PHD in Political Science and International Relations (PhD)

COMPULSORY COURSES

PSIR601 – Advanced Topics in Theory and Methodology in Political Science

In this course, the students will closely read key works of both historical and contemporary political science and be taught to interrogate the theoretical and methodological underpinnings of these works. The course intends to familiarize students with the theoretical and methodological choices they will have to make for their own research projects.

PSIR603 – Advanced Research Methods in PSIR

This course provides an in-depth exploration of advanced research methodologies in political science and international relations. Designed for graduate-level students, it emphasizes both qualitative and quantitative approaches, equipping participants with the tools to design, conduct, and critically evaluate research in these fields. Key topics include advanced statistical techniques, case study analysis, comparative research methods, survey design, and content analysis. Students will learn to formulate research questions, develop hypotheses, and select appropriate methodologies to address complex political phenomena. Ethical considerations and the importance of transparency in research practices will also be highlighted.

PSIR602 – Advanced Topics in Theory and Methodology in International Relations

This course will discuss evolving trends and debates in and of relevance to International Relations theory. New theoretical interventions will be also studied alongside examined questions relating to epistemology, and methodology.

PSIR698 Seminar

The PhD-level seminar course in Political Science and International Relations is an advanced, discussion-based class that engages students in critical analysis of key theories, methodologies, and contemporary issues in the field. Emphasizing original research and scholarly debate, the course challenges students to explore complex political phenomena, synthesize diverse perspectives, and contribute to ongoing academic conversations.

PSIR700 Thesis

The thesis work to be done must be a completely original work. A very good literature research is needed for the thesis study. There is a need to present an independent work by revealing original studies that have not been done before. The presentation of the written thesis work must be completed successfully. The thesis work must be written and submitted in a manner suitable for publication in any scientific field.

 ELECTIVES 

PSIR604– Statecraft and Political Theory

The state continues to be one of the main objects of analysis in political studies. In this course, the student will be offered a conceptual history of the notion of state. By comprehending how political theory made sense of this ubiquitous organization from the Renaissance onwards, the role of the state in the face of contemporary social, economic and political challenges will be problematized. 

PSIR605 – Global Context of Public Policy

This course examines the interconnected nature of public policy within a global framework, highlighting how international dynamics influence national and local decision-making processes. Students will explore the key factors shaping public policy across different regions, including globalization, transnational issues, and the roles of international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and multinational corporations.

PSIR606 – Dynamics of Political Identity and Belief

The course is designed to equip the students with the theoretical approaches to the role of ethnic, national and religious identities in politics as well as acquaint them with significant case studies on this topic. How does ethnic conflict form and unfold? How does nationalism inform state building? What should be the role of religion in politics? These are some of the key questions to be explored throughout the course. 

PSIR607 – Critical Approaches to Ideologies

This course critically examines the concept of ideology, exploring its role in shaping political thought, social movements, and cultural narratives. Through a multidisciplinary lens, students will analyze various ideological frameworks, including liberalism, conservatism, socialism, feminism, and post-colonialism, among others. The course will encourage critical thinking and foster skills in analyzing the implications of ideologies on policy, governance, and public discourse.

PSIR608 – Global Security Challenges and Strategies

This course offers a comprehensive examination of contemporary global security challenges and the strategies developed to address them. Students will explore a wide range of security issues, including terrorism, cyber threats, climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and public health crises. By analyzing these multifaceted challenges, the course aims to equip students with the tools to understand and evaluate security policies and interventions. 

PSIR609 – Comparative Authoritarianism

The course will provide a comparative assessment of the structure of contemporary authoritarian regimes. In light of the history of the concepts of tyranny, despotism, autocracy, authoritarianism and totalitarianism, contemporary cases where authoritarian rule is said to reign or processes of autocratization are observed will be analyzed.

PSIR610 – Current Debates in Global Economic Governance

This course aims to review the core debates and empirical issue-areas of contemporary International Political Economy (IPE), and to develop your research and critical analysis skills in the study of IPE. After a brief and critical introduction to the field of IPE, its evolution, and theories, we will examine a range of different problems in the global economy, from the international trade system and internationalization of production to the challenges of global finance, international development, and the emerging global order. One of the main objectives of this course will be to discuss the political dimensions of the international economy, as well as on the effects of economic processes on international politics. At the end of the course, students will have learned and understood the contemporary issues and methodologies in the study of “global political economy” and be able apply their knowledge to these issues and to their empirical investigation. They should also be able to evaluate the important debates in IPE in today’s world, critique the common views and understandings of the IPE issues, and create their own views and understandings on these issues. 

PSIR611 – Dynamics of Global Governance

This course explores the intricate and evolving landscape of global governance, focusing on the impact of globalization, the roles of state and non-state actors, and processes that shape international cooperation and policy-making. Students will examine the historical context of global governance, including the rise of international organizations, treaties, and norms, as well as contemporary global challenges such as climate change, security threats, and economic disparities.

PSIR612 – Critical Perspectives in International Relations

This course critically engages with alternative theoretical frameworks for understanding global politics, moving beyond conventional, state-centric paradigms. It introduces students to a range of critical approaches including Marxism, feminism, postcolonialism, poststructuralism, and critical security studies that interrogate the structures of power, identity, race, gender, and inequality in international relations. Through the examination of case studies and the application of critical analysis, students will challenge dominant narratives and engage with perspectives that are often marginalized in mainstream discourse.

PSIR614 – Cultural Patterns and Communication

This course delves into the complexities of intercultural communication, exploring how cultural patterns influence interactions in global politics, international relations, and business. Through theoretical frameworks like Hofstede’s cultural dimensions and Hall’s high-context vs. low-context cultures, students will analyze verbal and nonverbal communication, cultural adaptation, and the role of technology in shaping cross-cultural interactions. The course also addresses stereotypes, biases, and ethical dilemmas in intercultural contexts, with a focus on conflict resolution, global leadership, and cultural intelligence. Practical applications include case studies, role-playing simulations, and a capstone project, equipping students to navigate and lead in multicultural environments effectively.