International Relations - Political Science
International relations is an interdisciplinary field concerned with understanding global interactions,
both in the historical past and in the present. The major is designed to expose students to a wide range
of viewpoints and analytical methodologies in their study of such fields as diplomacy and foreign policy,
peace, war and security, international political economy and development, and human rights.
The international relations major is an interdepartmental major organized into three tracks:
International Relations/Economics, International Relations/History and International Relations/Political Science.
All three tracks of the major share a set of five common “core” courses.
The majors are administered by their “home” departments, and interested students should contact the relevant
department chair or contact person for guidance on choosing an advisor and completing the major. For 2009-10,
the IR-Political Science contact person is: Robert Paarlberg.
Students who elect one of these IR majors may not combine it with a second major in the same department—e.g.
students may not double major in IR-PS and Political Science. Other double majors are permitted but generally unadvisable.
Goals for the Major:
A student who completes a major in international relations will acquire the depth of knowledge and intellectual
skills equivalent to completing a major in one of the three component disciplines (economics, history, political science).
The student will also acquire the breadth of knowledge about the other two component disciplines necessary for an
interdisciplinary approach to the study of international relations.
The student will demonstrate advanced competence in the reading, writing, and speaking of a language other than English.
IR-Political Science majors will be familiar with the historical study of international relations, across both world regions
and centuries, complete at least five courses in the International Relations
Requirements for the Major
IR-PS majors consist of 14 units of course work—five core courses plus nine courses in Political Science.
In addition to this course work, all IR students are required to demonstrate advanced proficiency in a modern language,
normally defined as two units of language study beyond the minimum required by the College. Language courses do not count
towards the minimum 14 courses.
Five core courses: All students majoring in IR must take the following courses:
ECON 101, ECON 102, ECON 213, 214, or 220, HIST 205, and POL3 221.
It is strongly recommended that students complete all core courses by the end of the sophomore year.
Nine courses in Political Science:
Students who elect the IR-political science major take the following courses in addition to the IR core:
Five political science courses in international relations (i.e. POL3 courses or POL2 courses that may count as POL3),
at least two of which must be at the 300 level and one of which must be a seminar
Two political science courses in comparative politics
Either POL2 202 or POL2 204
One of the following area studies courses: POL2 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, or 211
One political science course in American politics or in political theory or statistics and data analysis
One additional 200- or 300-level course in Africana studies, anthropology, economics, history, sociology, or women’s and gender studies
With the approval of the IR director and the chair of the department in which she is majoring, a student may count up to two Wellesley
courses taken outside the departments of economics, history, or political science towards the nine courses in her major.
Attention is particularly drawn to IR-related courses offered in the departments of Africana studies, anthropology, sociology, and women’s and gender studies.
Honors
Students interested in pursuing honors should consult this page.
Advanced Placement Policy
The IR program’s policy about AP/IB credits follows that established by the relevant department.
Please consult directions for election in the Departments of Economics, History, and Political Science.
In no case do AP credits count towards the minimum major in IR.
Study Abroad
IR majors are strongly encouraged to spend at least one semester in a study abroad program.
Transfer credits from study abroad programs must be approved by the appropriate department chair.
Students are strongly encouraged to seek the relevant approval before studying abroad.
At least two 300-level units must be completed at Wellesley.
Lynda Davis Jeha
Department of Political Science
Wellesley, MA 02481-8203
(781) 283-2194 / Fax (781) 283-3644
Last Modified: April 13, 2009
Expires: April 30, 2010
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