Sample Program

The Political Science Department offers an interdisciplinary major in international relations. The department teaches courses that present competing perspectives on politics. Given the pervasive influence of politics on the daily lives of all citizens, it is indispensable for well-educated persons to gain an understanding of politics to enable them to critically analyze the world around them and to more effectively exercise their civic responsibilities.         

The international relations major includes introductory courses in each of the subfields of political science. Upper level courses build on the theory and framework provided by the 100 and 200-level courses. The major in international relations is interdisciplinary, requiring courses in a variety of disciplines. The major culminates with a capstone experience which provides students with the opportunity to do extensive research and present their findings in a seminar setting.

The major in international relations requires a minimum of 36 credit hours. At least 18 credit hours must be at the 300 level or higher. At least 18 credit hours must be taken at McKendree College. Only grades better than D in a major course will be accepted. The interdisciplinary requirements for the international relations major must include courses from at least two different departments.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS MAJOR REQUIREMENTS                         36 crs.
PSI 200           RESEARCH METHODS                                                     (3)
PSI 490           SENIOR SEMINAR                                                           (3)

At least 9 credits from the following:                                                                                   
PSI 101           AMERICAN GOVERNMENT                                              (3)
PSI 210           INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS             (3)
PSI 220           INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS                   (3)
PSI 230           INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY                          (3)

At least 12 credits from among the following:                                                                     
PSI 311           INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS                                   (3)
PSI 312           INTERNATIONAL LAW                                                    (3)
PSI 313           INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY                            (3)
PSI 314           UNITED STATES FOREIGN POLICY                                    (3)
PSI 315           GENDER AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS                       (3)
PSI 319           TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS                            (3)
PSI 329           TOPICS IN COMPARATIVE POLITICS                                   (3)

At least 9 credits in two different departments from among the following:__________   
ENG 253         LITERATURE OF POST-COLONIAL CULTURES                     (3)
ENG 310         WORLD LITERATURE II                                                     (3)
HIS 241          ASIAN CIVILIZATIONS                                                        (3)
HIS 242          AFRICAN CIVILIZATIONS                                                    (3)
HIS 343          HISTORY OF LATIN AMERICA                                             (3)
HIS 363          HISTORY OF THE MIDDLE LEAST                                        (3)
MGT 340        INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS                                                (3)
REL 320         RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD                                                (3)
SPC 353          INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION                                   (3)

Supplementary requirements                                                                                               
FOREIGN LANGAUGE                                                                              (8)

Sample Four-Year Program in International Relations

The following assumes a student double majoring in international relations and another major (not political science - one cannot double major in political science and international relations) that requires 36 hours. We strongly encourage students to double major or minor in another area.

Semester One                                                Semester Two

PSI 101 American Government                        PSI 102 Intro to Political Theory
Double Major Requirement                              Double Major Requirement
General Education Requirement                        General Education Requirement
General Education Requirement                        General Education Requirement
General Education Requirement                        General Education Requirement

Semester Three                                             Semester Four

PSI 200 Research Methods                            PSI 210 Intro to International Relations
PSI 220 Intro to Comparative Politics             Double Major Requirement
Double Major Requirement                             Double Major Requirement
General Education Requirement                       General Education Requirement
General Education Requirement                       General Education Requirement

Semester Five                                               Semester Six

International Relations Course                          International Relations Course
Required Inter-disciplinary Course                    Double Major Requirement
Double Major Requirement                              Double Major Requirement
General Education Requirement                       General Education Requirement
General Education Requirement                       General Education Requirement
Foreign Language Requirement                        Foreign Language Requirement

Semester Seven                                            Semester Eight  

International Relations Course                        PSI 490 Senior Seminar
Required Inter-disciplinary Course                 Required Inter-disciplinary Course
Double Major Requirement                            Double Major Requirement
Double Major Requirement                            Double Major Requirement
General Education Requirement                     General Education Requirement