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.

A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. Please request a plan from your major advisor or view it and other current advising information at http://em.csuchico.edu/aap/ProgramSearch.

Please see General Education, Cultural Diversity, U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals, and Literacy Requirements under the BA in Political Science.

Course Requirements for the Major: 38-55 units

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

Major Core Program: 26-27 units

3 courses required:

POLS 341 International Relations 3.0 FS *
POLS 342 International Politics: Methods of Analysis 3.0 SP
Prerequisites: POLS 341.
POLS 441 International Politics: Theory and Concepts 3.0 FA WP
Prerequisites: POLS 341, ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher.

1 course selected from:

ECON 102 Principles of Macroeconomic Analysis 3.0 FS *
ECON 103 Principles of Microeconomic Analysis 3.0 FS *

1 course selected from:

POLS 413 Politics of Developing Nations 3.0 SP
POLS 417 Politics of Post-Industrial Societies 3.0 FA

2-3 units selected from:

POLS 340 Model United Nations 1.0 FA
Prerequisites: POLS 442.
POLS 340B Model United Nations 2.0 SP
Prerequisites: POLS 340, POLS 442.
POLS 391E Simulation in Political Science: International Relations 1.0 FS
POLS 398 Special Topics 1.0 -3.0 FS
POLS 399 Special Problems 1.0 -3.0 FS

9 units selected from:

POLS 302 Politics of Third World Nations 3.0 FS * GC
POLS 340 Model United Nations 1.0 FA
Prerequisites: POLS 442.
POLS 344 U.S. Foreign Policy 3.0 FS *
POLS 415A Comparative Government: Middle East 3.0 FS
POLS 415B Comparative Government: Africa 3.0 FA
POLS 415C Comparative Government: Latin America 3.0 FA
POLS 415D Comparative Government: Asia 3.0 SP
POLS 415E Comparative Government: Russia and East Europe 3.0 SP
POLS 415F Comparative Government: Western Europe 3.0 FS
POLS 415G Comparative Government: Canada 3.0 SP
POLS 442 International Organizations 3.0 FA
POLS 443 International Law 3.0 Inq
POLS 446A International Relations of the Middle East 3.0 F1
POLS 446B International Relations of Africa 3.0 SP
POLS 446C Inter-American Relations 3.0 SP
POLS 446D International Relations of the Pacific Basin 3.0 SP

This course is also offered as INST 446D.

POLS 446E Contemporary Russian Foreign Policy 3.0 FA
POLS 446F International Relations of Western Europe 3.0 FA
POLS 446G Canadian Foreign Policy 3.0 Inq
POLS 447 Vietnam and Foreign Policy 3.0 S1
POLS 448 Politics of Terrorism 3.0 SP
POLS 449 Proseminar in International Relations 3.0 Inq
POLS 475 National Strategic Intelligence 3.0 SP
POLS 498 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., SPAN 202). 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 Advisor.

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.