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.

• POLS 331 is an approved GE Writing Intensive substitution.
• LAST 495, POLS 471B, and RELS 482 are approved GE Capstone substitutions.

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 complete the GE Written Communication (A2) requirement before you may register for a WP course.

Course Requirements for the Major: 39-56 units

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

Major Core Program: 30-31 units

5 courses required:

1 course selected from:

1 course selected from:

2-3 units selected from:

Note: INST 301 may be taken twice to fulfill this requirement.

9 units selected from:

Language Competence: 0-16 units

0-4 courses 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: 9 units

9 units selected from:

Students are required to choose 9 units of upper-division elective courses outside of International Relations that provide a deepened understanding of a region of the world or a conceptual approach within the field of International Relations. These courses should be chosen in consultation with the International Relations Advisor.

Students studying abroad can fulfill this 9 unit requirement while studying abroad and will need to consult with the International Relations Advisor to develop an appropriate group of courses.

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.

Below are some examples of common areas of concentration chosen by students including lists of course that have fulfilled this requirement. Students are not limited to this list, and each student must meet with the International Relations Advisor to determine an Area of Concentration that best meets his/her needs.

Latin America

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
LAST 351	Natural History and Ecology of Mexico and Central America		3.0	FS	GC
Prerequisites: Completion of the lower-division GE Pathway Foundation Physical Sciences and GE Pathway Foundation Life Sciences or faculty permission. LAST 351 explores the natural and human-modified environments of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It introduces students to the biological and physical processes that create the natural environments of the region and examines the complex interactions between people and these environments, both past and present. This course is designed to be the Area B course in the General Education Upper-Division Theme I: Mexico and Central America. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (005379)
LAST 352	Mexico: Literature and Arts		3.0	FS	GC
An interdisciplinary examination of how Mexican literature and the arts reflect the social and cultural roots of the people of Mexcio. This course is a component of the General Education Upper-Division Thematic Program on Mexico and Central America. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (005377)
LAST 495	Seminar in Selected Topics		3.0	SP	GW
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Written Communication (A2) requirement, LAST 110. An in-depth, interdisciplinary seminar that examines selected topics in Latin American culture and society, past and present, through critical reading of, and commentary on, recent scholarship devoted to the region. Readings may include Spanish language sources. Topics vary by semester. Required for majors and minors. 3 hours seminar. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (005384)

Economics

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
ECON 301	Microeconomic Analysis		3.0	FS
Prerequisites: ECON 103. Microeconomics examines the economic behavior of individual decision-making agents, such as consumers, resource owners, and firms. The goal of this course is to build a theoretical foundation to study various applied fields in economics and management (such as international trade, public finance, labor, or environmental economics). Topics include consumer theory, production and cost analysis, theories of the firm and markets, and welfare economics. 3 hours discussion. (002647)
ECON 302	Macroeconomic Analysis		3.0	FS
Prerequisites: ECON 102. An extension of macroeconomic concepts and principles relating to short-term stabilization policies, long-term growth questions, fiscal and monetary theory and policy, international dimensions, and problems of inflation, deflation, unemployment, productivity, and growth. Theories and models are used to examine, develop, and analyze macroeconomics issues, problems, and policies. 3 hours discussion. (002648)
ECON 330	Money and Credit		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: ECON 102. Financial markets and financial institutions. Impact of money and credit on the economy. Central banking and monetary policy. International finance. Macroeconomics and monetary theory will be emphasized. (Can be substituted for ECON 102 in the major.) 3 hours lecture. (002660)
ECON 355	The Economics of Government Regulations		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: ECON 103. An overview of the economics of government regulation with emphasis on the formulation of regulatory policy, alternative methods of regulation, and the economic impacts of such policy. Topics may include environmental regulation, energy conservation policy, consumer protection, antitrust policy, and a critical evaluation of market-based regulatory policy. 3 hours lecture. (002668)
ECON 365	Environmental Economics		3.0	FS	GE
An analysis of the costs and benefits of environmental preservation. Systems for creating economic incentives for pollution abatement. Criteria for establishing optimum pollution abatement, including efficiency, safety, and sustainability standards. Impacts of population growth on global environmental problems. Alternative energy use patterns and their impact on energy markets and global environmental health. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (002671)
ECON 370	International Finance and Trade Policy		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: ECON 103 or instructor permission. A study on the theory of international finance and trade. In-depth analysis of what determines trade flows, gains from trade, and the international flow of capital and technology. Focus on international trade policies and institutions and a survey of current trade problems and conflicts. 3 hours lecture. (002672)
ECON 375	The Developing Countries		3.0	FA
Prerequisites: ECON 103. This course surveys theoretical approaches and policy options to the problems of development and underdevelopment in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Agricultural transformations, industrial development, balance of payments problems, the role of foreign aid, direct foreign investment, the economic role of international institutions such as the World Bank, and other related topics are included in this course. 3 hours lecture. (002673)
ECON 376	Economics of the Pacific Rim		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: ECON 101 or ECON 102 or faculty permission. A survey and analysis of economic development in the Pacific Rim and its linkages with politics, history, society, and foreign policy. Topics covered include trade, tariffs, subsidies, balance of payments, savings, investment, government deficits, environment, agricultural economics, and economic growth. 3 hours discussion. (002674)

