Department of Political Science and International Affairs

International Affairs Minor

The Minor in International Affairs gives students a grounding in the foundational courses of political science combined with an interdisciplinary focus in either History or Economics.

Overview

These courses incorporate elements of both theory and practice and will provide students with relevant critical thinking skills for understanding the basic dynamics structuring contemporary world politics. Similar to the Major in International Affairs, the interdisciplinary nature of the minor is also intended to prepare students for professional work in a vast array of institutions involved in global governance, including foreign services, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and transnational corporations. To that end, students can also use the minor to build up experience, skills and formation in the various International Affairs courses offered at the University.

  • Understand the foundational theories from the fields of international relations, comparative politics, and political theory and apply them to contemporary political phenomena.
  • Develop an interdisciplinary capacity (drawing from the fields of History and Economics) to interpret global political dynamics.
  • Learn to read, write and critically analyze policy papers.
  • Develop professional skills necessary to work in major international governmental and non-governmental organizations

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MINOR (AS OF FALL 2022)

  • PL 209 Intro to World Politics
  • PL 212 International Organizations 
  • PL/LAW 320 International Law
  • 1 200 level (or higher) course with a PL prefix
  • Two 300-level courses with the PL prefix, one of which can be substituted for a 300 level course with an EC or HS prefix. 

The Minor in International Affairs is not available to students majoring in Political Science.

Six courses, including:

  • PL 210 Introduction to Political Theory
  • PL 209 International Affairs
  • PL 223 Comparative Political Systems
  • One other course with the PL prefix and
  • Two 300-level courses with EC or HS prefixes

The Minor in International Affairs is not available to students majoring in Political Science.

General Requirements for All Minors

  • No more than one grade of lower than a C- will be accepted in courses applying to the minor.
  • In the case of multiple minors, no course may apply to more than one minor.
  • No more than three courses may apply to both the major and the minor.
  • At least four courses must be taken in residence at John Cabot.
  • Requirements for the minor must be completed by the time of graduation.