The Bachelor of Arts in International Relations

The International Relations major at CSU, Chico emphasizes a varied interest in politics, history, geography, languages, economics, and culture (art, music, and literature). The major is designed to prepare students for an entry-level administrative position in government, business, or the non-profit sector. Many International Relations majors combine the degree with other majors and minors. Typically, these are foreign languages and area studies, although a minor in International Business is becoming increasingly popular as a related skill. International Relations majors who are particularly successful go to graduate school. An internship in Washington, DC, is highly recommended, ideally in the semester following completion of academic course work. International Relations majors at CSU, Chico are encouraged to spend a semester or year studying at another institution. These schools may be in the United States, through the National Student Exchange Program, or abroad, through International Programs.

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree: 120 units

See “Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree” in The University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

The department has prepared a suggested Four Year Advising Plan to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. Please request a plan from your major adviser or view it and other current advising information on the CSU, Chico Web.

Please see General Education, Cultural Diversity, American Institutions, and Literacy Requirements under the BA in Political Science.

Course Requirements for the Major: 38-55 units

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this degree.

DEGREE CORE PROGRAM: 26-27 units

3 courses required:

POLS    141    International Relations    3.0    FS *

POLS    142    Intl Politics: Methods Analysis    3.0    SP

Prerequisites: POLS 141.

POLS    241    Intl Politics: Theory & Concepts    3.0    FA

Prerequisites: POLS 141, ENGL 001 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher.

1 course selected from:

ECON    002    Principles of Macro Analysis    3.0    FS *

ECON    003    Principles of Micro Analysis    3.0    FS *

1 course selected from:

POLS    213    Politics of Developing Nations    3.0    SP

POLS    217    Politics: Industrial Societies    3.0    FA

2-3 units selected from:

INST    110    International Forum    1.0    FS

This course is the same as SOSC 100 which may be substituted.

POLS    140A    Model United Nations    1.0    FA

Prerequisites: POLS 242.

POLS    140B    Model United Nations    2.0    SP

Prerequisites: POLS 140A, POLS 242.

POLS    191E    Simulation: Intl Relations    1.0    FS

POLS    198    Special Topics    1.0-3.0    FS

POLS    199    Special Problems    1.0-3.0    FS

SOSC    100    International Forum    1.0    FS

This course is the same as INST 110 which may be substituted.

9 units selected from:

POLS    102    Politics of Third World Nations    3.0    FS *

This course is the same as POLS 002 which may be substituted.

POLS    140A    Model United Nations    1.0    FA

Prerequisites: POLS 242.

POLS    144    U.S. Foreign Policy Nuclear Age    3.0    FS *

POLS    215A    Comparative Govt: Middle East    3.0    FS

POLS    215B    Comparative Government: Africa    3.0    FA

POLS    215C    Comparative Govt: Latin America    3.0    FA

POLS    215D    Comparative Government: Asia    3.0    SP

POLS    215E    Comparative Govt: Russ/E Europe    3.0    SP

POLS    215F    Comparative Govt: West Europe    3.0    FS

POLS    215G    Comparative Government: Canada    3.0    SP

POLS    242    International Organizations    3.0    FA

POLS    243    International Law    3.0    FS

POLS    246A    Intl Relations: Middle East    3.0    F1

POLS    246B    International Relations: Africa    3.0    SP

POLS    246C    Inter-American Relations    3.0    SP

POLS    246D    Intl Relations: Pacific Basin    3.0    SP *NW

This course is the same as INST 102 and POLS 146 which may be substituted.

POLS    246E    Contemporary Rus Foreign Policy    3.0    FA

POLS    246F    Intl Relations: Western Europe    3.0    FA

POLS    246G    Canadian Foreign Policy    3.0    Inq

POLS    247    Vietnam and Foreign Policy    3.0    S1

POLS    248    Politics of Terrorism    3.0    SP

POLS    249    Prosem: International Relations    3.0    Inq

This course is the same as POLS 341 which may be substituted.

POLS    275    National Strategic Intelligence    3.0    SP

POLS    298    Special Topics    1.0-3.0    FS

LANGUAGE COMPETENCE: 0-16 units

0-16 units required:

Two years of a foreign language or the equivalent of the fourth semester of a college-level program (e.g., Spanish 004). Language units may be waived with demonstrated proficiency in a language.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION: 12 units

12 units selected from:

Courses selected in consultation with and approved by the International Relations Adviser.

Geographical areas of concentration include: Africa, Asia, Europe, Canada, Latin America, Middle East, or Pacific Rim.

Conceptual areas of concentration include: Development, Environment, Trade Policy, or Security.