Political Science

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
POLS 301	Vital Political Problems		3.0	FS
Prerequisites: Upper-division standing. An examination of major political problems challenging America today. Emphasis on class discussion of controversial topics involving political policy in the context of the study of political science. 3 hours lecture. (015555)
POLS 324I	Women and Politics		3.0	FA	GE  WI
This course is also offered as WMST 324I. Analysis of the roles of women in politics; volunteer, candidate, elected official. Considers politics of the women's movement and women's issues. 3 hours lecture.This is an approved Writing Intensive course. This is an approved General Education course. (007491)
POLS 402	State and Local Government		3.0	FS
Analysis of the history and development of the American federal system and the role of state and local governments, with special emphasis directed to the government and politics of California. Among the major topics considered: the state and local political systems; the political environment; party, interest group, citizen, and media inputs; and current problems and changing functions affecting state and local governments. 3 hours lecture. (007524)
POLS 427	U.S. Campaigns and Elections		3.0	INQ
An exploration of campaigns and elections in the United States with emphasis on the activities and strategies of candidates for office, the behavior of voters, the role of political parties, interest groups, and the media, and the financing of campaigns. 3 hours lecture. (007549)
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 461	Environmental Politics and Policy		3.0	FA
Investigation and analysis of the political nature of the environmental crisis in the United States and the development of legal and administrative mechanisms for handling environmental problems. 3 hours lecture. (007596)
POLS 471A	Public Policy Formation		3.0	FA
Critical examination of the process of policy formation in American governments. Relationship of executive, legislative, and judicial branches in policy formation. A significant policy area will be examined, with emphasis on both statutory and constitutional bases and the social/political factors influencing policy development. 3 hours lecture. (007607)
POLS 471B	Policy Analysis Capstone Seminar		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: POLS 421, POLS 471A. An examination of the approaches, models, methods, and concepts of public policy analysis, with special emphasis on program evaluation, research methodologies, implementation problems, and policy evaluation models. Recommended for political science and public administration majors and minors. 3 hours lecture. (007608)

