The purpose of the International Affairs Track (Track D) is to give students the tools necessary to pursue careers in international relations, including the public sector, private companies, and independent sector organizations as well as prepare those students interested in post-graduate studies in Political Science and International Relations. Following the major’s introductory sequence (Introduction to American Democracy / Political Science Research Methods), students in Track D should take the following four core courses:

During the sophomore year, in the fall semester, GVT 261, “Theory and Practice of International Relations,” reviews the most relevant theories and approaches to understand the development of international society from the creation of the Westphalian System of sovereign nation-states in 1648 to the rise of the Global Society.  The concepts of power, nationalism, imperialism, dependency, globalization, and human rights guide the debates over how to explain the evolving dynamic of world politics.

In the spring semester, GVT 281, “Introduction to Comparative Politics,” examines various methods of comparing political systems. Institutions such as executive departments, legislatures, court systems, and local government are analyzed comparatively. It includes analysis of the impact of different economic systems on political/governmental institutions, and on economic circumstances that affect government. It also looks at political socialization both in terms of process and comparative content. An effort is made to include countries from all regions of the world.

In the junior year, you should take GVT 310, “Global Political Economy.” In this course, you will learn how states and markets are interconnected in the creation and reform of international institutions and examine the most acute problems of the current international system in the area of International Political Economy, namely, environmental degradation, external debt, poverty, the increasing gap between rich and poor countries, and trade conflicts

Based on the intellectual interest of the student, the fourth core track requirement will be one of the following options: American Foreign Policy, International Security or International Law and Organization

Students in this track should also take four specialized courses as electives.  The myriad of options include courses on regional/country studies (Latin America, Asia, Middle East, Africa, Europe) as well as on relevant issues in contemporary international relations (ethics conflicts, European security, environmental policy, development, among others)

The students should also consider the possibility of a full- or part-time internship, or of study abroad. If the student plans to seek a PhD, the department recommends writing a thesis during the senior year.

International Affairs Track Sheet