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Requirements
International Relations
The international relations major is an interdisciplinary program administered by the department of political science. The major prepares students for graduate or professional school and for careers in the academic world, government, international business, international administration and management, and international governmental and non-governmental organizations. Many Beloit students have found interesting and valuable vocations in these areas.
Majors
- Five units of political science:
- Political Science 160.
- Four courses with an international relations/comparative politics emphasis chosen in consultation with the advisor. Examples are: Political Science 130, 236, 237, 246, 248, 249, 250, 251, 255, 261, 262, 265, 270, 272, 273, 275, 295, 330, and 386. Other courses may count following consultation with the advisor, such as courses taken while studying abroad. At least 3 must be above the 100 level. See political science for descriptions.
- Economics 199 and 1 upper-level internationally oriented economics course. Economics courses with an international emphasis are: 203, 204, 205, 206, 209, and 235. Other courses may count following consultation with the advisor, such as courses taken while studying abroad. See economics for descriptions.
- Four units in one modern language or 2 units beyond intermediate courses in any modern language (except the student’s first language).
- Three internationally oriented courses approved by the advisor, at least 2 of which must be from departments other than the ones used to meet the requirements listed above. Courses taken abroad often count toward this requirement. Examples of internationally oriented courses include, but are not limited to: Anthropology 100, 375*; Biology 215; History 150*, 310*; Interdisciplinary Studies 249, 255, 272; Mathematics 103; Psychology 265; Critical Identity Studies 101, 221.
- Courses with asterisks may apply when topic is appropriate.
- Interdisciplinary Studies 375. A 300-level political science course may be substituted when appropriate, with the permission of the instructor and the student’s major advisor.
- Students are highly encouraged to develop an area or thematic emphasis in their course of study.
- It is highly recommended that a student spend a term studying abroad or do an internationally oriented field term or internship.
- Writing/communication requirement: International relations majors are expected to be proficient in multiple modes of writing, including the analysis, proposal, and advocacy of practical policies and the synthesis and effective presentation of research findings. Students are required to complete Interdisciplinary Studies 375 (International Relations Senior Seminar) to fulfill the major writing requirement or a 300-level political science course may be substituted when appropriate, with the permission of the instructor and the student’s major advisor.
- Courses acceptable for U.S. and international students differ. Please consult with the advisor.