French

History

German

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
GERM 325	Linguistics of Modern German		3.0	INQ
Prerequisites: GERM 202 or equivalent. Study and practice of the phonology, morphology, and syntax of modern German. Contrastive analysis of the sounds of German and English. 3 hours discussion. (004215)
GERM 330	German Culture and Civilization		3.0	INQ
Prerequisites: GERM 202 or equivalent. A survey of some of the great figures and periods of German art, literature, music, and public life which have made significant contributions to the development of civilization in German-speaking countries. 3 hours discussion. (004216)
GERM 465	Nineteenth-Century German Literature		3.0	INQ
Prerequisites: GERM 202 or equivalent. A survey of the development of prose, drama, and lyric after Goethe and the Romantics to the twentieth century, including representative authors of poetic realism and naturalism. 3 hours discussion. (004228)
GERM 470	Twentieth-Century German Literature Before World War II		3.0	INQ
Prerequisites: GERM 202 or equivalent. Readings in prose, drama, and lyric of the Expressionists, Rilke, Mann, Hesse, Kafka, Brecht, and others. 3 hours discussion. (004229)
GERM 484	The New German Cinema		3.0	INQ
Class taught in English. All films have English subtitles. Historical survey of representative films from the post-war era, the New German, and feminist cinema, including study of their cultural and social significance, with a component of significant film aesthetics and theories from Kluge to contemporary feminist film theories. 3 hours discussion. (004224)
GERM 486	Contemporary German Cinema		3.0	INQ
Class is taught in English; films in German with English subtitles. A historical survey of representative films and cinema cultures of Austria and Switzerland, and of the former two German states, East and West Germany from the 1980's to the present; including study of their cultural and social significance with a component of aesthetic changes in united Germany's cinematic culture after 1990, and a representation of Germany's multicultural society. 3 hours discussion. (020681)
SOSC 303	Cultural Concepts: Human Social Evolution		3.0	FS	GC
This is an exploration of the fundamental concepts of human biological, social, and cultural evolution. It is a comparative study of adaptation, social organization, religious and other ideological systems in contemporary non-Western societies. With a multidisciplinary approach, the course covers the biological basis of human social behavior, fossil evidence for human evolution, and relevant ethnographic and archaeological evidence of human social evolution. This course is required for Liberal Studies majors. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (009062)

Spanish

Italian

Japanese

Business

Psychology

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
GEOS 370	Energy in the Human Environment		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: One course from GE Pathway Foundation Physical Sciences. Analysis of present and long-term global energy crises; coverage of scientific concepts needed to understand energy and its environmental interactions; in-depth examination of alternative energy sources and their environmental impact. 3 hours lecture. (004149)
PSYC 321	Brain, Mind, and Behavior		3.0	FS	GE
This course explores the fundamental relationships between brain function, mental states and consciousness, and human behavior. Attention is given to the influence of brain research on artificial intelligence, neural networks, and computer technology, and to the current metaphor of brain as computer. The course focus is on basic brain processes involved in sensation and perception, motivation and emotion, learning and memory, and language and consciousness. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (007919)
PSYC 324	Biological Psychology		4.0	FS
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 or JOUR 130 (or equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, PSYC 101, PSYC 261. An introduction to basic processes involved in brain function and an overview of the biological bases of behaviors such as sleep, biological rhythms, sex, emotions, learning and memory, language, laterality, and psychophysiological states such as depression, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia. The laboratory includes the study of neuroanatomy and experiments on topics such as EEG, GSR, biofeedback, hemisphere specialization, and cardiovascular reactivity. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (007901)
PSYC 333	Human Perception		3.0	FS
A review of the major theories, phenomena, and research associated with the structure and function of the sensory and perceptual systems. Primary emphasis is on the visual and auditory systems, but gustation, olfaction, and skin perception are also reviewed. 3 hours lecture. (007985)
PSYC 334	Cognition		3.0	FS
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 or JOUR 130 (or equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, PSYC 101, PSYC 261, or faculty permission. An in-depth examination of current research and theory in cognition. Topics include attention, memory models, language, problem solving, creativity, reasoning, decision making, human and artificial intelligence, and cognitive development. 3 hours lecture. (007903)
PSYC 361	Research in Psychology		3.0	INQ
An examination of quantitative or qualitative research methods via the design and implementation of original research or evaluation studies. These activities develop skills in research design, sampling techniques, instrumentation, data collection, analyses, and interpretation of results. Presentation or manuscript submission is encouraged. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (020072)
PSYC 381	Abnormal Psychology		3.0	FS
Introduction to the study, definition, and classification of deviant behavior, including experimental psychopathology, psychodiagnostic methods, and psychotherapeutic procedures. 3 hours lecture. (007939)
PSYC 382	Psychology of Personality		3.0	FS
Introduction to the nature and development of personality, with emphasis on the normal adult, including theories of personality, techniques of assessment, and a survey of current research. 3 hours lecture. (007944)
PSYC 391	Psychology of Prejudice, Hate, and Violence		3.0	FS	GE  USD
Examination of the nature of prejudice and hate and their contribution to societal violence. How prejudice and hatred affect personal, family, and group behavior are considered in a context of understanding factors that contribute to their development. Strategies for reducing the prevalence of prejudice, hatred, and violence in our contemporary culture are evaluated. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (007908)

