Current Affairs
- Taught by Leading Journalists, Historians, and Authors
- Focuses on Issues Behind Today&rsquos News
- Provides a Stimulating Environment for Discussion
If you are interested in current events, these courses will allow you to gain an in-depth and more contextualized understanding of today’s critical issues. This includes historic background, when appropriate, as well as an analysis of the actors and stakeholders affecting outcomes. Join your contemporaries for lively discussion and intellectual stimulation.
This semester, study in-person or from anywhere in the world from the safety and comfort of your home through online or remote instruction.
International Development
Explore the main elements of country development—from economic, political, social, cultural, and environmental perspectives.
International Relations
Gain an in-depth understanding of the post-Cold War world order and the Cold War’s impact on current geopolitical and economic landscapes.
Understanding Espionage and Intelligence
Intelligence is perhaps the least understood function of the U.S. government. This course examines the role of the espionage and intelligence in...
America in the World: Is the US Constitution in Crisis?
Explore how studying other democracies can shed light on the troubled present—and possible future—of American politics and government.
An Election of Consequence: Campaign 2024
Scholars and analysts have described the 2024 US elections as the most consequential for the American future since the election of 1860. The...
China and America: A Global Power Struggle
Explore the competition between the US and China, from trade tensions to Beijing's censorship of Hollywood films to the battle for tech dominance.
Disaster Preparedness and Humanitarian Assistance
In order to achieve the key UN Sustainable Development goals of "No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Wellbeing, Gender Equality, Clean...
The Crisis of Security: Global Politics from the End of the Cold War to the Present
In 1991 the world witnessed the triumph of Liberal Democracy with the fall of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. This was the Age of...
The United States: The World's Liberal Hegemon, But Why?
The United States is seen by its friends and enemies as the world’s liberal hegemon, the "cop." But why the United States? What...
Critical Issues and Careers in Global Affairs
Apply for this Summer 2024 course here. Thinking about grad school? Considering an impactful career in the global arena? Spend two...
Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction
This course will examine the economic challenges poor countries face and the strategies proposed to deal with them, beginning with an analysis...
Politics and Leadership in a Changing Middle East
This course will look at the historical and ideological legacies that influence politics and leadership in the Middle East. It will cover the...
Human Rights and Development
A rights-based approach to development has become increasingly central in explaining and addressing the underlying issues related to economic,...
A Holistic Look at Iran: Economics, Religion, Politics, and More
Take a holistic look at the various aspects of Iran: environment, ethnolinguistic composition, religious proclivities, economics, and politics.
The Global Economy and Financial Markets: Making Sense of News Headlines
Register for this course on the NYU SPS Academy of Lifelong Learning website. Deciphering economic and financial terminology can be...
BRICS: The Rise of Geopolitical and Economic Influencers
Register for this Fall 2023 course on the NYU SPS Academy of Lifelong Learning website. In 2001, an investment banker coined the...
Countdown to November: Primaries, Policies, and Politics in Real Time
Register for this course on the NYU SPS Academy of Lifelong Learning website. The course will follow real-time national, state, and...
Global Health and Development
The world has made immense strides in improving health outcomes and increasing life-expectancy over the past century in large part due to...
Espionage: Fact vs. Fiction
Taught by a veteran intelligence professional, this course separates myth from reality in the field of espionage.