Mar 28, 2024  
2017-18 College of Liberal Arts 
    
2017-18 College of Liberal Arts [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

International Relations Major


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Meet the Faculty

The international relations major asks questions about security, diplomacy, and power relations among nation-states as well as non-state actors; the nature of political life in other societies; the development of economic relationships within and between states; the historical and cultural origins of American, European, Asian, Latin American, and African countries; and requires a degree of proficiency in 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 fourteen (14) 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.

Political Science


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

Modern Languages


Two (2) courses are required in a modern language at the 200 intermediate level. The courses must be conducted in that language, with the purpose of achieving reading and conversational proficiency (courses in translation may not be counted). If either intermediate level course is waived, an appropriate 300- or 400-level course will be required.

The two-course 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 two-course 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 (14). Students receiving such a waiver are required to take two additional courses 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 two-course foreign language requirement to students who do not have proficiency in English and at least one other modern foreign language.

History and Culture


Four (4) courses are required with an area emphasis on history and culture, at least two of which must focus on the developing world. Students must confirm this developing world focus with their advisor and professor in that course.

International Experience Requirement


Finally, beginning with the Class of 2016, 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 curriculum, 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.

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