International Relations and Diplomacy

Full-time students can complete the 120-credit degree program in four years. (42 credits in the major).

Yes, faculty are always ready to help students with questions about what courses to take, the sequencing of courses, paid research opportunities, career opportunities, and internships.

The program is not offered entirely online, however, selected classes are offered online.

Contact:

Eduardo Zachary Albrecht
Associate Dean, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Associate Professor and Director, International Relations and Diplomacy
ealbrecht@mercy.edu

Michiko Kuroda
Senior Instructor, International Relations and Diplomacy
Faculty Advisor to the Model UN Team
mkuroda@mercy.edu

General Education Requirements: 60 Credits

Major Requirements: 27 Credits
Language Requirements: 6 Credits
Major Electives: 9 Credits
Open Electives: 18 Credits

Total: 120 Credits

For a full curriculum listing visit our catalog.

IRDP 110 (BHSC 110 / SOC 110) World Cultures

The course provides an overview of practical techniques grounded in social science research to navigate cultural differences. Students will be introduced to the concept of cultural awareness: an essential skill for adapting to new cultural situations with knowledge and sensitivity. The course offers students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of culture-based attitudes, norms, and practices to increase their competency in fostering positive intercultural interactions. Readings, discussions, case studies, and group activities will help students develop a conscious knowledge of their own culture and those of others, and offer guidance on collaborating, solving problems, and avoiding inadvertent yet counterproductive misunderstandings when interacting with people from different cultural backgrounds.
3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.

IRDP 252 (SOCL 252) Globalization

This course is an introduction to the process of rapidly increasing globalization and its impact on the role of the state. The course will look at the process of increasing inter-connectedness between societies, where events in one part of the world have increasing effects on people and societies far away. Advances in market integration, information technology, cultural diffusion and homogenization, and the growth of power among non-state actors have all contributed to the emergence of global communities, issues, and actions. The course focuses on the changing interactions among states, individuals, the private sector, and civil society – and the consequences for the world’s economic, social, and political structures and actors. The course explores globalization’s costs, benefits, and challenges.
Prerequisite: SOCL 101 Introduction to Sociology
3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.

IRDP 295 Contemporary Issues in International Relations and Diplomacy

An analysis of current topics that vary from term to term allowing for the coverage of new subject matter of interest to students and faculty, or the opportunity to make available an instructor’s special expertise.
3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.

IRDP 356 (POLS 356) International Negotiation and Diplomacy

This course provides an introduction to the core concepts, processes, and techniques of international negotiation and diplomacy. The course focuses on the role of diplomacy by governments (Track I diplomacy) and other types of diplomacy (Track II and III diplomacy). In addition, the course will address the nature of international conflict, negotiation in an international context, mediation, arbitration, conflict management, negotiation dynamics, strategy and tactics, agreement implementation, the role of economic and psychological incentives and constraints, and other factors like the influence of force, culture, and power. The course draws on exercises and role-playing, as well as case studies of real-world events.
3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.

IRDP (POLS 370) International Relations

This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of international relations. A spectrum of issues is addressed, including differing perspectives on the state, sovereignty, the international system, international organizations, international law, regional integration, conflict and cooperation, international finance, trade, transnationalism, interdependence, human rights, international development, environmental issues, the role of diplomacy, and foreign policy. Students will be introduced to the variety of theoretical perspectives in political philosophy and learn to apply these frameworks to current affairs issues. This course emphasizes both theoretical and practical approaches to international relations.

3 sem. hrs. 3 crs. 

IRDP 372: Model UN: Fundamentals

This course is an introduction to international governmental and non-governmental organizations as well as other types of transnational organizations. The course focuses on the fundamentals of the United Nations and the role of the Member States. The course will address how different types of international organizations function in a rapidly changing world. Students will explore how international cooperation can provide solutions to global challenges. The focus on peacekeeping, economic development, and human rights will serve to expand the student’s understanding of global politics.
3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.

IRDP 373: Model UN

This course involves preparation for and participation in Model United Nations conferences. Each year colleges and universities send delegations of students to represent countries at Model UN conferences, meetings, and committees. Topics include international peace and security, disarmament, development and finance, peacekeeping operations, human rights, transnational justice, education, environmental issues, humanitarian assistance, and gender issues. Preparation is extensive and involves thorough understanding of the functioning and the work of the UN and the committees that students are assigned to. In depth research and analysis of the country to be represented is also required. Students are expected to demonstrate their skills by presenting, negotiating, and networking with other delegations to identify and draft possible solutions to the issues being discussed. The course culminates in a five-day stay in New York City in which students participate in meetings in and near UN headquarters.
3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
Prerequisite: IRDP 372 (POLS 372)

IRDP 420 International Security, Threats and Conflicts (cc)

This course is an introduction to international security issues and their root causes. Students will identify traditional and emerging issues which threaten international security. Topics addressed include interstate and intrastate conflict, terrorism, nuclear and arms proliferation, illicit trade and piracy, cybersecurity violations, human rights violations, displaced persons and refugees, and humanitarian emergencies. Root causes discussed include economic causes (developmental inequality, poverty), social and cultural causes (corruption, failed states, religious conflict), and natural causes (water, food, and energy scarcity, global public health challenges, environmental challenges). Students will learn to conduct early warning and risk analyses of security issues and explore potential solutions.
3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.

