International Relations Major Requirements

Students who major in International Relations will learn how to explain, interpret, and evaluate international conflict, cooperation, institutions, and behavior. Coursework will focus on the field of IR, with supplementary electives in comparative politics, American politics, and political theory. Students complete the major by undertaking a Senior Experience project in which they ask and answer a significant original research question concerning international politics, institutions, or theory.  Note: Students majoring in International Relations may not also major in Government.

1. GOVT 140: Introduction to International Relations
2. GOVT 340: Theory of International Relations
3. GOVT 271: Research Methods in Political Science
4. One of the following courses in comparative politics:
   • GOVT 215: Democracy in Comparative Perspective
   • GOVT 245: Comparative Politics of Developing Countries
5. One of the following courses in political theory:
   • GOVT 200: Politics and Human Nature
   • GOVT 315: Founding the Just Regime
6. One of the following courses in American politics:
   • GOVT 110: Introduction to Political Science
   • GOVT 211: Flexibility and Freedom: American Federalism in Transition
   • GOVT 220: American Elections, Candidates, and Political Parties
   • GOVT 351: Broadsides to Blogs: Mass Media in American Politics
   • GOVT 360: The American Presidency
   • GOVT 370: Congressional Politics
   • GOVT 380: Introduction to Public Policy
7. GOVT 440: Practice of International Relations (3 units)
8. One additional methods or experiential course of at least 3 units to complement the intended Senior Experience project and/or career. Acceptable courses include GOVT 475: Games & Strategy, GOVT 401: Field Experience, GOVT 446:  Topics: Analyzing Political Rhetoric, a study abroad experience, a traveling classroom course with associated travel component, a credit-bearing internship related to international relations, or additional research design courses that will be developed in the future. With advisor approval, students may substitute appropriate courses in statistics, economics, history, certain upper-level language courses, or other relevant methods courses from other departments.
9. Three additional 6-unit electives, two of which must be in International Relations or Comparative Politics and one of which must be at the 400-level or higher.
10. Senior Experience: GOVT 500: Senior Seminar in International Relations & Comparative Politics.  Students may also satisfy this requirement by completing a 500 or higher-level seminar, independent study, tutorial, or directed study.