International Relations
College of Liberal & Creative Arts
Dean: Paul Sherwin
Department of International Relations
HSS 336
E-mail: ir@sfsu.edu
Phone: 415-338-2654
Chair: Sanjoy Banerjee
Graduate Coordinator: Mahmood Monshipouri
Faculty
Professors: Banerjee, Hanami, Tsygankov, Yansane
Associate Professors: Blanchard, Clavier, Darling, Ellis, McAfee, Monshipouri, Volk
Assistant Professor: Skonieczny
Lecturer: Leahy
Visiting Diplomat in Residence: Fischer
Graduate Internship Coordinator: Kathryn Johnson
Programs
B.A. in International Relations
Minor in International Relations
M.A. in International Relations
Program Scope and Student Learning Objectives
The courses of study for the Bachelor of Arts in International Relations have three objectives: to impart knowledge of basic concepts, theories and methods in international relations; to develop in each student at least one area of special individual competence in international relations; and to train students in research, analytical, and presentation/communication skills. Liberal arts educational goals are emphasized but the program seeks also to develop marketable skills appropriate to the field. These include report writing, statistical and computer applications, public policy analysis, oral briefing techniques, and audio-visual production.
Utilizing the extensive course offerings in the program and in other departments, students are able, on advisement, to develop individual areas of specialization within geographical, functional (e.g., international political economy), problem-oriented (e.g., arms control), theoretical/methodological, and other categories. Field work may also be part of an area of specialization.
The emphasis upon elective courses of study requires that a student consult with an advisor every semester.
Career Outlook
Employment possibilities for graduates in international relations exist in business, government, electronic and print journalism, teaching and private international service (e.g., U.N. Association, Red Cross, etc.). Students completing a degree find it excellent preparation for entry into highly competitive programs of advanced study or work abroad in areas of special interest or knowledge.
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
Note: Courses fulfilling the IR major requirement may not be taken on a CR/NC basis.
On-line course descriptions are available.
Core
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| I R 104 or I R 204 |
Introduction to World Affairs Introduction to International Relations |
3 |
| I R 308 | Fundamentals of International Relations: Theories, Issues, and Perspectives | 4 |
| I R 309 GW | International Relations: Analysis and Application - GWAR | 4 |
| I R 310 | U.S. Foreign Policy | 4 |
| I R 312 | Introduction to International Political Economy | 4 |
Total for core: 19
Emphasis/Electives: 18 units
Students are expected to select an emphasis by choosing course work in area studies, international institutions, or global problems in consultation with an advisor. 12 units of course work must be in I R courses.
Culminating Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| I R 550 | Proseminar in Foreign Policy Analysis | 6 |
Total for major: 43
Minor in International Relations
Requirements under the major program relating to upper division work, limitations on CR/NC grading, and order in which courses are taken also apply to the minor.
On-line course descriptions are available.
Program
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| I R 308 | Fundamentals of International Relations: Theories, Issues, and Perspectives | 4 |
| I R 310 | U.S. Foreign Policy | 4 |
| I R 312 | Introduction to International Political Economy | 4 |
Electives with an international relations prefix including international relations cross-listed courses that appear under an alternative prefix: 8 units
Total: 20
Master of Arts in International Relations
Admission to Program
To receive serious consideration, applicants will have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with relevant course work and a grade point average of at least 3.3 (out of 4.0) in the last 60 units of undergraduate study. Students below the 3.3 GPA threshold may still receive consideration if the other elements of their application portfolio are strong. Applicants who have taken appropriate undergraduate courses in international relations could be admitted without conditions. Applicants without an appropriate background in international relations may be admitted conditionally, and must meet conditions before taking graduate level courses. Successful applicants should score above median in verbal and analytical sections of the GRE and at least median in the quantitative section. Where relevant, they should meet minimum English Language Proficiency requirements. Detailed, current application requirements and procedures are available on our Prospective Applicants webpage as well as our Application Procedures webpage.
Written English Proficiency Requirement
Level One (preadmission): GRE score that demonstrates proficiency in writing with a score of 4.0 or better. Students who do not meet this requirement may be admitted with the condition that I R 720 is completed with a grade of B or better. Level Two: completion of I R 898 or I R 892 with a grade of CR (credit).
Advancement to Candidacy
Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor on a regular basis. During the second semester or after having completed 9 units, students should prepare in consultation with the graduate coordinator an Advancement to Candidacy. At this time, all general requirements for advancement to candidacy and all conditions imposed at the time of admission to the program must have been met.
Grades. Students in the graduate program must maintain a 3.0 grade point average. A grade lower than B in I R 720 is sufficient to disqualify a student from the program.
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.
Core
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| I R 720 | Theory and Approaches in International Relations | 3 |
| I R 725 | The Analysis of Foreign Policy | 3 |
| I R 728 | International Political Economy | 3 |
| I R 730 - I R 739 |
The International System and its Problems | 3 |
| I R 740 - I R 749 |
Comparative Foreign Policies | 3 |
3 Units chosen from either of the above series (I R 730-739, or I R 740 - 749)
Total for core: 18
Academic Emphasis
Core Requirements (see above): 18
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| I R 750 | Methods and Thesis Selection in International Relations |
| I R 751 or |
Alternative Research Methods in International Relations |
| equivalent | any course covering multiple regression, such as PSY 772 or SOC 393 (4) |
| Electives in international relations or related disciplines (6) | |
Culminating Experience
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| I R 898 | Master's Thesis | 3 |
Minimum Total: 34
Professional Emphasis
Core Requirements (see above): 18
Thematic combination of courses in fields of inquiry and training such as: Public Administration; International Business, Management, or Finance; International Development; International Environmental Studies; other fields related to international careers. Approval of graduate advisor required: 12 units
Culminating Experience
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| I R 892 | Graduate Internship in International Relations | 3 |
Minimum Total: 33
