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 international 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 Bachelor's Degree Requirements 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. You can view MAPs on the Degree MAPs page in the University Catalog or you can request a plan from your major advisor.

General Education Pathway Requirements: 48 units

See General Education in the University Catalog and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Pathway Requirements and course offerings.

Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units

See Diversity Requirements in the University Catalog. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education .

Literacy Requirement:

See Mathematics and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog. Writing proficiency in the major is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of a course in your major which has been designated as the Writing Proficiency (WP) course for the semester in which you take the course. Students who earn below a C- are required to repeat the course and earn a C- or higher to receive WP credit. See the Class Schedule for the designated WP courses for each semester. You must pass ENGL 130I or JOUR 130I (or equivalent) with a C- or higher before you may register for a WP course.

Course Requirements for the Major: 38-55 units

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

Major Core Program: 26-27 units

3 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
POLS 341	International Relations	3.0	FS	GE
Concepts in international politics, with emphasis on the analysis of contemporary global issues. Recommended for secondary teachers. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (007500)
POLS 342	International Politics: Methods of Analysis	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: POLS 341. Introduction to methods, objectives, and techniques of scientific study of international politics. Analysis of selected examples of behavioral research in international politics. Examples will normally include cross-cultural research, comparative elites, global and regional political change, events data analysis, war and peace studies. 3 hours discussion. (007501)
POLS 441	International Politics: Theory and Concepts	3.0	FA	GW
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 or JOUR 130 (or equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, POLS 341. Analysis of the dynamics of international politics, with emphasis on the following theories and concepts: images, decision-making, power, the state, nationalism, balance of power, international system, war, alliances, and imperialism. International Relations majors: 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (007559)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
ECON 102	Principles of Macroeconomic Analysis	3.0	FS	GE
An introductory survey of macroeconomic analysis. Use of fundamental economic concepts to analyze the over-all economy. Determination of gross national product, rates of unemployment, problems of inflation, recession, and the use of governmental policies. Discussion of current problems. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (002636)
ECON 103	Principles of Microeconomic Analysis	3.0	FS	GE
An introductory survey of microeconomic analysis. Analysis of individual economic units: household, firms, and markets. Analysis of individual decision making. Supply and demand analysis. Type of market organization: competition, oligopoly, and monopoly. Discussion of current problems. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (002638)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
POLS 413	Politics of International Political Economy	3.0	SP
Examination of the international political economy and process of development. Specific focus is on the crisis of the world capitalist system and the international and national attempts to restructure levels of that system. The question of development is discussed from various ideological perspectives, along with the political-economic implications of industrialization and the debt crisis in developing countries. Case studies on the political economy of developing countries are offered. 3 hours lecture. (007530)
POLS 417	Politics of Post-Industrial Societies	3.0	FA
Analysis of the international political economy and industrial- post-industrial societies. Specific focus on the internationalization of capitalism and major institutions of the international political economy in the post-Cold War era; the competing models of North Amerian, European, and Asian political economies; trade, investment and security issues among industrial nations; and relationship of industrial nations' policy to the political economy of the developing world. 3 hours lecture. (007539)

2-3 units selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
POLS 340A	Model United Nations	3.0	FA
Introduction to the United Nations, its procedures and current issues on its agenda to prepare delegates to participate in the a Model United Nations Conference held during the fall semester. 3 hours lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Formerly POLS 340. (007498)
POLS 340B	Model United Nations	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: POLS 340A. Individual and group research on an assigned country and its U.N. policy positions plus mock session activities to prepare delegates to represent that country at the National Model United Nations Conference held in New York City during the spring semester. Either attendance at the New York City conference or a 15-page research paper on a U.N. agenda topic is required. 3 hours lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (007499)
POLS 391E	Simulation in Political Science: International Relations	1.0	FS
This course is a simulation on selected topics in international relations. 3 hours independent study. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (007512)
POLS 398	Special Topics	1.0 -3.0	FS
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours lecture. (007522)
POLS 399	Special Problems	1.0 -3.0	FS
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (007523)

