Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

International Relations, B.A.


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Program Learning Outcomes


1) Students in International Relations should possess an understanding of the principles, the actors (state and non-state), structures and processes 
     in the international system.
2) Students should demonstrate a familiarity with the key political, economic, social, and cultural-religious features of various political systems
    (western and non-western), particularly as they inform the roles and policies of international actors.
3) Students will acquire a basic understanding of economics, particularly as it affects issues in international relations, and an acquaintance with the
     historical development and key themes in US foreign policy are also essential.
4) Students are expected to develop expertise in one of the major subfields of international relations: political economy, security studies, development,
     and regional processes.
5) Upon completion of the major, students should be able to critically analyze contemporary international relations, applying theoretical perspectives to
    substantive policy issues.

General Education Requirements (30-46 Credits)


Prerequisite coursework may be required to satisfy certain General Education courses and will count as elective credit.

Total Credits in Major Required for Major: 39


Thematic Cluster Track (15 Credits)


Five courses from one of the tracks listed below Distribution of course-levels in the thematic cluster track must meet the following conditions: 1) at least 6 credits at the 400 level; 2) an additional 6 credits at the 300 or 400 level; 3) the remaining 3 credits at any level; and 4) student must select track courses with a minimum of three different departmental prefixes. New, experimental, study abroad, and transfer courses may also be considered for various tracks if content relevant and contingent upon advance approval by the IR Coordinator.

Footnotes


Students must complete an approved study abroad or an approved internship with an organization engaged in activities relevant to international relations. Information can be obtained from faculty advisors in the International Relations program. If appropriate in content, study abroad courses or internship approved for academic credit may be applied to the major requirements with advance approval of the IR Program Coordinator.

Related requirements: (0-15 Credits)


Foreign language through the intermediate level or its equivalent is required.*

The foreign language requirement may be satisfied by one of the following:

  1. Satisfactory completion of course work in a single language through the 202/203-level (including meeting this requirement through placement testing).
  2. Satisfactory completion of coursework in one foreign language through the 201 level (including meeting this requirement through high school transcript or placment testing ) AND completion of coursework in a second foreign language through the 102 level

Footnotes


*Geneseo offers Spanish, French, and German through the 202 level each year. Other languages are offered through the 202 level when demand is sufficient. Consult Department of Languages and Literatures listings. Additional advanced foreign language study, whether at Geneseo or overseas, is strongly encouraged for International Relations majors.)

Minimum Competence Requirement


A grade of C- or better is required for all courses used in fulfillment of the major including required related courses.

Note: The Departmental writing requirement is satisfied through satisfactory completion of the major research paper for any 300 level PLSC course (grade of C or higher), including those in the tracks and the IR Capstones. The paperwork on this requirement is taken care of automatically by the department.

Footnotes


Note that many upper division track courses have prerequisites other than the basic requirements. Students should plan their schedules accordingly to ensure that they meet any relevant prerequisites.

Those students interested in an International Business focus should seriously consider majoring in Management, Economics, or Accounting, with a second major or a minor in International Relations.

Footnotes


Note that many upper division track courses have prerequisites other than the basic requirements. Students should plan their schedules accordingly to ensure that they meet any relevant prerequisites.

Footnotes


Note that many upper division track courses have prerequisites other than the basic requirements. Students should plan their schedules accordingly to ensure that they meet any relevant prerequisites.

Developing World Track


Footnotes


Note that many upper division track courses have prerequisites other than the basic requirements. Students should plan their schedules accordingly to ensure that they meet any relevant prerequisites.

Outline/Advising Guide


First Year


Fall (16 Credit Hours)


Spring (16 Credit Hours)


Second Year


Fall (16 Credit Hours)


Spring (15 Credit Hours)


Third Year


Fall (15 Credit Hours)


Thematic Cluster Credit(s): 3
Thematic Cluster Credit(s): 3
Foreign Language Credit(s): 3
Elective Credit(s): 3
Elective Credit(s): 3

Spring (15 Credit Hours)


Thematic Cluster Credit(s): 3
Thematic Cluster Credit(s): 3
Foreign Language Credit(s): 3
Thematic Cluster Credit(s): 3
Elective Credit(s): 3

Fourth Year


Fall (15 Credit Hours)


Study Abroad 3 Credit(s): 3
Elective or Foreign Language  Credit(s): 3
Elective Credit(s): 3
Elective Credit(s): 3
Elective Credit(s): 3

Spring (12 Credit Hours)


Total Credit Hours: 120


Note: Where no prerequisites apply, some variation in the order or semester in which courses are taken is possible. Students should consult their academic advisors for additional information.

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