International Relations (INRL)

An exploration of significant questions and integrative concepts in International Relations, their grounding in the process of scientific discovery and application, and their broader relevance to society. Designed for first-year students. Although topics vary, the courses also seek to improve students' communication skills beyond the written word.

An exploration of a specific topic in International Relations. A grade of C- or better fulfills the COLL 150 requirement. Although topics vary, the courses emphasize academic writing skills, reading and analysis of texts, and discussion.

INRL 300 is a course that addresses contemporary issues in international relations from three distinct disciplinary perspectives. It examines what these disciplines can tell us about issues driving the choices of states, firms, NGOs, social groups, consumers, and citizens.

Selected topics in International Relations are offered occasionally. The topic to be considered will be announced prior to the beginning of the semester.

Selected topics in International Relations are offered occasionally. The topic to be considered will be announced prior to the beginning of the semester.

Independent Study is an option for majors who have completed most of their major requirements and who have secured approval from a supervising instructor. An IR major can include no more than six hours of independent study. Forms for this purpose are available from the IR program or may be downloaded from the Program’s web site.

Selected topics in international relations, the topic to be announced prior to the beginning of the semester. Special emphasis will be given to the active involvement of members of the seminar in individual research projects and the preparation of research papers. May be repeated for credit only with Program permission.

Students who wish to conduct an honors project must apply for admission to the Senior Honors program. As part of the application, students must submit a prospectus to the Charles Center by the end of classes in the academic semester before the project is to begin. A prospectus includes: (1) a clear statement of the problem to be researched; (2) a brief, critical review of scholarly literature on the research topic; (3) a description of the methodology to be employed; (4) and an approximate schedule of work. Eligible applicants must carry a 3.4 grade point average in International Relations and must also meet the College eligibility standard of 3.0 overall or in their junior year. For further information and an application, contact the Charles Center. Students admitted into the Senior Honors program in International Relations will enroll in these courses during both semesters of their senior year. Honors candidates are responsible for (1) formulating and completing a program of study in consultation with a faculty advisor; (2) meeting with the committee prior to the end of the first semester to present preliminary work, (3) preparation and presentation, by two weeks before the last day of classes in the spring semester, of an honors essay; and (4) satisfactory performance in a comprehensive oral examination which focuses on the subject matter of the honors essay.

Students who wish to conduct an honors project must apply for admission to the Senior Honors program. As part of the application, students must submit a prospectus to the Charles Center by the end of classes in the academic semester before the project is to begin. A prospectus includes: (1) a clear statement of the problem to be researched; (2) a brief, critical review of scholarly literature on the research topic; (3) a description of the methodology to be employed; (4) and an approximate schedule of work. Eligible applicants must carry a 3.4 grade point average in International Relations and must also meet the College eligibility standard of 3.0 overall or in their junior year. For further information and an application, contact the Charles Center. Students admitted into the Senior Honors program in International Relations will enroll in these courses during both semesters of their senior year. Honors candidates are responsible for (1) formulating and completing a program of study in consultation with a faculty advisor; (2) meeting with the committee prior to the end of the first semester to present preliminary work, (3) preparation and presentation, by two weeks before the last day of classes in the spring semester, of an honors essay; and (4) satisfactory performance in a comprehensive oral examination which focuses on the subject matter of the honors essay.

An internship offers work experience while providing opportunities to apply and develop ideas, languages and research techniques outside the classroom. Internships must be developed in cooperation with an on-site internship supervisor and a sponsoring William and Mary faculty member and must be approved in advance.