International Relations Major

The purposes of the major are threefold: (1) to understand the major analytical perspectives and key concepts used by scholars to study international relations; (2) to use the theoretical literature to analyze global issues and problems; and (3) to engage in a discussion of the complex issues and developments that drive and define contemporary global politics. The 100, 200, and 300-level courses are designed to provide a foundation in the theory and practice of international politics, and encourage critical thinking for interpreting the different perspectives on the complexities of international relations in the 21st century. The major requires 36 credits of course work.

International relations majors must take the following:

• PSC 111 or 112
• PSC 114
• PSC 250 (Majors declaring in 2006-07 or later)
• PSC 257*
• PSC 350

Students must take two of the following:

• PSC 224*
• PSC 258*
• PSC 259
• PSC 262
• PSC 263*
• PSC 264*
• PSC 265
• PSC 266
• HIS 286 *

*See writing proficiency requirements

Students must take five additional courses from the list below. Two of these must be at the 300 level, and one of the 300-level courses must be from a discipline other than political science. In addition, three of the five electives must be in political science. Courses cross-listed with political science will not count as a course outside the discipline.

The international relations major also requires reading and speaking competence in a modern foreign language. The choice of language is up to the student and need not be limited to the languages available at Goucher. Cooperative arrangements with seven local colleges and universities open many opportunities for instruction in a variety of modern languages. The language requirement may be met by satisfactory performance on a test to be arranged with the Modern Languages and Literatures Department. It may also be met by completion of any of the following courses and combinations of courses:

• FR 245
• FR 258
• FR 333
• GER 240
• RUS 251
• RUS 260
• SP 250
• SP 260 S
• SP 263

Given the importance of language skills to the pursuit of any internationally oriented career, students are encouraged to pursue language study beyond that required. Students majoring in international relations are normally expected to participate in an approved study abroad program or international internship.