International Relations Learning Outcomes

The Learning Outcomes for the International Relations Program are contained in eight core standards within three themes. The learning outcomes are embedded in the coursework, experiential requirements and opportunities and assessments throughout the International Relations major. The field of International Relations studies the distribution and exercise of power at the global level, and this study requires both the attention to content contained in the first three standards of the first theme, and the acquisition of skills and of ethical values discussed in the second and third themes.  Three benchmarks required in the course of the program are: maintenance of 2.0 or higher GPA in the major; completion of a significant international experiential component – either study abroad or international internship; and satisfactory completion of a senior seminar.

Theme I: Understanding the role of power in shaping international and global relationships and forms and interactions of global political institutions. Graduates will show understandings in the following areas:

Standard 1. Concepts and Theories of Global Power: Graduates understand key concepts and concerns in international relations including notably the way power is acquired and used globally and how state and nonstate actors interact. Graduates are also familiar with contemporary theories of international relations for use as a lens to explain outcomes and events in world affairs.

Standard 2. Dimensions of Comparative Politics and Political Theory.  Graduates demonstrate an appreciation for the practice of comparative political inquiry, and an understanding of traditions of Western and non-Western political thought.

Standard 3. Global Current Event Awareness and Interpretation. Graduates are conversant in current international and global political events through a close reading of the news and interpretation of events through international relations theories and concepts.

Theme II: Developing and Exercising Relevant Skills

Standard 4. Research Skills: Graduates possess the ability to pose and answer relevant political questions through research and analysis. This means they are: familiar with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies employed by scholars of international relations and political science; develop the ability to evaluate and synthesize information from diverse and reliable sources, identifying and differentiating between primary and secondary source material; and use these skills to produce a research paper, opinion paper, personal reflection or analytical essay.

Standard 5: Logical Argumentation and Critical Questioning: Graduates are able to develop a logical argument and justify a position through written and oral presentations and demonstrate the ability to read and question original research and theoretical writings.

Standard 6: Practical Engagement: Graduates have studied abroad or engaged in an international internship in order to enhance their global citizenship and cultural competence.

Theme III: Ethics and Social Responsibility

Standard 7: Understanding the critical importance of ethics. Graduates understand the relationship between personal ethics, individual decision-making and public outcomes at the national and international levels.

Standard 8: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice: Graduates have developed an appreciation for persons with national, racial, ethnic, economic, sexuality, gender and gender identity, religious, and disability identities different from their own. They direct attention to the impact on equality, social justice and the rights of all persons of both individual actions and public policies.