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Communicate fluently in today's international environment

The Diplomacy program is a 36-credit degree comprised of six, six-credit seminars. There are four start dates per year; March, June, September or December. Each seminar is approximately 11 weeks in length. The core curriculum is composed of the first three seminars focusing on the Global System, while the remaining three seminars allow you to select your concentration area in International Conflict Management, International Terrorism or International Commerce. The program culminates with a one-week residency and graduation ceremony at Norwich University in June.

The three core seminars, and the three seminars from your concentration area, must be taken in the order they are presented. They are strategically sequenced to build context for future seminars and to build on issues from past seminars.

Click on the Core Curriculum or one of the Concentration links for a description of the individual seminar topics.

Core Curriculum
Seminar 1: Theory and the International System
Seminar 2: Economics and the International System
Seminar 3: Law and the International System

International Commerce Concentration
Seminar 4: Global Commerce and the International System
Seminar 5: Cross-Cultural Management in the International System
Seminar 6: Global Corporate Diplomacy

International Terrorism Concentration
Seminar 4: Terrorism; Introduction and State Sponsored Terrorism
Seminar 5: International Terrorism by Non-State Actors
Seminar 6: International Response to Transnational Terrorism

International Conflict Management Concentration
Seminar 4: Conflict Avoidance, Prevention, and Containment in the International System
Seminar 5: Conflict Resolution and Post-Conflict Reconstruction in the International System
Seminar 6: Military Intervention and Conflict Management in the International System OR Human Rights and Conflict in the International System

Core Curriculum

Semester 1:

Theory and the International System
Seminar 1 - GD510
You will review the basic theories that govern international relations and political science. As no one theory fully explains the international system, a firm grasp of the leading paradigms gives you a solid foundation on which to build the degree. This seminar also traces the historical evolution of diplomacy within the international system, giving you a sense of its progression and an awareness of the milestones of diplomatic interaction within that system. (6 credit hours)

Economics and the International System
Seminar 3 - GD530
You will explore the international economic system, examining the impact of modernization within the system. The controversy over the concept of globalization will also be investigated, as well as the debate over free trade versus protectionism. You will become familiar with the international financial network and its institutions. Special attention will be given to Third World development issues. Finally, the idea of economics as a tool of diplomacy and military power will be raised. (6 credit hours)

Semester 2:

Law and the International System
Seminar 2 - GD520
You will explore the structure of the international system as defined by the rules and guidelines for that system. You will be introduced to international law terminology, history and its theory. The laws surrounding conflict, war, and war crimes will be explored. Of special interest will be the laws pertaining to human rights. Finally, the up-and-coming areas of international law, environmental law and the growing body of law concerning humanitarian intervention will be explored. (6 credit hours)

International Commerce Concentration

Semester 2:

Global Commerce and the International System
Seminar 4 - GD544
You will evaluate the role of private-sector commercees in the international system. This seminar focuses on examining internal and external environmental conditions when conducting commerce in a global environment. In particular, you will explore the impact of economics, law, politics and culture on multinational commerce endeavors. Country specific data and internal organizational factors that influence managerial decision making in multinational organizations are analyzed. The fundamental goal of this seminar is to increase your understanding of the global commerce environment and thereby enhance your ability to function effectively across borders. (6 credit hours)

Semester 3:

Cross-Cultural Management in the International System
Seminar 5 - GD554
You will review fundamental topics in Human Resources Management as these pertain to globally active organizations; corporate, non-profit, and governmental. The seminar focuses on building personal skills in dealing with intercultural Human Resources Management differences; selecting, evaluating and compensating employees in international assignments; training and developing expatriate employees; dealing with culture shock and examining the effects of repatriation. You will be asked to apply the concepts of conflict management, resolution and avoidance to specific "at-work" situations. (6 credit hours)

Global Corporate Diplomacy
Seminar 6 - GD564
The capstone seminar addresses the issue of how international commerce depends upon the public goodwill, the development of which is the function of corporate diplomacy. The seminar will enable you to develop knowledge, competencies, and tools for implementing strategic communications in order to deal effectively with international constituencies, including the government, the news media and the Internet, and NGOs. Special emphasis will be given to developing analytical skills to shape public opinion, build corporate reputation, and deal with crisis in a cross-cultural environment. (6 credit hours)

International Terrorism Concentration

Semester 2:

Terrorism: Introduction and State Sponsored Terrorism
Seminar 4 - GD542
This seminar examines how states have used terrorism as a tool in managing their international relations. The seminar also evaluates the actions that the international community took to deter state-sponsored terrorism. Case studies will be used to complement theory and to allow for comparative analyses of actions taken by the international community in different situations. (6 credit hours)

Semester 3:

International Terrorism by Non-State Actors
Seminar 5 - GD552
This seminar examines the phenomenon of transnational terrorism by non-state actors. Ideology, psychology, and strategies of major transnational groups are addressed to provide an understanding of their long-term goals and operations. Terrorist groups' relationships with WMD proliferation and organized crime are examined, together with possible future trends in terrorist operations. Case studies of key groups will be used to provide comparative analysis. (6 credit hours)

