Master of Arts


in International Studies

A Curriculum for a Complex World

Course Catalog

International Economics

The goal of the International Economics concentration is to prepare students for international careers that require economic skills and knowledge. The foundation that students develop in international economic theory, applications, systems and policy also prepares them for the further study of economics.

A preliminary background in economics, including introductory courses in microeconomics and macroeconomics, is required for students pursuing the International Economics concentration.

International Economics Topics Offered:

  • Applied Game Theory
  • Comparative Chinese and American Economies
  • Development Economics
  • East Asian Economies
  • Econometrics
  • Economic Relations Between China and the West
  • Environmental Economics
  • Globalization
  • International Monetary System
  • International Trade System
  • International Monetary Theory and Policy
  • International Trade Theory and Policy
  • Macroeconomics
  • Microeconomics
  • Public Sector Economics

International Politics

The International Politics concentration is designed to equip students with a thorough understanding of the interaction of nation-states and other actors in the international arena. Contemporary, historical and cultural factors that influence international behavior are emphasized. Students master basic theories and methods currently used in the field and will gain practice in applying them to policy formulation and analysis.

International Politics Topics Offered:

  • American Foreign Policy
  • China-U.S. Relations
  • Chinese Foreign Policy
  • Chinese Government and Politics
  • Comparative Politics
  • Contemporary Chinese Foreign Policy
  • Contemporary International Politics
  • Contemporary Sino-U.S. Relations
  • History of International Relations
  • International Organizations
  • International Political Economy
  • International Relations Theory
  • Strategic Studies
  • Traditions of Diplomacy: China and the United States

International and Comparative Law

The International and Comparative Law concentration presents courses on the legal systems of both China and the United States, as well as courses that look at legal structures and behavior in the transnational arena. Students develop an understanding of the legal basis of international relations and insight into how the legal traditions of China and the United States shape the behavior of the two countries.

International and Comparative Law Topics Offered:

  • American Constitution
  • American Contracts and Torts
  • American Legal System
  • Chinese Civil Law
  • Chinese Constitution
  • Chinese Criminal Law
  • Chinese Economic and Commercial Law
  • Chinese Legal System
  • Comparative Legal Cultures: United States and China
  • Environmental Law
  • History and Philosophy of Law in China
  • History and Philosophy of Law in the West
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • International Human Rights Law
  • International Law
  • Law and International Relations
  • Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

Chinese Studies

The Chinese Studies concentration is designed to provide advanced study of Chinese history, culture and society. It will prepare students for further study of Chinese history, politics, society and culture, and careers requiring sophisticated knowledge of China. Many of the courses in the concentration are cross-listed with the three disciplinary concentrations.

Chinese Studies Topics Offered:

  • Chinese Economics
  • Chinese History
  • Chinese Philosophy
  • Chinese Politics
  • Chinese Religion
  • Chinese Sociology

Required Coursework

Students will have several requirements outside of their concentration:

  • A two-course sequence designed for M.A.I.S. students. 
  • Students NOT concentrating in Law must take one class in this discipline.
  • Students NOT concentrating in Politics must take one class in this discipline.
  • Students NOT concentrating in International Economics will be required to take two International Economics courses of their choosing.

*Please note that many courses are cross listed between programs and may count for multiple requirements. For example, Chinese Legal System would count toward both Law and Chinese Studies.

Outside of the Classroom



Explore Other Programs