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.

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 and Concentration Form 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. For a printer-friendly summary of the following requirements, please click here.

 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. (For specific requirements in each concentration, please see the relevant sections for further details.)

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. Ideas and Identity in International Relations (choose one sub-concentration)
1. Ideologies
2. Empires/Colonialism/Globalization

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: The Class of 2010 may choose to continue their studies with the old curriculum. For more information, please see the old curriculum.

Back to top.