International Security and Conflict Resolution

OFFICE: Storm Hall 223B
TELEPHONE: 619-594-3768 / FAX: 619-594-7302
E-MAIL: iscor@sdsu.edu

Faculty

Program Director: Varadarajan, Latha, Professor of Political Science (B.A., Ethiraj College; M.A., Jawaharlal Nehru University; M.Phil, Jawaharlal Nehru University; Ph.D., University of Minnesota)

Adviser: Graubart, Jonathan, Professor of Political Science (M.A., University of Pennsylvania; J.D., Berkeley Law, University of California, Berkeley; Ph.D. University of Wisconsin)

Core Faculty:

Alexeev, Mikhail, Professor of Political Science (Ph.D., University of Washington)

O’Brien, Cheryl M., Assistant Professor of Political Science (B.A., University of Notre Dame; M.A., Ph.D., Purdue University)

Greb, Gregory Allen, Lecturer, Political Science (B.A., University of California, Los Angeles; Ph.D., University of California San Diego)

Associated Faculty:

Asselin, Pierre, Professor of History, The Dwight E. Stanford Chair in American Foreign Relations (B.A., York University, Canada; M.A., University of Toronto, Canada; Ph.D., University of Hawaii)

Biggs, Trent W., Professor of Geography (A.B., Princeton University; M.A., Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara)

Carruthers, David, Professor of Political Science (B.A., Southern Oregon University; M.A., Ph.D., University of Oregon)

Cheng, Grace, Director, Interdisciplinary Human Rights Initiative (Ph.D., University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa)

Dal Pubel, Luca, Lecturer, Political Science

Flanigan, Shawn T., Professor of Public Affairs (B.A., M.P.A., University of New Mexico; Ph.D., State University of New York at Albany)

Foad, Hisham, Associate Professor of Economics (B.A., Kenyon College; M.A., Ph.D., Emory University)

Freiberg, Annika, Assistant Professor, History (Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)

Johnston, Hank, Professor of Sociology and Hansen Chair of Peace and Nonviolence Studies (Ph.D., University of California, San Diego)

Pottathil, Akshay, Ph.D., Co-Director, Center for Information Convergence & Strategy (CICS)

Swanson, Katherine E., Professor of Geography (B.A., M.A., University of Guelph; Ph.D., University of Toronto, Canada)

The Major

The international security and conflict resolution (ISCOR) major at San Diego State University is an innovative interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with a sophisticated understanding of the political, moral, socioeconomic, and cultural dimensions to global conflict. Its interests extend well beyond conventional international security issues to encompass the broader analysis of global affairs. ISCOR exposes students to a multiplicity of ideological, regional, and cultural perspectives. Students will attain a comprehensive and multifaceted understanding of global affairs and the challenges to building a more peaceful, just, and ecologically sustainable global order. ISCOR students will develop a rich appreciation of both increased global interconnections (sometimes known as globalization) and enduring diversity in cultural practices, political systems, and economic systems. Students will also sharpen their skills in research and critical reasoning and develop expertise in specific global issues. Upon graduation, ISCOR students will be well positioned for advanced studies or for embarking upon careers in positions related to global affairs.

The ISCOR program features three specializations: cooperation, conflict, and conflict resolution; environment and security; and justice in the global system. All students are expected to study abroad and given the option of doing an internship or senior thesis.

International security and conflict resolution is an interdisciplinary program leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts and sciences. The program integrates coursework from natural sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and humanities.

In order to provide breadth and depth for the courses of study, all students are required to complete a set of core courses addressing the major themes of the development of global systems and the nature of conflict and conflict resolution. In addition, all students must select an integrated set of courses from different disciplines focused on an area of specialization in cooperation, conflict, and conflict resolution; environment and security; or in justice in the global system.

Advising