International Relations Major

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The international relations major investigates some of the world’s most pressing issues through an interdisciplinary approach which encompasses politics, history, economics, and culture. Students gain an appreciation for the diversity of global perspectives. Topics include human rights, development, trade, indigenous peoples, democratization, and peace and conflict. The major easily can be paired with majors or minors in Political Science, Economics, History, Anthropology, Global Health, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Middle East and North Africa Studies, or a foreign language. International Relations majors typically graduate to careers in the foreign service, public and private sector internationally-focused organizations, or graduate and professional school.

Major Requirements

Majors complete thirteen (13) courses in the four different academic categories of political science, history and culture, economics, and modern languages, at least half of which must be at the 300-400 level. There are four (4) required core courses (POL 130 , POL 453 , ECO 202 , and ECO 203 ) of which POL 453 is the capstone taken during the last year of study. While we encourage study abroad, a maximum of five (5) transfer courses will be counted toward the major, and no more than two (2) transfer courses will be accepted in a single academic category for the major. Proficiency in a modern language also is required.

Political Science

Five (5) courses required for an understanding of comparative politics, international relations, and foreign policy.

Economics

Three (3) courses required for a basic understanding of economic ideas and introduction to the world economy.

Modern Language

Students are required to complete a modern language through the 202 level or higher. The courses must be conducted in that language, with the purpose of achieving reading and conversational proficiency (courses in translation may not be counted).

The language requirement may be waived by demonstrating ‘native proficiency’ in a modern foreign language, as determined by the Rollins College Department of Modern Languages and Literatures (this applies to languages taught by the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures). If the language is not taught at Rollins, the requirement may be waived by demonstrating a proficiency in a modern foreign language at the ‘advanced’ level by passing a standardized test administered by the ACTFL Testing Office. Information and application forms for these tests can be obtained from the Rollins College Department of Modern Languages and Literatures. Receiving a foreign language waiver does not reduce the total number of courses required for the international relations major (13). Students receiving such a waiver are required to take one additional course from the lists of approved courses in international relations (political science, history, economics, and cultural area studies). The international relations major does not grant waivers, exemptions, or substitutions for the foreign language requirement to students who do not have proficiency in English and at least one other modern foreign language.

History and Culture (4 courses)

Complete four (4) courses with an area emphasis on history and culture.

International Experience Requirement

Finally, students must complete an international experiential learning component for the major. This requirement is fulfilled by providing appropriate documentation and writing a 750-word essay based on your experience with Rollins College or other approved study-abroad programs, shorter field study trips attached to regular Rollins courses accepted within the International Relations major, study in an internationally-related program at American University in Washington, D.C., your experience in the U.S. as an international student, work or military service abroad, or a pre-approved internship or employment with an international focus. In order for short field studies to be approved, a faculty member who regularly offers courses for the International Relations major must lead the experience.