CURRICULUM
The International Relations Program is flexible in its design, and adaptable to students’ interests regarding relevant themes, world regions, and theoretical approaches. The curriculum is built upon the foundation of seven core courses, with additional courses from a thematic track of the student’s choosing, as well as a capstone course. The curriculum ensures that graduates will have both breadth and depth in the field of International Relations for their future career pursuits.
International Relations offers an interdisciplinary major, a B.A., and a minor.
Course List
If you’d like to view a full listing of our course options in International Relations or any other subject, please visit the Online Course Catalogue. Click for the Course Catalogue
Requirements for the Major (B.A.)
interdisciplinary, 11 coursesSeven core courses, including required theory courses in Political Science (180, 140) and Economics (160, 240); three courses in a thematic track, at least one from the list of keystone courses, with two courses at the 200-level or higher; and a capstone seminar course. IR majors must take at least three courses in a region outside of the United States (these can include courses taken in the thematic track and the capstone seminar course). In addition, IR majors must demonstrate competency in a foreign language equivalent to four semesters of language study.
Requirements for the Minor
interdisciplinary, 5 coursesPOL 180; two out of three of the remaining core theory courses (POL 140, ECON 160, and ECON 240); two courses in a thematic track, at least one taken from the list of keystone courses; and at least one course in a region outside of the United States (this can include courses taken in the thematic track).
Concentrations
Thematic Tracks
Students will take three courses in one of the thematic tracks. At least one must be drawn from the keystone courses listed below, while the other two are chosen in consultation with the adviser. The three courses must come from more than one discipline, and at least two of the courses in the thematic track should be at the 200-level or higher. Students also have the option of developing a self-designed theme in close consultation with their adviser and the approval of the Committee.
Global Security and Diplomacy Keystone courses: HIST 238: The World Wars in Global Perspective MDSC 223: War, Words, and War Imagery PHIL 154: The Morality of War and Nuclear Weapons POL 283: Political Violence
Political Economy and Development Keystone courses: ECON 233: Comparative Economics ECON 344: Economic Development POL 248: Politics of Development POL 387: States and Markets POL 254: Globalization SOC 240: Gender and Development
Politics, Culture and Identity Keystone courses: ANTH 205: Race, Class and Ethnicity POL 297: Europe and America SOC 221: Sociology of Minorities SOC 233: Women and Political Mobilization in the Third World
Transnational Issues and Cooperation Keystone courses: ANTH 227: Intercultural Communication ENV 120: Human Geography ENV 191: Introductory Environmental Science PHIL 159: Global Justice POL 249: Protests, Movements, and Unions POL 254: Globalization
Core Courses
For its core curriculum, the international relations program rests on the extensive body of theory and literature already developed within international relations as an established subfield of political science.
This core is complemented by an interdisciplinary approach that encourages students to recognize that the collective “imagining” of international affairs is also expressed through literature, art and music.
As a result, the program is flexible in its design, and adaptable to students’ interests regarding relevant themes, world regions and disciplinary perspectives.
Students will take each of these seven courses. Please note that some courses may require a prerequisite. POL 180: Introduction to International Relations POL 140: Introduction to Comparative World Politics ECON 160: Principles of Economics ECON 240: International Trade HIST – any 100 or 200 level course ANTH 110: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology or SOC 201: Sociology of International Development or ALST 110: Foundations of Africana Studies or any REL 100 or 200 level course dealing with global religions A METHODS course (ANTH 273, SOC 211, SOC 212, ECON 202, POL 370, POL 371, or POL 380)
Capstone Course Any of the approved seminars (list updated each year based on curriculum offerings) or an Honors project. The Capstone Course must be taken after completion of the methods core course.
Language Requirement The demonstration of competency in a foreign language equivalent to four semesters of language study.
Regional Focus Students are required to take at least three courses in one region outside of the United States. These courses may – but need not – include courses taken in a Thematic Track and as a Capstone Course. Note: Courses taken on study abroad programs are also regularly credited toward the International Relations program; consult in advance with a program adviser about petitioning.