Mediterranean Studies: 3(3-0)
Specially scheduled courses on significant issues or topics relevant to the study of North Africa and Euro-Mediterranean region.

INS 5326 United States-Maghreb Relations: 3(3-0)
This pro-seminar examines history and development of United States foreign policy towards the Maghreb from the 18th century onwards. Particular emphasis is placed on political and economic cooperation and conflict during the Cold War and current efforts to enhance economic ties through free trade agreements and economic initiatives. Various aspects of military and security cooperation are also discussed within the framework of the overall relationship.

INS 5361 Political Economy of the Middle East: 3(3-0)