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Master in Diplomacy and  Foreign Affairs

This professional postgraduate curriculum in Diplomacy and Foreign Services blends theoretical understanding with practical skills in diplomacy, international relations, policy analysis, and cultural competence. The program balances theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and real-world application. The aim is to equip students with the competencies necessary for successful careers in diplomacy, international relations, and foreign services

 Curriculum

Core

1. Foundation of Diplomacy and Foreign Services

  • Content: Foundations of diplomacy, roles and functions of foreign service officers, history of diplomacy, and diplomatic protocols.

  • Objective: To provide an overview of the diplomatic profession and its evolution.

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2. International Relations Theory

  • Content: Major IR theories, including realism, liberalism, constructivism, and others.

  • Objective: To offer a theoretical framework for understanding global political dynamics.

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3. Global Political Economy

  • Content: Interaction between global politics and economics, trade policies, international finance, and development issues.

  • Objective: To analyze economic policies and their political implications.

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4. International Law and Organizations

  • Content: Principles of international law, the role of international organizations such as the UN, WTO, and regional bodies.

  • Objective: To understand the legal frameworks and institutional structures governing international relations.

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5. Foreign Policy Analysis

  • Content: The formulation and implementation of foreign policy, decision-making processes, and case studies.

  • Objective: To study how countries develop and execute their foreign policies

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6. Competencies-Based Leadership Development for Senior Executives:

    Assessment of students readiness to be an executive or member of the Senior Executive Service of their Government. Students will be submitted            to an executive leadership program stimulating their self-awareness with a focused picture of their leadership strengths. Program focuses on                  developing executive core qualifications (ECQs). This course uses the Challenge, Context, Action, and Results (CCAR) model to help student                  develop a personal strategy for effectively communicating their abilities as a high-level public sector leader.

Skills-Based Courses

The Master in Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of international relations, diplomacy, and the skills necessary for effective practice in the field. The program combines theoretical knowledge, practical case studies, and professional development to prepare graduates for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, and global policy-making.

 

Total Program Hours: 1,500

 

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Breakdown of Hours:

  1. Core Courses: 600 hours

  2. Elective Courses: 300 hours

  3. Case Studies and Practicum: 200 hours

  4. Professional Development: 150 hours

  5. Independent Study and Research Project: 250 hours

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1. Core Courses: 600 hours

Each core course typically involves 150 hours of effort, including lectures, readings, assignments, and exams.

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Courses and References:

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Course 1: International Relations Theory

  • Content:

    • Major IR theories: realism, liberalism, constructivism, Marxism.

    • Application of theories to contemporary issues.

  • Key References:

    • Jackson, R., & Sørensen, G. (2019). Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches. Oxford University Press.

    • Wendt, A. (1999). Social Theory of International Politics. Cambridge University Press.

  • Hours: 150

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Course 2: Diplomatic History and Practice

  • Content:

    • History of diplomacy from ancient to modern times.

    • Diplomatic protocols, negotiation strategies, and bilateral/multilateral diplomacy.

  • Key References:

    • Kissinger, H. (1994). Diplomacy. Simon & Schuster.

    • Berridge, G. R. (2015). Diplomacy: Theory and Practice. Palgrave Macmillan.

  • Hours: 150

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Course 3: International Law and Organizations

  • Content:

    • Principles of international law, role of international organizations.

    • Case studies on the UN, WTO, ICC, and regional organizations.

  • Key References:

    • Shaw, M. N. (2017). International Law. Cambridge University Press.

    • Pease, K.-K. (2018). International Organizations: Perspectives on Governance in the Twenty-First Century. Routledge.

  • Hours: 150

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Course 4: Global Political Economy

  • Content:

    • Global trade, finance, and economic policy.

    • Case studies on financial crises, trade wars, and economic development.

  • Key References:

    • Frieden, J. A., & Lake, D. A. (2000). International Political Economy: Perspectives on Global Power and Wealth. Routledge.

    • Oatley, T. (2018). International Political Economy. Routledge.

  • Hours: 150

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2. Elective Courses: 300 hours

Students select 2-3 elective courses to tailor their learning to specific interests. Each elective course involves 100-150 hours.

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Elective Courses:

Course 5: Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding

  • Content:

    • Theories and practices of conflict resolution.

    • Case studies on peace processes in Colombia, Northern Ireland, and Rwanda.

  • Key References:

    • Barash, D. P., & Webel, C. P. (2018). Peace and Conflict Studies. SAGE Publications.

    • Ramsbotham, O., Woodhouse, T., & Miall, H. (2016). Contemporary Conflict Resolution. Polity Press.

