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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.
- Introduction to Politics of International Relations (PS
61)
- Principles of Economics (EC 5)
- International Economics (one course from approved list)
- The Historical Dimension (one course from approved list)
- 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:
Regional and Comparative Analysis (choose one sub-concentration)
- Europe and the Former Soviet Union
- East and Southeast Asia
- Africa
- Middle East and South Asia
- Latin America
- International Economics (choose one sub-concentration)
- International Trade
- International Finance
- International Environmental Economics
- International Development Economics
- Global Health, Nutrition and the Environment
- International Security
- The United States in World Affairs
- 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.
A Few Points to Keep in Mind...
- Courses taken in IR may also count toward university
foundation and distribution requirements
- A grade of C- or better is required for a course to count
within the IR major, whether it is taken at Tufts or at another
institution. No course taken pass/fail may be used within the IR major.
- IR courses can also be applied toward a second major --
see details
- Students cannot minor in International Relations
- No course used to complete the IR Language
Requirement may be double counted with any other
IR requirement. For example, students can either
use SPN 31 toward their concentration or their
language requirement but not both.
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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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