MIS

Master in International Studies

MIS

List of Academic Staff

Introduction

In the light of the tremendous changes taking place in the global environment in the last couple of years ,the field of international studies has become a very exciting and challenging field of study in many Nigerian universities. This is largely because of the growing need to comprehend the prevailing issues and trends in the international political system in the world that has become highly globalised and interdependent. Undoubtedly, an examination of dominant themes in world affairs is necessary for our understanding of these emerging issues. The Department of Political Science, University of Ilorin, is aware of these developments and conscious of the changing patterns and evolution of new trajectories in international politics. It is within this context that the Department mounted the programme leading to the award of a Master Degree in International Studies.

Philosophy

The philosophy underpinning the running of the professional Masters programme in International Studies by the Department of Political Science is to offers world class research and practical oriented teaching in the sub-field of International Relations for interested candidates from and outside Nigeria.

Aim and Objectives

The Programme is designed to achieve the following objectives: train and produce well-grounded graduates with advanced knowledge of international politics; promote the proper interaction between the University and the outside World; establish linkage programmes with the Foreign Service and diplomatic corps; and meet the needs of numerous candidates who are desirous of developing their skills in diplomatic practice.

Admission Requirements

Admission into the programme shall be open to:

1. holders of first degree irrespective of disciplines but with the pass level not below third class or
2. holders of Postgraduate Diploma Certificate irrespective of disciplines who also have first degree. Sitting for a qualifying examination is a must for all candidates.

Duration of the Programme

The programme is to run as a weekend programme and lectures will hold fortnightly. It is therefore expected to run for a minimum of eighteen months and a maximum of thirty months.

Detailed Course Description

MIS841 International Politics in the 20^th Century                                                                           3Credits

This course engages students in the study of the theoretical framework underpinning international politics and the workings of the contemporary international political system. Students will be taking through contemporary topics in 20^thCentury international politics and they shall be compared along with their features. There will also be an assessment of the major developments in the field of international relations.45h(T);C

MIS842 International Relations                                                                                                 2Credits

This course will introduce students to International Relations as a discipline. Issues in domestic and international politics shall be compared along with their features. Major developments in the field of international relations and the state of the course today will be examined.30h(T);C

MIS843 Principles of International Law                                                                                      2Credits

The course aims to provide an introduction to international law. It deals with some basic issues of international law such as its sources, subjects and new directions. The course will also entail a discussion of the development of international law from a Eurocentric towards an increasingly global and transnational law, as well as the role of international law and institutions in promoting international peace and security.30h(T);C

MIS844 Principles of International Organizations                                                                        2Credits

The course will engage in an examination of the historical and conceptual features of international organizations and a consideration of the dynamics influencing the behavior of state and non-state actors within the international system. The course will entail a study of the differentiated structural and procedural characteristics of selected international organizations.30h(T);C

MIS845 International Economic Relations                                                                                      2Credits

The course will study the form and character of international political economy. Discussion will also focus on areas of critical interest in the discussion of international political economy including: Imperialism, development and underdevelopment, globalization including the activities of multinational corporations, among others.30h(T);E

MIS846 Comparative Foreign Policy                                                                                             2Credits

This course reviews the traditional approaches to the study of foreign policy in order to provide a foundation and establish the basic fundamental theories and paradigms for understanding the foreign policy process in specific countries. The case studies will consist of the study of the recent changes and new orientations in the foreign policy of the major powers, focusing on the policy making process.30h(T);C

MIS847 Contemporary global Issues                                                                                         2Credits

The emphasis of this course will be on issues of significant importance to the extant global system. These will include; the sovereign debt crises, South-South cooperation, Uni-polarity, North-South relations, drug trafficking etc. Students will be exposed to how these issues affect global politics and relations between and among actors within the system.30h(T);E

MIS848 Foreign Policy of Major Powers towards Africa                                                             2Credits

This course begins with critical survey of the foreign policies of Britain, China France, Germany, Japan, Russia and the United States towards Africa in the post-Cold War era. The historical evolution, as well as the structure and content of the foreign policy of these major powers in Africa will be examined. The emerging policy orientation of these countries to the Challenge of Africa development in the 21st century will be studied in details.30h(T);E

MIS849 Conflict Prevention and Management                                                                               2Credits

The nature and causes of conflict in Africa will be examined. It will also examine the conflict prevention and management models, border dispute and regional security with specific case studies. The various regimes of Peace keeping and peace enforcement will also be examined. Emphasis will however be placed on regional efforts.30h(T);C

MIS 850         Democratic Governance                                                                   2 Credits

