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International Relations
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The International Relations track focuses on five broad goals for its graduates:
- a solid understanding of classic international relations theory, in an historical
and contemporary context, and the concepts, structures, and institutions, both
governmental and non-governmental, that define the global system;
- a firm knowledge of the current international system, and the political, economic
and cultural factors that influence policy formulation;
- a critical understanding of international political economy, the effects of
globalization, problems and prospects in the developing world, the role of
regionalism and of regional integration, the dynamics of international conflict and
conflict resolution;
- the capacity to utilize and apply a range of research methodologies to the study
of relevant topics in international affairs;
- competence in an individualized area of specialization, either functional (for
example: international conflict resolution) or geographic (for example: European
Union, Middle East).
In addition to the seminars specifically offered for the International Relations track,
students can also enroll in other courses in anthropology, dispute resolution,
economics, geography, history, languages, and political science. Through the Library
Consortium, students can also have access to a wide range of resources at other
universities in the Boston area. Specific opportunities for involvement in development
projects overseas may be available through the Center for Democracy and Development
at the University's John W McCormack Graduate School of Policy Studies.
Curriculum
The curriculum of the International Relations track includes core seminars, electives,
and a master's thesis:
- Core Seminars: Seven courses with a distinct focus, aimed at providing a solid
foundation in major aspects of international relations:
- Theories and Concepts of International Relations
- Contemporary Issues in World Politics
- Research Methods and Analysis in International Relations
- International Political Economy
- Globalization and International Development
- Political Economy of Regional Systems
- Advanced Studies in International Relations
- Elective Courses: For a list of electives, please contact the program office.
Electives are available in a variety of fields and are meant to encourage study
in an area of special interest. By also focusing the master's thesis in the
same area, students have an opportunity to pursue a distinct specialization in
depth.
- Master's Thesis: Focused research on a distinct topic through which the student
synthesizes work done in the various courses and also acquires expertise in a
specific area of study.
Degree Requirements
Thirty-six graduate credits over a two-year period are required to complete the
International Relations curriculum. They include the seven three-credit core seminars
noted above; three electives (three-credit courses chosen from the approved list
available in the program office); and the master's thesis (six credits).
The thesis, undertaken after completion of course work, should result in a substantial
and original paper approximately sixty pages long, indicating mastery of pertinent
concepts and critical analysis. The thesis is defended before a faculty committee and
provides the base for a comprehensive discussion of the broader context.
There is also a foreign language/international experience requirement to be satisfied:
either by demonstrating proficiency in a foreign language or by submitting a record of
extensive international experience (work and/or study overseas).
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