  • Hours: 150

Course 6: Environmental Diplomacy

  • Content:

    • International environmental agreements, climate change diplomacy.

    • Case studies on the Paris Agreement, Kyoto Protocol, and COP meetings.

  • Key References:

    • Chasek, P. S., Downie, D. L., & Brown, J. W. (2016). Global Environmental Politics. Westview Press.

    • Vogler, J. (2016). Climate Change in World Politics. Palgrave Macmillan.

  • Hours: 150

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3. Case Studies and Practicum: 200 hours

Case Study Workshops

  • Content:

    • In-depth analysis of historical and contemporary diplomatic case studies.

    • Simulation exercises and role-playing to apply diplomatic skills.

  • Key References:

    • Allison, G., & Zelikow, P. (1999). Essence of Decision: Explaining the Cuban Missile Crisis. Longman.

    • Crocker, C. A., Hampson, F. O., & Aall, P. (2016). Leashing the Dogs of War: Conflict Management in a Divided World. United States Institute of Peace Press.

  • Hours: 100

Practicum/Internship

  • Content:

    • Practical experience in a diplomatic mission, international organization, or NGO.

    • Application of academic knowledge in a professional setting.

  • Hours: 100

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4. Professional Development: 150 hours

Professional Skills Workshops

  • Content:

    • Workshops on public speaking, negotiation, policy writing, and career development.

  • Hours: 50

Conference Attendance and Networking

  • Content:

    • Participation in academic and professional conferences.

    • Networking events with diplomats, scholars, and practitioners.

  • Hours: 50

Career Planning and Job Search

  • Content:

    • Guidance on career paths, resume building, interview preparation.

  • Hours: 50

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5. Independent Study and Research Project: 250 hours

Research Project/Thesis

  • Content:

    • Independent research project on a topic of choice related to diplomacy and foreign affairs.

    • Supervised by faculty advisor, culminating in a thesis.

  • Hours: 250

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Weekly Schedule:

Fall Semester:

  • Monday:

    • 9:00-12:00: International Relations Theory (3 hours)

    • 13:00-16:00: Independent Study and Research (3 hours)

  • Tuesday:

    • 9:00-12:00: Diplomatic History and Practice (3 hours)

    • 13:00-16:00: Case Study Workshop (3 hours)

  • Wednesday:

    • 9:00-12:00: International Law and Organizations (3 hours)

    • 13:00-16:00: Practicum/Internship (3 hours)

  • Thursday:

    • 9:00-12:00: Global Political Economy (3 hours)

    • 13:00-16:00: Professional Skills Workshop (3 hours)

  • Friday:

    • 9:00-12:00: Elective Course (3 hours)

    • 13:00-16:00: Conference Attendance and Networking (3 hours)

  • Saturday:

    • Open for additional study, research, or catch-up work.

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Learning Outcomes:

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By the end of the program, students will acquire:

  1. Theoretical Knowledge:

    • Understand key theories and concepts in international relations and diplomacy.

    • Apply theoretical frameworks to analyze global issues.

  2. Practical Skills:

    • Develop advanced diplomatic skills through case studies and practicum.

    • Gain experience in negotiation, conflict resolution, and policy analysis.

  3. Research Competence:

    • Conduct independent research leading to a substantial thesis.

    • Demonstrate ability to critically analyze and present complex information.

  4. Professional Development:

    • Enhance public speaking, writing, and career planning skills.

    • Build a professional network and engage with the international community.

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This comprehensive curriculum ensures that graduates of the Master in Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs program are well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and professional experience necessary for successful careers in international relations and diplomacy.

Regional Studies and Language Proficiency

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11. Regional Studies

  • Content: In-depth analysis of specific regions (e.g., Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America), their political systems, cultures, and international relations.

  • Objective: To provide specialized knowledge of key regions relevant to foreign service work.

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12. Foreign Language Proficiency

  • Content: Language courses tailored to the needs of foreign service professionals.

  • Objective: To enhance language skills critical for effective communication in diverse settings.

Specialized Electives

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13. International Security and Conflict Resolution

  • Content: Theories and practices of security, conflict prevention, and resolution.

  • Objective: To understand global security challenges and approaches to managing conflicts.

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14. Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs

  • Content: International human rights law, humanitarian interventions, and the role of diplomats in promoting human rights.

  • Objective: To examine the intersection of diplomacy and human rights.

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15. Environmental Diplomacy

  • Content: Global environmental issues, climate change negotiations, and sustainable development policies.

  • Objective: To address the diplomatic aspects of environmental challenge

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