IRDP 431 Study Abroad 1

This course assigns credit for study abroad. Students taking IRDP 431 pursue an approved course of study in a foreign-based institution of higher learning.
3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.

IRDP 432 Study Abroad 2

These courses assign credit for study abroad. Students taking IRDP 431 or 432 pursue an approved course of study in a foreign-based institution of higher learning.
3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.

IRDP 441 Model UN 2

This course assigns credit for advanced structured participation in the Model UN team of Mercy University or for participation in Model UN related activities on an individual basis. The course is made available for students that have completed IRDP 373 (POLS 373) International Organizations: Model UN, and wish to participate in the Model UN team of Mercy University or in Model UN related activities for a second time. They will be expected to take a leadership role such as being the head of delegation, deputy head of delegation, committee chair, rapporteurs, or any other senior position. The Model UN 2 course builds knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies required for careers related to diplomacy and the work of international organizations. This course is designed to provide opportunities for students to further develop their skills, learn about the regional and global relations of the nations they represent, and to better understand the dynamics of negotiation and the art of communication.
3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
Prerequisites: IRDP 372 (POLS 372) and IRDP 373 (POLS 373)

IRDP 442 Model UN 3

This course assigns credit for advanced structured participation in the Model UN team of Mercy University or for participation in Model UN related activities on an individual basis. The course is made available for students that have completed IRDP 373 (POLS 373) International Organizations: Model UN, and wish to participate in the Model UN team of Mercy University or in Model UN related activities for a third time. They will be expected to take a leadership role such as being the head of delegation, deputy head of delegation, committee chair, rapporteurs, or any other senior position. The Model UN 3 course builds knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies required for careers related to diplomacy and the work of international organizations. This course is designed to provide opportunities for students to further develop their skills, learn about the regional and global relations of the nations they represent, and to better understand the dynamics of negotiation and the art of communication.
3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
Prerequisites: IRDP 372 (POLS 372) and IRDP 373 (POLS 373)

IRDP 461 Internship 1

This course assigns credits for having conducted an internship in a service organization, a non-governmental organization, or an international organization with global scope. Students enhance their global understanding through practical work. Over the course of their internship students develop expertise on global problems and interactions across cultures. Students gain a strong working understanding of the organizations where they pursue their internship, particularly as regards their mission, management practices, and relationships to communities, governments, and international organizations. Students are expected to write a report evaluating their experiences which includes written feedback from their supervisors. Students are required to seek approval at least one semester in advance.
3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.

IRDP 462 Internship 2

This course assigns credits for having conducted an internship in a service organization, a non-governmental organization, or an international organization with global scope for a second time. Students enhance their global understanding through practical work. Over the course of their internship students develop expertise on global problems and interactions across cultures. Students gain a strong working understanding of the organizations where they pursue their internship, particularly as regards their mission, management practices, and relationships to communities, governments, and international organizations. Students are expected to write a report evaluating their experiences which includes written feedback from their supervisors. Students are required to seek approval at least one semester in advance.
3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.

IRDP 471: Global Challenges: Social Science in Action

IRDP 471: Students work with the instructor to design a research project on a topic of their choosing in the social sciences that is related to global issues such as geopolitics, migration, climate change, global health, etc. The class provides students with the necessary research, argumentation, and writing/presentation skills to successfully address a research question of their choosing related to global issues. Students will utilize independent research, critical analysis, ethical reflection, and written and oral communication skills in synthesizing relevant academic literature and to extend and develop original ideas. Students will be expected to complete their project and make a presentation at the end of the semester. This class can be taken with or without taking IRDP 472.
3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.

IRDP 472: Global Challenges: Testing your Idea with Social Science

IRDP 472: Students work with the instructor to develop a data collection plan that permits student to explore and answer a research question on a topic of their interest related to global issues such as geopolitics, migration, climate change, global health, etc. The class provides students with the necessary interview, survey, data collection, discourse analysis, and writing/presentation skills to successfully answer a research question of their choosing related to global issues. Students will utilize independent research, critical analysis, ethical reflection, and written and oral communication skills in synthesizing relevant academic literature and to extend and develop original ideas. Students will be expected to complete their project and make a presentation at the end of the semester. This class can be taken with or without taking IRDP 471.
3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.

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