International Relations
College of Liberal & Creative Arts
Interim Dean: Daniel Bernardi
Department of International Relations
HSS 336
E-mail: ir@sfsu.edu
Phone: 415-338-2654
Chair: Sanjoy Banerjee
Graduate Coordinator: Burcu Ellis
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.
Complementary Studies
Twelve units of complementary studies are required of all candidates for the Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations. These units must come from courses bearing a prefix other than I R, and not cross-listed with I R. International Relations majors are offered several pathways toward completing this requirement, each of which is designed to facilitate graduation in a timely manner. IR majors may, with the approval of an IR advisor, elect to apply 12 units in a single foreign language of their choosing, courses taken in an approved study abroad program (e.g., CSU Study Abroad), courses taken as part of a second major, a minor or a certificate, and courses in a related discipline. Related disciplines typically include: political science, sociology, anthropology, environmental studies, geography, global health, or journalism. Up to 6 units of a single language, or 6 upper-division units of CS may, with the approval of a departmental advisor, also be counted as IR electives in fulfillment of major requirements.
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
Note: Courses fulfilling the IR major requirement may not be taken on a CR/NC basis.
International Relations (B.A.) — 43 units
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.
Core (19 units)
-
I R 104 Introduction to World Affairs
or
I R 204 Introduction to International Relations - 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)
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 (6 units)
- I R 550 Proseminar in Foreign Policy Analysis (6)
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.
International Relations, Minor — 20 units
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.
Required Courses (12 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 (8 units)
Electives with an international relations prefix including international relations cross-listed courses that appear under an alternative prefix
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
The University has a requirement for written English proficiency that is to be assessed at two different points in a student's program.
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 (ATC). 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.
International Relations (M.A.) — Minimum 33 units
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.
Core (18 units)
- I R 720 Theory and Approaches in International Relations
- I R 725 The Analysis of Foreign Policy
- I R 728 International Political Economy
-
The International System and its Problems
a course in the range I R 730 to I R 739 -
Comparative Foreign Policies
a course in the range I R 740 to I R 749 -
one additional class
from either of the above series (I R 730 to I R 739, or I R 740 to I R 749)
Academic Emphasis (16 units)
- I R 750 Methods and Thesis Selection in International Relations
-
I R 751 Alternative Research Methods in International Relations (4)
or equivalent (4 unit) -
any course covering multiple regression such as PSY 772 or SOC 393 - 6 units of Electives in international relations or related disciplines
Culminating Experience
- I R 898 Master's Thesis
Professional Emphasis (15 units)
- I R 750 Methods and Thesis Selection in International Relations
Thematic Courses
Thematic combination of courses (total 9 units) in fields of inquiry and training such as: public administration; international business, management, or finance; international development; international environmental studies, or other fields related to international careers. Approval of graduate advisor required.
Culminating Experience
- I R 892 Graduate Internship in International Relations