Geography

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
GEOG 301	Global Economic Geography		3.0	FS	GE  GC
A systematic survey of human economic activities. Analysis of resource exploitation and use, including agriculture, extractive activities, industry, commerce, and service functions. Recommended for business and liberal arts majors. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (003871)
GEOG 303	Geography and World Affairs		3.0	FS	GE  GC
Geography in the news. Analysis of current world conflicts and problem areas, with an emphasis upon examination of social, economic, political, and environmental realities. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (003872)
GEOG 304	Sustainability Issues		3.0	FS	GE
Geographic analysis of humanity's interaction with the environment. Examines natural and human systems, resources, population, energy, and pollution. Develops an appreciation of the beauty, balance, and complexity of natural systems and human success in attaining harmony with them. Enhances awareness and perception of each individual's role in and with the environment. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (003873)
GEOG 357	Lands and Peoples of Latin America		3.0	FS	GE  GC
This course is also offered as LAST 357. Study of the physical environment, human settlement, development, and modern problems of the nations of Latin America. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (021143)

Religious Studies

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
RELS 332	World Religions and Global Issues		3.0	FS	GE  GC
An introduction to major religions of the contemporary world (Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and Chinese religions) with particular emphasis on their relationship to pressing global issues, including economics and poverty, environmental issues, war and peace, and human rights. Explores a number of religious traditions that are closely identified with specific ethnic groups in this country. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (008190)
RELS 348	Jesus, Buddha, and Marx: A Study in Comparative Ethics		3.0	INQ
This course explores how Christians, Buddhists, and Marxists have sought to answer questions about the nature and goals of human life and about the methods of individual and social transformation. Attention will be given to the diversity of ethical perspectives in the traditions on such topics as the human good, the ideal society, political and economic life, war and peace, the family, the meaning of freedom, and the nature of salvation. 3 hours discussion. (008165)
RELS 365	Religion and Film		3.0	INQ
An examination of the representation of religious concerns and meaning in modern film. Utilizing resources developed in religious traditions and in the field of religious studies, the course examines themes central to the human condition such as selfhood, religious conviction, despair, redemption, and race and ethnicity. 3 hours lecture. (008149)
RELS 480	Theories and Criticisms of Religion		3.0	FA
Prerequisites: RELS 200, RELS 300. A study of the history, theories, and methods of religious studies as a scholarly and academic discipline, with emphasis on the biographical and historical contexts of significant contributors to the discipline and their classic works. Topics include secular vs. religious approaches to the study of religion and the contrast between religious insiders' and outsiders' perspectives; alternative theories of the origins and functions of religion; and debates over whether religion is a positive or negative influence in the lives of individuals and social groups. 3 hours seminar. (008191)
RELS 482	Capstone: Religion, Public Life, and the Professions		4.0	SP	GW
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Written Communication (A2) requirement, RELS 480. This capstone equips students to analyze the role of religion in public life, including issues of religious freedom and the relationshop between religion and American social institutions (government, education, health care, the criminal justice system, etc.). Following a study of the U.S. context, the course explores comparative cases in other countries. Focus is on the position(s) of religion in public space; the shifting boundaries of religiou and non-religious activity, and the implications of these arrangements. One unit of creid for this course involves an internship, a research project, or prior learning portfolio assessment/experiential learning essay. 4 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (008200)

English

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.