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PhD in International Politics and Divine Purpose

Course Overview

The PhD course in International Politics and Divine Purpose is an advanced, research-focused program designed to explore the intricate relationship between global political dynamics and divine purpose. This program aims to produce scholars who can contribute to the academic field through original research, while also applying ethical and spiritual principles to international political theory and practice.

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Course Objectives

  • Advanced Understanding of Divine Purpose:

    • Develop a profound comprehension of divine purpose as interpreted by various religious traditions.

    • Examine how these interpretations influence global political structures and processes.

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  • Historical and Theoretical Foundations:

    • Analyze key historical events and movements shaped by divine purpose.

    • Critically engage with theoretical frameworks that integrate religion and international politics.

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  • Ethical Leadership and Policy:

    • Foster skills in ethical leadership and policy development informed by divine principles.

    • Investigate the role of moral and spiritual values in contemporary political strategies.

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  • Interdisciplinary Research Competence:

    • Cultivate interdisciplinary research skills bridging international politics, ethics, and theology.

    • Prepare students for producing significant academic contributions in their field.

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  • Global Cultural and Religious Literacy:

    • Enhance understanding of diverse cultural and religious influences on global politics.

    • Promote strategies for effective intercultural and interfaith dialogue and collaboration.

Course Structure

Year 1:

Foundations and Core Concepts

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Semester 1

  • Course: Theories of International Politics

    • Overview of major theories in international relations.

    • Critical analysis of how these theories address or neglect divine purpose.

  • Course: Divine Purpose in Religious Traditions

    • Comparative study of divine purpose across major world religions.

    • Examination of scriptural and theological sources.

  • Seminar: Research Methodologies in Political Theology

    • Introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods.

    • Ethical considerations in research involving religious themes.

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Semester 2

  • Course: Historical Perspectives on Religion and Politics

    • Case studies of political leaders and movements inspired by divine purpose.

    • Analysis of the impact of religion on international treaties and conflicts.

  • Course: Ethics and International Policy

    • Exploration of ethical frameworks in international policy-making.

    • Application of these frameworks to contemporary political issues.

  • Seminar: Advanced Research Design

    • Development of research proposals.

    • Workshops on writing literature reviews and designing research instruments.

Year 2:

Specialization and Advanced Research

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Semester 3

  • Course: Religion in Contemporary Global Politics

    • Study of the role of religious organizations and leaders in modern diplomacy.

    • Case studies on peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

  • Course: Moral Leadership and Governance

    • Principles and practices of ethical leadership.

    • Analysis of governance models that integrate spiritual values.

  • Independent Study: Directed Readings

    • Tailored readings in the student’s area of interest.

    • Preparation for comprehensive exams.

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Semester 4

  • Course: Cultural and Religious Competence in Diplomacy

    • Strategies for effective intercultural communication.

    • Role of religious pluralism in global politics.

  • Course: Divine Purpose and Global Justice

    • Examination of justice theories influenced by religious ethics.

    • Application to issues such as human rights and environmental justice.

  • Seminar: Dissertation Proposal Development

    • Intensive support for developing and refining dissertation proposals.

    • Peer reviews and feedback sessions.

Year 3:

Dissertation Research and Writing

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Semester 5

  1. Research: Dissertation Research

    • Conducting primary research based on approved dissertation proposal.

    • Regular meetings with dissertation advisor.

  2. Colloquium: Research Findings

    • Presentation of preliminary findings to faculty and peers.

    • Receiving constructive feedback for further refinement.

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Semester 6

  1. Writing: Dissertation Writing

    • Drafting and revising dissertation chapters.

    • Focused writing retreats and peer support groups.

  2. Course: Publishing and Disseminating Research

    • Strategies for publishing academic articles and books.

    • Presenting research at conferences and public forums.

  3. Defense Preparation:

    • Preparing for the dissertation defense.

    • Mock defense sessions and advisor feedback.

Assessment Methods

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  • Comprehensive Exams:

    • Written and oral exams covering core areas of the curriculum.

    • Assessment of students’ mastery of key concepts and theories.

  • Research Papers:

    • Submission of research papers for each course.

    • Critical analysis and original contributions to the field.

  • Dissertation:

    • Completion of an original research project.

    • Defense of the dissertation before a panel of faculty members.

  • Presentations and Seminars:

    • Regular presentations of research progress.

    • Participation in seminars and workshops.

  • Peer Reviews:

    • Providing and receiving feedback on research proposals and papers.

    • Engaging in collaborative learning and scholarly critique.

Weekly Breakdown

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Weeks 1-2: Foundations of International Politics

  • Lecture: Introduction to international politics.

  • Reading: Selected chapters from core textbooks.

  • Discussion: Major theories and frameworks.

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Weeks 3-4: Divine Purpose in Religious Traditions

  • Lecture: Definitions and interpretations.

  • Reading: Religious texts and scholarly articles.

  • Assignment: Reflective essay on personal understanding of divine purpose

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Weeks 5-6: Historical Perspectives on Religion and Politics

  • Lecture: Historical leaders and movements.

  • Reading: Biographies and case study analyses.

  • Group Discussion: Impact of divine purpose on historical events.

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Weeks 7-8: Ethics and International Policy

  • Lecture: Ethical frameworks in policy-making.

  • Reading: Articles and case studies.

  • Assignment: Policy analysis.

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Weeks 9-10: Research Methodologies in Political Theology

  • Lecture: Research methods overview.

  • Reading: Methodological texts.

  • Assignment: Research proposal draft.

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Weeks 11-12: Advanced Research Design

  • Lecture: Designing research instruments.

  • Workshop: Peer review of research proposals.

  • Assignment: Finalize research proposal.

Resources and References

  • Books:

    • "Religion and International Relations Theory" edited by Jack Snyder.

    • "The Power of Religion in the Public Sphere" by Judith Butler, Jürgen Habermas, Charles Taylor, and Cornel West.

    • "Ethical Leadership: Creating and Sustaining an Ethical Business Culture" by Andrew Leigh.

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  • Articles and Journals:

    • Articles on the role of religion in international politics.

    • Journals focusing on ethical leadership and moral philosophy in political contexts.

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  • Online Resources:

    • Webinars and lectures on international relations and ethical leadership.

    • Online courses on cultural competence and diplomacy.

This divinely-centered PhD course in International Politics and Divine Purpose aims to cultivate scholars who can integrate spiritual and ethical principles into the study and practice of international politics, contributing to a more just and morally grounded global political landscape.

Accepting Applications
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