Minor – International Relations & Foreign Policy

Explores some of the main fields within the discipline of government (e.g., comparative politics, political theory) as well as some of the main approaches to the study of government (e.g., interpretivism, behavioralism, institutionalism).  Various theories of integration for the study and understanding of government are also introduced.

Investigates the global problems that influence and shape contemporary and future government decision-making.  Attention is given to such important problems as terrorism, poverty, human trafficking, disease, the digital revolution, the global economy, immigration as well as to how governments are responding to such challenges.

Evaluates the conduct of foreign affairs, policy, and relationships between nation-states in the international political community. Students are introduced to the history of the international order as well as to the leading international relations’ theories of realism, liberal internationalism, neo-conservatism, human rights, and Marxism.

Uses the tools of economics to examine decision-making in non-market institutions with a particular emphasis on government decision-making.  Cross-listed with ECON 290.  Prerequisite: ECON 120 or ECON 260.

Examines the history of U.S. foreign policy up until the present era with special attention to topics such as U.S. military, economic, and human rights policy.  Course also examines the changing concepts of power, the national interest, and grand strategy and learning in U.S. foreign policy as these relate to various world regions.  Prerequisite: GOVT 304.

Provides a comparative analysis of foreign policy through the key concepts of power and national interest.  Students analyze case studies of foreign policy making of various nation-states.  Theories of war and international diplomacy are also addressed.  Prerequisite: GOVT 304.