International Relations (BA)
The interdisciplinary major in international relations seeks to understand the political, economic, social, and cultural relations among states as well as the transnational roles of non state actors. Such an understanding is critical in today’s world and can support a variety of career options. The major consists of core courses in international politics, economics, history, and women’s studies. Electives are chosen from these disciplines, as well as from modern languages and sociology. The senior year includes an integrative seminar and, if the student chooses, an internship or independent study. Students have interned at organizations involved in international relations such as the World Affairs Council, the United Nations Association, Amnesty International, the International Business Center, the offices of U.S. Senators, and Grassroots International.
Language Requirement for International Relations Majors
The international relations major requires a level of proficiency in a modern language beyond that required by the University’s foreign language requirement. Students may indicate their attainment of this enhanced proficiency in one of four ways:
- A student may complete a second major in a modern language or may minor in a modern language.
- A student whose native language is not English may choose to use their native language to fulfill the language proficiency requirement in International Relations.
- Students may take at least one foreign language course beyond the University's foreign language requirement in the same language used to fulfill that requirement. In the event no such course is offered at Simmons, a culture course may be counted towards this requirement.
- Students whose native language is English and wish to use a modern language not taught at Simmons to fulfill the proficiency requirement in international relations, may petition the International Relations Steering Committee, which will determine whether the level of proficiency in that language meets the requirement.
Note: Dix Scholars majoring in international relations must fulfill the international relations language requirement.
Program Requirements
Core Courses (Seven total)
One of the following:
Students are strongly encouraged to take the following courses in the first or second year:
Faculty members of the International Relations Steering Committee are available for advising and supervising independent studies and honors theses.
Electives
Three courses in one of the following areas: Global and Human Security, Political Economy and Development, Transnational Issues of Culture and Identity, or Geographical Area Studies. Students may substitute courses from other colleges and study-abroad programs with special permission. This list is not inclusive and new curricular offerings may be added.
In addition to choosing from among these options for electives, students may also create their own area of specialization, combining three courses that form a coherent area of focus. Students interested in this option should consult with their academic advisor and seek their approval before taking the electives in question.
Elective Areas:
Global and Human Security
Political Economy and Development
Transnational Issues of Culture and Identity
| FREN 266 | The Quest for Identity: The Self and The Other in the French Literary Tradition | 4 |
| FREN 316 | Outside France: Perspectives from the French Speaking World | 4 |
| HIST 231 | Understanding Islam & Historical Perspectives | 4 |
| HIST 251 | World Historical Perspectives on 9/11 | 4 |
| HIST 361 | Topics in World History | 4 |
| HIST 364 | Rape of Nanjing | 4 |
| HON 201 | Conflict & Identity in Sudan | 4 |
| HON 203 | Islam and the West | 4 |
| HON 204 | Dialogues Culturels: France & the Francophone World | 4 |
| INRL 202 | Special Topics in International Relations | 4 |
| POLS 202 | Special Topics in Political Science | 4 |
| SOCI 267 | Globalization | 4 |
| SOCI 270 | South Asia, People & Power | 4 |
| SOCI 300/SOCI 500 | Special Topics: Race Theory | 4 |
| SPAN 314 | Hispanic Culture as Seen Through Film | 4 |
| SPAN 380 | Migrant in the City: Fieldwork Seminar On Puerto Rican Culture | 4 |
INRL 202, POLS 202: Depending on the topic, these courses may count in another particular area
To complete the capstone requirement, students must complete one of the three options below:
- INRL 390 (junior or senior year)
- One 300-level POLS course with an IR focus (junior or senior year)
- Complete a Senior Honors Thesis