International Response to Transnational Terrorism
Seminar 6 - GD562
This seminar surveys the strategies and policies used by states to combat transnational terrorism. It includes the development of international law as a tool against terrorism. It focuses on diplomatic and multilateral approaches to deal with cross-border issues, and government policies designed to improve internal and multinational coordination and cooperation. Differences and commonalities among states in their approaches to terrorism are highlighted in an effort to examine best practices. (6 credit hours)

International Conflict Management Concentration

Semester 2:

Conflict Avoidance, Prevention, and Containment in the International System
Seminar 4 - GD540
You will address the multiple schools of debate concerning the causes of conflict and war. The increasingly controversial area of peacekeeping and peacemaking will be investigated. Transnational forces, including non-governmental organizations using diplomacy as a tool to avoid conflict in the international system, will be examined. Finally, the important concept of multilateral peace enforcement will be reviewed with an eye toward lessons learned. (6 credit hours)

Semester 3:

Conflict Resolution and Post-Conflict Reconstruction in the International System
Seminar 5 - GD550
You will examine the do's and don'ts of negotiating peace, its hazards, unexpected consequences, and lessons learned. Of increasing importance is learning how to recover from atrocities, through trials, truth commissions, and amnesty. Post-conflict governing recovery is also explored as well as reestablishing the rule of law, the dominance of civil society, and the institutions of governance. Finally, you will examine the politics and cultural impact of rebuilding, including the economic and financial costs. (6 credit hours)

Military Intervention and Conflict Management in the International System
Seminar 6 - GD560
You will examine conflict in all its forms. Aspects such as covert operations, psychological warfare, special operations, and limited warfare will be introduced. The increased emphasis on multinational coalitions and conflicts will be explored. A renewed emphasis will be given to terrorism, including the use of chemical, biological, and nuclear agents. Special cases of civil war and collapsed state conflicts will be reviewed. Finally, the impact of modern warfare, most notably to the environment, will be investigated. (6 credit hours)

OR

Human Rights and Conflict in the International System
Seminar 6 - GD 561
In this seminar students will probe the complicated connections between the protection and enforcement of human rights norms and the roots, unfolding, and termination of armed conflict. Borrowing from the fields of peace-building, conflict resolution, diplomacy, and law, the seminar builds upon the themes of conflict prevention and post-conflict reconstruction developed in previous seminars by focusing on how human rights abuses make conflict, especially violent conflict, likely, and how a respect for the political, civil, economic, and social claims of individuals might repair and restore such societies. (6 credit hours)

Comprehensive Exam

You are required to successfully complete the comprehensive exam which covers topics discussed in the first five seminars. This exam will be held between seminars 5 and 6.

Exit Portfolio

All students will be required to upload to their WebCT Seminar 6 classroom their Seminar 1 - 5 essays and papers. This usually encompasses 3 - 4 written assignments per seminar (this can vary due to differing concentrations requirements). Therefore, from the outset of the Diplomacy program, you must retain a clean copy of all written assignments (not discussions). This is a degree requirement, and a grade of Satisfactory will be required for you to be awarded your degree.

Thesis Track (GD 570)

If you desire to do a thesis as part of your educational experience, you must enroll in the Thesis Track. To obtain this enrollment, you must have your candidacy accepted by the Program Director after the completion of Seminar 2 of the program but BEFORE the start of Seminar 3. This application must include a thesis statement (extended paragraph of what subject and question you would like to explore) and recommendations from each of your first two seminar instructors (this will give the Director an independent indication that you have the academic capability for the thesis option). In addition, a $1,000 thesis fee is due within four weeks of being accepted as a thesis candidate. This fee is non-refundable.

A separate Thesis Seminar (6 credit hours) is taken to study advanced research methods, and provide a structured platform for you to explore your topic with your advisor. You enroll in the seminar after the start of your fifth seminar. You may enroll in the thesis seminar after completing the standard 36-credit degree, but the seminar must be completed no later than the close of the Semester (about 6 months) following your completion of Seminar 6. You will be assigned an advisor at any point after acceptance to the Thesis Track (Seminar 3). After or during the Thesis Seminar, you will consult with your advisor and the program Director set a Defense date. The Defense can take place at a residency OR at another approved date either face to face or via electronic means. If your Defense does not take place until after the completion of the Thesis Seminar then for each semester you have not defended, you must pay a continuation fee to Norwich University.

If you successfully defend your thesis prior to graduation, the Thesis Seminar will be noted on your transcript. If your thesis defense occurs after your graduation, your transcript will be updated with the appropriate Thesis Seminar notation.

Independent Study

Independent study seminars can be substituted (in part of completely) for any of the above seminars (each one can only be used once within a student’s degree program):

GD 598 Readings in Diplomacy (1-6 Credits)
GD 597 Directed Study in Diplomacy (1-6 Credits)

Approval for independent study is granted on a case by case basis, and is an option pending approval by the Program Director.