Curriculum in Focus: MIS Course Highlights and Faculty Insights
The Master of International Service (MIS) program prepares students for global careers through its comprehensive curriculum. This spotlight features three MIS courses and the faculty who serve as course creators and often also as live instructors. Our faculty, leading experts in their fields, design the content for asynchronous learning. This approach allows students to benefit from top-tier knowledge at their own pace while gaining insight from faculty who bring the material to life in real-time sessions. Below we will explore their teaching approaches, experiences, and the unique knowledge they bring to the course content and classrooms.
Dr. Claudia Hofmann, an expert in International Security, Conflict Analysis, Non-State Armed Groups, and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), leads this foundational course.
Dr. Hofmann brings extensive academic and professional expertise to the classroom, providing students with deep insights into both theoretical and practical aspects of international relations. She keeps the curriculum up-to-date by including readings from recent publications and encouraging continuous engagement with current events through policy brief exercises and research papers on contemporary international issues.
"My expertise in international relations theory and practice informs the course content and approach", says Dr. Hofmann. "Students can expect to gain unique insights into the connections between theoretical frameworks and real-world applications."
Innovative Teaching Method
Dr. Hofmann employs a policy brief exercise where students prepare and present policy briefs on international issues to a defined target audience. This interactive method engages students with complex international issues and enhances their ability to think critically and present findings effectively.
Career Preparation
The course focuses on developing critical analytical skills, a comprehensive understanding of international relations theories, and the practical application of these theories to current global issues. Students hone their critical thinking, research proficiency, policy analysis, and effective communication skills through research papers and policy brief assignments.
Most Memorable Moment
Dr. Hofmann finds great reward in witnessing students growth:
"My most memorable moments as a faculty member often revolve around witnessing students’ growth and success in understanding complex international issues and applying their knowledge to real-world problems."
These experiences reinforce her commitment to creating an interactive and supportive learning environment.
Describe your Teaching Experience in Four Words
Dr. Hofmann describes her teaching experience in four words: Engaging, Challenging, Rewarding, and Transformative. Dr. Hofmann mentions that her motivation for teaching continues to be inspired "by seeing students develop into informed and capable professionals who can make a positive impact on the world."
Dr. Robert Koopman, former Chief Economist at the World Trade Organization, brings his wealth of experience in international trade and the global economy to this crucial course.
Dr. Koopman's 30-year career in the US government and international organizations provides students with a unique perspective on global economic issues. "Having worked closely with the IMF, World Bank, and other international organizations, and policymakers in countries around the globe, I designed the course to be highly relevant to current developments," he explains.
Innovative method
The course uses "The Economy," an online, up-to-date text created by leading economists to reflect modern understanding of economic theory and insights. This resource, combined with podcasts, videos, and interviews, helps students engage with complex topics presented by leading researchers.
Career Preparation
Students leave the course with a thorough understanding of modern economic concepts and institutions, and how they interact to address current challenges. This knowledge prepares them for careers in international affairs, equipping them with skills highly relevant to current developments in the field.
Passion for Teaching
Dr. Koopman finds great satisfaction in seeing students motivated to learn more about applying economics to various issues, from US Trade Policy development to climate change to the economics of national security. He's particularly rewarded when students sign up for his courses and find jobs in the international trade area.
Dr. Koopman's motivation for teaching comes from his nearly 40 years of experience conducting applied economic policy analysis on international economic issues at very high policy levels. His advice? "Love what you do!"
Dr. Nancy Sachs brings her expertise in cross-cultural leadership, management, and organizational behavior to this essential course. Her diverse career includes developing award-winning federal public policy campaigns, producing public television news, and conducting Middle Eastern fieldwork.
Dr. Sachs emphasizes the practical application of cross-cultural organizational practices. "The goal of this course is to help each student better understand, anticipate, and competently handle a multitude of organizational situations regardless of the specific foreign culture they're in," she states.
Innovative Teaching Method
A standout feature of this course is the in-person component. "Students in this course have an advantage over every other MIS online course: they actually come to ¹ú²úСßÏÅ®'s campus for three days to meet and interact with their classmates in person!" Dr. Sachs explains. During this time, students engage with multiple renowned faculty, connect with fellow students, interact with outside international experts, and participate in site visits to important Washington, DC institutions and organizations.
Career Preparation
The course integrates research and best practices on cross-cultural leadership and organizational behavior with each student's personal experiences, equipping them to be successful in an international arena. Dr. Sachs notes with pride that many students report the course has helped them perform better in their current jobs or obtain new positions and promotions.
Most Memorable Moment
For Dr. Sachs, interacting with MIS students is the most rewarding part of being an SIS faculty member. She values active participation in all classes, finding joy in listening to, encouraging, and interacting with her students.
Dr. Sachs sums up her teaching experience in four words: "Love those great students!"
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