What is the difference between the Old and New IR Major?
Several major changes were made in the Basic Required Courses. First, the Global Issues class was converted from a 100-level introductory course to a 300-level capstone course (PLSC 346). As such it will be offered in alternating semesters with Theories of International Relations (PLSC 345). Capped at twenty students, these two capstone courses will provide a seminar format and increased coherence of the major in the junior/senior years. Only students choosing the IR major after August 2003 make this choice between PLSC 345 and 346; those choosing the IR major before August 2003 may choose among GEOG 381, PLSC 202, PLSC 345, PLSC 342, PLSC 348, and SOCL 337. In addition, reflecting the heightened attention to culture in IR, a culture requirement was added; the menu of courses which complete this include PLSC/PHIL 202, PHIL 214, PHIL 215, ANTH 100 and ANTH 301. Finally, PLSC 120 Comparative Politics was added as a Basic Required Course, reflecting the faculty’s sense that it was a cruci
