Global Conflict and Human Security (GCHS)

GCHS 810 - Conflict & Human Security

Credits: 3

Examines patterns and trends of armed conflict, especially terrorism, insurgency and civil war in the 21st century. Reviews conditions that are likely to lead to war and the myriad ways conflict affects the economy, political system, and cultural norms of a society. Explores how civil wars end, key elements of effective peace processes, and the conditions under which mass violence is likely to resume. Examines conflict prevention strategies such as: preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE), disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) of combatants, and reform of police and military forces (security sector reform/SSR). Case studies on countries in Asia, Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

GCHS 820 - Global Governance

Credits: 3

An introduction to the concepts and theories of global governance. Examines the role governments, non-governmental organizations, institutions, civil society, and other actors play in the development and implementation of international law and policies. Focuses on the global institutional infrastructure for foreign aid, humanitarian relief, development programs, peacebuilding, and human rights advocacy. Explores how multilateral organizations, non-governmental organizations and other actors promote human security and sustainable development in countries with weak governments.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

GCHS 830 - International Development & Human Security

Credits: 3

Introduces international development policy and practice. Explores the interrelatedness of the United Nations' distinct human security domains (economic, food, health, environmental, personal, community, and political security), and reviews their connections to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (e.g., zero hunger, peace, justice and strong institutions). Examines the strategies used by humanitarian and development organizations to enhance people's well‐being in fragile states and conflict zones. Topics include: ethics of humanitarianism; how to create effective programs to alleviate poverty, tackle corruption and empower women and girls. Case studies on countries in Asia, Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

GCHS 840 - Sustainable Development: Gender-Environment Nexus

Credits: 3

The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides an overarching set of goals to enhance fundamental well-being for all. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are mutually reinforcing; for example, environmental sustainability impacts gender equality/women's empowerment and vice versa. This course examines environment-related SDGs through a gender lens. Topics include but are not limited to: SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (climate change).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

GCHS 850 - Peace and Human Security in the Post-Atrocity State

Credits: 3

Introduces theoretical and practical frameworks for understanding various stages of conflict with a focus on conflict transformation and peacebuilding in the post-atrocity state. Through the use of historical and contemporary case studies, explores practices of conflict transformation and security issues caused by regime change, state-sanctioned violence, civil war and conflict, and/or genocide. Topics include mediation, negotiation, facilitation and adjudication; methods of conflict prevention; the development and current state of transitional and restorative justice mechanisms; and the international community’s role in peacebuilding and peacekeeping.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

GCHS 860 - Research Methods

Credits: 3

Active learning course that introduces the concepts and elements of the research process. Explores quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection (i.e., surveys, focus groups, etc.) and data analysis. Topics include research design, sampling, measurement, reliability and validity, and ethical responsibilities of researchers.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

GCHS 870 - Statistics & Data Analysis

Credits: 3

Provides an overview of how to use statistical data analysis techniques to explore problems and answer questions related to public management. Students learn to design quantitative research projects and collect, analyze, and interpret data using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

GCHS 880 - Project Design

Credits: 3

Provides an understanding of the essential aspects of development projects and the elements that contribute to sound project identification and design. Experiential learning opportunities to acquire and practice basic and advanced skills and techniques involved in the conceptualization and planning of development projects. Foundation course for monitoring and evaluation (M&E).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

GCHS 890 - Project Management

Credits: 3

Monitoring & Evaluation II: provides in-class and hands-on knowledge and skills in a variety of social research techniques in order to [1] validate, verify and finalize the project’s problem analysis, [2] construct the project logic model, [3] lay out the positive and negative factors that influence the project, and, if applicable, [4] commence the implementation of the project.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

GCHS 892 - Special Topics

Credits: 3

New or specialized courses not normally covered in regular course offerings. May be repeated twice barring duplication of topic and with permission of the GCHS program coordinator.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

GCHS 895 - Independent Study

Credits: 1-3

Student works under faculty mentor to complete research. This course may substitute for a required course with permission by GCHS faculty program coordinator.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

GCHS 898 - Capstone: Non-Thesis

Credits: 3

The culminating activity of the Global Conflict and Human Security program. Provides opportunities to demonstrate and build on the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the GCHS program. Students work with a faculty mentor(s) to complete and evaluate projects begun in a previous term. Students present their findings and evaluative assessments of their projects.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading