Concentration in International Studies

A Concentration in International Studies within the Politics major allows students to focus their politics studies on issues and topics connected to global and international matters.

The Politics Department has a commitment to teach a Global curriculum. We offer a large selection of courses (first-year lectures to senior seminars) that have an international/global orientation. 

The B.A. with a Concentration in International Studies allows students to dive deeper into global issues, drawing from courses in the areas of Comparative Politics, International Politics and other subfields in order to develop global awareness, critical thinking skills, and to acquire tools to understand change.

We also encourage in students a critical self-consciousness about ethical positions vis-à-vis political and civic life. Our faculty take a research-informed, inclusive and student-centered approach to teaching and learning. 

Concentration Requirements
Requirements through Spring 2023 Requirements effective Fall 2023

100 level requirements (15 credits)

  • POLT 10100  US Politics (3 credits)
  • POLT 14000 through POLT 14900 -  Any one 100 level Political Theory Course (3 credits)
  • POLT 12800 Intro to International Relations OR POLT 12900 Intro to Global Studies (3 credits)
  • POLT 12200 Politics and Society OR POLT 12300 Political Justice (3 credits)
  • HIST 18200 World Civ II OR ANTH 10400 Cultural Anthropology (3 credits)

100 level requirements (12 credits)

  • POLT 10100  US Politics (4 credits)
  • POLT 14000 through POLT 14900 -  Any one 100 level Political Theory Course (4 credits)
  • POLT 12100 through POLT 12900 - Any one 100 level International course  (4 credits)

300 level requirements (18 credits)

  • POLT 30100 through POLT 32000 - US Politics - 1 course (3 credits)
  • POLT 30600 US Foreign Policy - 1 course (3 credits)
  • POLT 32100 through POLT 34099 - Comparative & International Studies - 3 courses* (9 credits)
       (*please note, of the above three courses, one must be designated as a "Place" course)
  • POLT 34100 through POLT 35000 - Political Theory - 1 course (3 credits)

300 level requirements (19-20 credits)

  • POLT 30600 US Foreign Policy - 1 course (4 credits)

Plus, choose 4 of the following:

  • POLT 30100 through POLT 32000 - US Politics - 1 course (4 credits)
  • POLT 32100 through POLT 34099 - Comparative & International Studies - 1 course (4 credits)
  • POLT 32100  or POLT 32500 or 32600 or 33000 or 33100 or 33200 or33900 or 34050:34099
    - Comparative & International "place" course - 1 course (4 credits)
  • POLT 34100 through POLT 35000 - Political Theory - 1 course (4 credits)
  • POLT 38000-38199 - Internship (3-4 credits), with permission of advisor

400 level requirements (6 credits)

  • POLT 40100 through 40199 - Seminar in Comparative & International Studies (3 credits)
  • POLT 40100 through 40199 OR POLT 40300 through 40399 Tutorial in Comp/Int'l Studies OR  POLT 40550 Internship - International OR  POLT 49950 Directed Study - International (3 credits)

400 level requirements (8 credits)

  • POLT 40100 through 40199 - Seminar in Comparative & International Studies (4 credits)
  • POLT 40100 through 40199 OR  POLT 40300 through 40399 Tutorial in Comp/Int'l Studies  OR  POLT 49950 Directed Study - International (4 credits)

Language requirement

  • Six credits beyond the intermediate level (300 level or higher), or, with prior approval of the Chair, the equivalent (for example a non-language course offered in the language as part of a study abroad program)

Other requirements (3 credits)

  • Any other Politics course, at any level. If taken during Senior year, this requirement must be filled by a course at the 200 level or higher. (3 credits)

Language requirement

  • Four credits beyond the intermediate level (20200), or, with prior approval of the Chair, the equivalent (for example a non-language course offered in the language as part of a study abroad program)

Please note we will work closely with continuing students to ensure they graduate on time.

A grade of C or better is required in all courses to count towards the major