International Relations  {SF State Bulletin 2015 - 2016}

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International Relations

 

College of Liberal & Creative Arts

Dean: Andrew Harris

 

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, Monshipouri, Volk
Associate Professors: Blanchard, Clavier, Darling, Ellis, McAfee
Assistant Professor: Skonieczny, Siegel
Lecturers: Seyers, Aviel
Visiting Diplomat in Residence: David Fischer

 

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 core 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)

Emphasis/Electives (18 units)

Students are encouraged to select an emphasis by choosing course work in Area Studies, International Institutions, or Global Problems in consultation with an advisor. Twelve units of course work must be in I R courses.

Culminating Requirements (6 units)

 

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)

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. 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: Completion of I R 720 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)

Academic Emphasis (16 units)

Culminating Experience

Professional Emphasis (15 units)

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

 

 

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