In most cases, the minor will best serve the needs of students majoring in anthropology, business, economics, education, history, international geography, languages, management, and political science.
Requirements for a Minor in International Relations (last rev. Fall 2008)
The Minor requires the completion of seven courses. All students are required to take two specific courses:
- PolSci 220 – International Relations (at the beginning of the program)
- IR/PolSci 499L -Seminar in International Relations (to be completed during the senior year).
The other five courses are selected from a broad range of options, grouped into three areas of concentration.
Students completing the Minor in International Relations may not double-count more than one course toward the fulfillment of their Major and/or another Minor. This limitation is especially of significance for students completing a major or minor in Political Science or conomics—because many of the courses applicable to the Minor in International Relations are from Political Science and Economics.
At least two courses must be at the “300” level or above.
For course descriptions, please refer to the university catalogue and brochures available in the department office.
The Curriculum (items A, B, C are required)
A. One introductory course: PolSci. 220 - International Relations
B. Five courses chosen from the three categories below. It is strongly recommended that students complete at least one course from each category.
Area and Socio-Cultural Study
Geo. 352 - Political Geography
Geo. 280 - Economic Geography
PolSci. 201: Politics of Industrialized Societies
PolSci 202: Politics of Developing Nations
PolSci. 353 - European Political Development
PolSci. 360 - Government and Politics of Britain
PolSci. 361 - Politics of Eastern Europe
PolSci. 363 - Politics and Society in Present-Day Russia
PolSci 371 - Latin American Politics
PolSci. 372 - Central American Politics
PolSci. 376 - Religion and International Relations
PolSci 377 (special topics; as applicable—example: Middle East Politics)
PolSci. L385 - Politics of Middle East
PolSci. 387 - Got and Politics of China
WOS355- Women in Third World Development
*Please note that any one semester, new courses might be available which could be counted
towards the Minor. Please contact the program director.
International Conflict and Cooperation
PolSci. 307 – Political Change and Group Identity
PolSci 377 – (special topics; as applicable)
PolSci. 402 - World Politics and World Order
PolSci. 411- International Organizations I
PolSci. 412 - International Organizations II
PolSci. 415 - Law and International Relations
PolSci. 422 – Nationalism
PolSci. 424 - American Foreign Policy
PolSci. 430 - Russian Foreign Policy
Hist. 388 - History of East Asian-American Relations
Hist. 349 - America & Russia
East Asian 388 – East Asian-American Relations
*Please note that any one semester, new courses might be available which could be counted towards the Minor. Please contact the program director.
International Political Economy
PolSci. 355 - The European Union
PolSci. 375 - Third World Development
PolSci 377 - (special topics; as applicable)
PolSci. 410 - Politics of International Economic Relations
Econ. 334 - International Trade
Econ. 335 - International Finance
Econ. 336 - Economic Development
Econ. 337 - The African Economy
Econ. 338- Latin American Economy
Econ. 372 - Comparative Economic Systems
Econ. 435 - The Multinational Corporation
Mgt. 434 - Managing in the Global Economy
Mgt. 435, 436 - International Perspectives on Business and Government
*Please note that any one semester, new courses might be available which could be counted towards the Minor. Please contact the program director.
C. Senior Capstone Project: IR/PolSci 499L - Seminar in International Relations
This seminar has three major goals: integrating the knowledge gained from other courses already taken in the program; review of different approaches and perspectives on international relations; completion of a substantial research project.
D. Optional – strongly recommended
International Experience
Students are encouraged to participate in a university-level program of study overseas, this may include intensive summer programs or one-semester programs offered through the UMass system or through comparable programs at other universities. [For information in various programs, please visit the Study Abroad Office – Campus Center/Advising Office.
Internship
To broaden their experience and enhance their preparation for employment, students are encouraged to complete an internship in settings with an international dimension: e.g., business firms engaged in international trade and finance; nongovernmental organizations such as Oxfam, Grassroots International, and World Affairs Council. To receive credit and include the internship experience as part of the curriculum, students enroll in IR 490 - Internship in International Relations and participate in regular meetings with their faculty supervisor, and also prepare a final report due at the end of the semester.
Admission
Any student, regardless of major, may enroll in the Minor. However, students are encouraged to have an initial discussion with one of the faculty advisers in the Department of Political Science & International Relations to obtain assistance in selecting courses that best suit the student’s interests and future goals.
Contact Information
Program Director: Prof. Primo Vannicelli
Wheatley Hall 05-068
Tel. 617 287 6944
Interim Program Director (Fall 2008): Prof. Jalal Alamgir
Wheatley Hall 05-066
Tel. 617 287 6966
You can also contact the political science department office:
Wheatley Bldg. 05-070
Tel. 617 287 6920