SAIS Seminar: World in Transition

4 Credits.

This required seminar provides an intellectual foundation for all first-year SAIS MAIR students, introducing them to diverse analytical approaches for studying international affairs. Designed to cultivate critical thinking, the course equips students with the tools to assess, interpret, and engage with the most pressing global challenges, preparing them to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world. The seminar is structured around weekly lectures, discussion sections, and a curated selection of readings. The first two weeks are led by the primary faculty instructor to establish theoretical and conceptual foundations. The following eight weeks feature guest lectures from SAIS faculty, offering different disciplinary perspectives on global transformations. The final two weeks will synthesize course themes and reflections.