Democracy will be discussed in all its ramifications. There will also be discussion of the virtues of good governance, accountability and legitimacy. The challenges facing democratic consolidation in Africa and elsewhere will be examined.30h(T);E

MIS851 Regional Integration                                                                                    2Credits

The course will introduce students to the major theories of that have shaped the discussion of regional integration efforts. Types and forms of integrative efforts across the globe as well as the major challenges facing them will also be examined. The emphasis will however be on Africa.30h(T);E

MIS852 Strategic Studies                                                                                                        2Credits

The course will examine basic concepts in the field of strategic studies, super powers strategic contest, issues in conventional warfare, nuclear programmes and weapons issues, arms race, disarmament, non-conventional security issues, terrorism, among other security challenges.30h(T);C

MIS853 African Government and Politics                                                                                2Credits

The course will entail a study of the structure of politics and governance in selected post-colonial African states. The various approaches in the quest for African unity will be considered and the dominant trends in the decolonization process in Southern Africa and the struggle against white minority regimes, neocolonialism and globalization of the African economy will be discussed.30h(T);C

MIS854 Foreign Policy of African States                                                                                  2Credits

This course will analyze the determinants, course and direction of the foreign policy of African states within the global system. Specific policy issue will be considered in an attempt to shed light on the ideological and institutional dimensions in the foreign policy of selected African States. A study of the sources and determinants, as well as the institutional structure and machinery of the foreign policy of these states will be undertaken.30h(T);E

MIS855 Nigerian Foreign Policy                                                                                                 2Credits

The course will entail an examination of the conduct and administration of Nigerian foreign policy from independence to the present. The structure, instruments and machinery of foreign policy making and implementation under the various civilian and military regimes will be considered and the major facets of Nigeria‘s external relations explored.30h(T);C

MIS856 Research Methods in International Studies                                                                     4Credits

This course will take a series of current national and international issues and examine them in their historical context. This approach will demonstrate the relevance of historical research approach in analyzing the ways in which modern societies understand and shape their present in terms of their past. Using both historical and contemporary texts, students will be exposed to ongoing debates in the evolution of the international relations theory to enable the development an appreciation of how historians carry out their craft.60h(T);C

MIS857 Theories of International Relations                                                                                    2Credits

A course will take students through an in-depth review of the contending theories of international relations: idealist and realist, system, integration, balance of power, decision making theory including, games etc. and their contemporary relevance. The overall objective of the course is to acquaint students with the necessary theoretical tools available in international relations.30h(T);C

MIS858 Evolution and Practice of Diplomacy                                                                              2Credits

The course will engage in a review of the history and theories of diplomacy, differences between old and modern diplomacy, contemporary diplomacy, Foreign Service and diplomacy, secrecy etc. Also, issues such as diplomatic ethics, language, norms and immunities are to be discussed.30h(T);C

MIS859 International Sports                                                                                                           2Credits

The course will focus on the international politics of sports, the use of sports as an instrument of international policy tool. The administration of sports across territorial boundaries will also be examined. Attempt will be made to examine the problems facing global sports e.g., drug, sharp practices, etc.30h(T);E

MIS860 Graduate Seminar                                                                                                2Credits

Each candidate is to deliver a seminar paper on a topic approved by the departmental postgraduate committee.90h(P);C

MIS861 Diplomatic Exposure                                                                                                1Credits

This course is designed to expose students to the practical aspects of diplomacy. This will be done through the intension of invitation to serving and retired diplomats to deliver lectures on crucial aspects of diplomatic practice. The course will also attempt to expose students to some diplomatic institutions so as to develop their skills in all aspects of international relations.45h(P);C

MIS899 Dissertation                                                                                                                5Credits

This is an original research essay of between 15,000 and 20,000 words. Topics on any aspect of international affairs to be decided in consultation with the candidate‘s supervisor and approved by the departmental postgraduate committee.225h(P);C

Graduation Requirements

The MIS degree is awarded to students who successfully complete at least forty-six credits (46) including all the compulsory (35 Credit Units) and at least (11 Credit Units) from the list of elective courses. The pass mark shall be 50% in all cases.

Summary

Core Courses:MIS841(3),MIS842(2),MIS843(2),MIS844(2),MIS846(2),MIS849(2),MIS852(2),MIS853(2),MIS855(2),MIS856(4),MIS857(2),MIS858(2),MIS860(2),MIS861(1),MIS899(5). 35Units

Elective Courses:MIS845(2),MIS847(2),MIS848(2),MIS850(2),MIS851(2),MIS854(2),MIS859(2). 14Units