Introduction to the IR Curriculum
The IR curriculum provides the framework by which our students examine, and engage with, the field of international studies. It is a framework that is very consciously multidisciplinary -- designed to accommodate the ranging interests of our students while providing a coherent and rigorous course of study. To ensure that it remains strong and relevant, the IR Program has periodically reviewed and updated its curriculum, with the last major curriculum revision coming well over a decade ago.

Last year, the IR Program officially launched a new curriculum. The product of faculty, student, and staff consultation over two years, this curriculum offers new and revamped specializations ("Thematic Concentrations") from which students may choose. It also encourages greater integration in course choice around those specializations.

The Class of 2011 and those thereafter will follow the new curriculum described below.

The Class of 2009-2010 may follow the new curriculum or continue with their course of study under the old curriculum detailed here.

Summary of the IR Major: New IR Curriculum (view new curriculum overview)
Each student majoring in International Relations is expected to complete 12 major related courses plus courses fulfilling the IR Language Requirement. Students should immediately begin using an IR planning & concentration sheet to better understand the requirements and to track their progress. It should be updated before each registration period and used in consultation with your advisor.

I. Core Requirements (5 courses)
The Core Requirements constitute the foundation of knowledge that is needed by all majors in International Relations, regardless of thematic or disciplinary concentration. They are comprised of broad introductory courses that cover the major themes and debates within each discipline on the study of international affairs.

1. Introduction to Politics of International Relations (PS 61)
2. Principles of Economics (EC 5)
3. International Economics (one course from approved list)
4. The Historical Dimension (one course from approved list)
5. Theories of Society and Culture (one course from approved list)

II. Thematic Concentration Requirement (7 courses)
Thematic Concentrations are designed to provide students with substantial, in-depth, and focused study of an aspect of international affairs.

Proceeding on the basis that such knowledge must necessarily be inter-disciplinary in nature, students are required to include social science, history, and culture courses in their Thematic Concentration. Proceeding on the basis that a well-rounded IR curriculum should include a critical study of the role of the United States in the world as well as reactions to that role, each Thematic Concentration must include one course on this subject. And proceeding on the basis that knowledge gained in Thematic Concentrations should be cumulative, the normal expectation is that no more than 3 of the 7 courses in each Thematic Concentration may be an introductory-level course, and that one must be a capstone course (seminar, honors thesis, or directed research).

PLEASE NOTE:

• For specific requirements in each concentration, please see the relevant sections for further details.
• Students may take a course that can satisfy more than one of the concentration requirements. For example, a student may take a history course that can satisfy both the history requirement AND the capstone requirement; however, they must take no less than 7 total courses within their chosen concentration.

Students may choose from the following thematic concentrations:

1. Regional and Comparative Analysis (choose one sub-concentration)
   1. Europe and the Former Soviet Union
   2. East and Southeast Asia
   3. Africa
   4. Middle East and South Asia
   5. Latin America
2. International Economics (choose one sub-concentration)
   1. International Trade
   2. International Finance
   3. International Environmental Economics
   4. International Development Economics
3. Global Health, Nutrition and the Environment
4. International Security
5. The United States in World Affairs
6. Ideology and Culture in International Affairs

 Note: Capstone Requirement (seminar, honors thesis or directed research)
All majors will "cap" their concentration in IR by taking a seminar or by completing the research alternative. You should be aware that, at Tufts, the seminar is not merely another course. We require seminars because they provide you with an opportunity to interact closely with faculty, and because we consider it very important that you develop the speaking and writing skills that can only be addressed in a small-group setting. (Sophomore Seminars do not count for this requirement because they are not a capstone of your work in your concentration.)

III. Language Requirement
Majors in International Relations must display oral and written proficiency in a foreign language. Thorough language study is an essential tool for developing the cultural literacy and sensitivity which are important goals of the major. The level of proficiency required is eight semesters or the equivalent - the highest attainable for students who begin a new language at Tufts.

PLEASE NOTE: Classes 2009-2010 may choose to continue their studies with the old curriculum. For more information, please see the old curriculum.

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