9 units selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
POLS 302	Politics of the Developing World	3.0	FS	GC
The political dynamics of selected developing countries. Major emphasis is on problems of poverty, colonialism, comparative political structures and behavior, imperialism, and international relations. The course also focuses on tensions in the political culture between traditional and non-traditional values in developing societies. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (015554)
POLS 340A	Model United Nations	3.0	FA
Introduction to the United Nations, its procedures and current issues on its agenda to prepare delegates to participate in the a Model United Nations Conference held during the fall semester. 3 hours lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Formerly POLS 340. (007498)
POLS 344	U.S. Foreign Policy	3.0	FS
Course analyzes post-World War II American foreign policy. It examines the origins and development of the cold war, with attention to nuclear capabilities, the growth of national security bureaucracy, and the impact on American society. Special attention is given to the decision-making process as well as to theories of personality, organizational behavior, and the political process as these affect the cold war basis of American foreign policy. 3 hours lecture. (007503)
POLS 415C	Comparative Government: Latin America	3.0	FA
A study of the similarities and differences of the Latin American republics, concentrating on structures of government, historical traditions, political parties, and the role of the military. After a general introduction to these topics and the area, the class will emphasize an in-depth study of selected Latin American nations. 3 hours lecture. (007534)
POLS 415D	Comparative Government: Asia	3.0	SP
An examination of the politics of Asia. Emphasis may vary among East, South-East, and South Asia. The study of the response of Asian political systems to the dual challenges of modernization and Western pressure will be combined with an analysis of contemporary political institutions and events. 3 hours lecture. (007535)
POLS 415F	Comparative Government: Western Europe	3.0	FS
A study of selected governments of Western Europe, with emphasis as well on regional coordination (the Common Market and related institutions) in the post-World War II period. 3 hours lecture. (007537)
POLS 442	International Organizations	3.0	FA
Analysis of the development and activities of various types of international organizations, including the United Nations, multinational corporations, OPEC, the Common Market, the IMF, the World Bank, and such non-governmental organizations as Amnesty International and Greenpeace. 3 hours lecture. (007561)
POLS 443	International Law	3.0	INQ
Analysis of the development of international law, the role of international law on international relations, legal problems of world order, and contemporary international legal issues. Case analysis and critical writing required. 3 hours lecture. (007562)
POLS 446A	International Relations of the Middle East	3.0	F1
Analyzes the foreign policies of the Middle Eastern nations. Emphasizes Arab-Israeli and inter-Arab dynamics, the impacts of Muslim culture, sectarian strife, and the roles of external forces, including the superpowers. 3 hours lecture. (007565)
POLS 446C	Inter-American Relations	3.0	SP
Patterns of inter-American relations will be explored, with special attention to the effects of dependency on the American states and their reactions to it. Collaboration, avoidance, and resistance by Latin Americans will be examined within the context of the use of diplomacy and of military, political, and economic force by differing groups on both sides. 3 hours lecture. (007567)
POLS 446D	International Relations of the Pacific Basin	3.0	SP
This course is also offered as INST 446D. 3 hours lecture. (004873)
POLS 446F	International Relations of Western Europe	3.0	FA
Analyzes the international relations of Western European nations and international institutions, especially the Common Market. Emphasizes Western Europe as a part of the regional and world dynamics. 3 hours lecture. (007571)
POLS 447	Vietnam and Foreign Policy	3.0	S1
Analyzes the Vietnam War as a consequence of foreign policy. Emphasizes the structures, processes, and dynamics of policy design, implementation, and management, especially by the United States. 3 hours lecture. (007574)
POLS 448	Politics of Terrorism	3.0	SP
A multi-dimensional and cross-disciplinary study of the historical and contemporary phenomenon of terrorism and counterterrorist policy. Focus is on terrorism as different from war, the sources and practitioners of terrorism, and the multiple rationales for its use. Study will include both domestic and international terrorism, private and state as well as national and international counterterrorist policy. Particular attention on the threat of terrorism to liberal democracy and development of liberal democratic counterterrorist policy. Selection choice for the Option in Political Affairs. 3 hours lecture. (007575)
POLS 449	Proseminar in International Relations	3.0	INQ
This course is a seminar on selected topics in international relations. 3 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (007576)
POLS 475	National Strategic Intelligence	3.0	SP
This course investigates the epistemology, history, structures, functions, and issues of United States' national strategic intelligence. 3 hours lecture. (007611)
POLS 498	Special Topics	1.0 -3.0	FS
Study in political science related to specialized subjects of topical and current interest. Intensive reading. Topics may be offered in American Government, Comparative Government, Political Behavior, Political Theory, International Relations, Public Law, or Public Administration. 1 hour seminar. (007665)

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 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.

Electives Requirement:

To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses from the total University offerings. You should consult with an advisor regarding the selection of courses which will provide breadth to your University experience and possibly apply to a supportive second major or minor.

Grading Requirement:

All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.

Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.