Students analyze the theory and practice of international affairs and acquire practice in designing an independent research project. Topics vary with faculty expertise, and have included war and political violence; global environmental issues, social mobilization and protest, and development, race, and gender. IA 501 further prepares students for their international experience and helps them design individualized research topics for their capstone project in IA 701. This course must be taken before IA 701 and in most cases, before the student undertakes an international experience.

In this course, students will investigate research methods relevant to the behavioral sciences. Topics will include the scientific method, research ethics, behavioral measurement, experimental and nonexperimental research design, statistical analysis, and scientific writing. Students will apply knowledge of research design, ethics, scientific writing, and APA formatting to propose a viable empirical study to address a practical problem.

Many problems in today's society are complex with no simple method of solving them. It is therefore imperative for civic-minded people to explore issues from multiple viewpoints and frameworks. The course analyzes specific themes as they relate to local or global communities while encouraging civil discourse among classmates. The seminar's specific topic varies by individual course section. Students approach a contemporary issue or problem and explore its causes and significance. Students are asked to use advanced problem-solving skills and methodologies to reflect on the topic, discuss possible approaches with peers, and investigate solutions using interdisciplinary research and analysis. The final product for this course contains a presentational component.

Many problems in today's society are complex with no simple method of solving them. It is therefore imperative for civic-minded people to explore issues from multiple viewpoints and frameworks. The course analyzes specific themes as they relate to local or global communities while encouraging civil discourse among classmates. The seminar's specific topic varies by individual course section. Students approach a contemporary issue or problem and explore its causes and significance. Students are asked to use advanced problem-solving skills and methodologies to reflect on the topic, discuss possible approaches with peers, and investigate solutions using interdisciplinary research and analysis. The final product for this course contains a presentational component.