International Relations
General InformationThe International Relations Major emphasizes the understanding of global issues and world cultures, and traces the political, social, ideological, and economic history of the world. This major addresses the idea of globalization as well as the challenges and opportunities present in a closely integrated world.
This major provides a path for those students who are interested in international areas of Political Science such as international trade, diplomacy, war, peace and security, the environment and international organizations, among many other subjects. York College has an international faculty that represents, in terms of area of origin and specialization, all the major regions of the world and an international stance that is more typical of big research universities. Our faculty is able to provide a broad offering of classes in international issues that will keep students well prepared and interested.
Learning simulations – United Nations, European Union and Arab League – provide a unique opportunity to York College students to put in practice the lessons learned in the classroom. Student delegations travel to different locations and interact with their peers in an environment of intense camaraderie. These students get to campaign for positions of leadership and to write sophisticated pieces of legislation that will be revised and voted on in the different sessions.
Required Courses
Department of History and Political Science
Objectives
Students graduating with a major in International Relations will be able to:
- Understand the major analytical perspectives and key concepts used by scholars to study international relations
- Use the theoretical literature to analyze global issues and problems
- Engage in a discussion of the complex issues and developments that drive and define contemporary global politics
Career Opportunities
Typically International Relations students are seeking careers abroad in government or private industry, degrees in journalism or education or intend to pursue graduate studies. Graduates enjoy careers in the following areas:
- The United States Foreign Service
- Government agencies such as Defense, CIA, and AID
- International organizations such as the United Nations, multinational corporations, and non-profit organizations both domestic and international
- Teaching at the university and high school level