SCHOOL of INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

American University · Washington, D.C.

MA, ETHICS, PEACE, and GLOBAL AFFAIRS

MA Links

Degree Requirements (39 credits)

The Master of Arts in Ethics, Peace, and Global Affairs offers an ethical response to contemporary global problems. This interdisciplinary program, offered jointly by International Peace and Conflict Resolution in the School of International Service and the Department of Philosophy and Religion in the College of Arts and Sciences, prepares students broadly in the practical application of ethical theory and policy analysis to difficult ethical choices in global affairs, and specifically to the dynamics of war, peace, and conflict resolution. Hallmarks of the curriculum include: interdisciplinary inquiry, solid grounding in the foundational concepts and issues of both philosophical ethics and international affairs, practical applications of ethical and policy analysis to contemporary social problems in global affairs, and interactive teaching utilizing case studies, simulations, interactive exercises, and intensive class discussion.

The program builds directly on the intersection of the IPCR idea of "positive peace" and contemporary ethical theory. Students select one of six different tracks-specially selected sets of courses in a content area of specialization-that will forward their career goals. These tracks are: human rights and social justice, peace and conflict resolution, global environmental justice, ethics of development, international economic justice, and globally governance and international organization.

Core Courses (12 credit hours)

PHIL-525 Seminar on Modern Moral Problems (3)
PHIL-693 Global Ethics (3)
SIS-607 Peace Paradigms (3)
SIS-614 Ethics and International Affairs (3)

Foundation Courses (6 credit hours)

PHIL-520 Seminar on Ethical Theory (3)
SIS-622 Human Rights (3)

Research Methods (3 credit hours)

SIS- 600 Quantitative Analysis in International Affairs (3)

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Qualitative Research Seminar (3)

Research and Writing Requirement (6 credit hours)

6 credit hours from the following: the thesis or substantial research paper and internship must relate clearly to the student’s concentration and be supervised by faculty teaching related courses:

PHIL-797 Master's Thesis Seminar

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PHIL-691 Internship in Philosophy

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PHIL-702 Graduate Seminar in Philosophy

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SIS-691 Internship in International Affairs

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SIS-795 Master's Research Requirement

Track Requirement (12 credit hours)

Sample tracks:

Peace and Conflict Resolution Track
Required:
*Conflict Analysis and Resolution: Theory & Practice
*Choose three of the following:
Studies in Asian Philosophy (3) (approved topic)
Selected Topics in Philosophy (3) (with advisor's approval)
SIS Special Studies in International Politics:
Peace-Building in Divided Societies (3)
Special Studies in International Politics:
Human Rights and Conflict (3)
Islamic Peace Paradigms
Gender and Conflict (3)
Special Studies in International Politics:
Reconciliation and Justice (3)
Conflict and Development (3)
Culture & Peace & Conflict Resolution: Alterns. to Violence (3)
International Negotiation

Human Rights and Social Justice Track
*Choose four of the following:
Selected Topics in Philosophy (3) (with advisor's approval)
Feminist Philosophy (3)
Gender and Conflict (3)
Special Studies in International Politics: Human Rights and Conflict (3)
International Law and the Legal Order (3)
Race and Philosophy (3)
Reconciliation and Justice (3)

Global Environmental Justice Track
Required:
*Environment and Politics (3)
*Choose three of the following:
Selected Topics in Philosophy (3) (with advisor's approval)
Environment and Development (3)
Special Studies in International Politics: Global Environmental Politics and Policy (3)
Advanced Studies and Research in Environmental Policy (3)

Ethics of Development Track
Required:
*International Development (3)
*Choose three of the following:
Selected Topics in Philosophy (3) (with advisor's approval)
Conflict and Development (3)
Micropolitics of Development (3)
Environment and Development (3)
Global Economy and Sustainable Development (3)
Women and Development (3)
Governance, Democracy, and Development (3)

International Economic Justice Track
Required:
*International Economics (3) (prerequisite: ECON-603 Introduction to Economic Theory)
*Choose three of the following:
Selected Topics in Philosophy (3) (with advisor's approval)
Multinational Corporations (3)
Global Economy and Sustainable Development (3)
International Monetary and Financial Relations (3)
International Trade and Investment Relations (3)
Comparative Political Economy (3)
Globalization: Power, Production & Culture (3)

Global Governance & International Organizations Track
Required:
*International Law and the Legal Order (3)
*International Organizations (3)
*Choose two of the following:
Selected Topics in Philosophy (3) (with advisor's approval)
Globalization: Power, Production & Culture (3)
Theory of Cooperative Global Politics (3)
Governance, Democracy, and Development (3)
Theories of Comparative and International Studies (3)

For specific information about courses, please consult the University Catalog, Bulletin, or your academic advisor. See also, the EPGA Handbook.