International Relations Certificate

Contact: M.J. Peterson

Office: 208 Thompson

Phone: 545-6171

or

Contact: Stephen Pelz

Office: 720 Herter

Phone: 545-2763

The Program

The International Relations Certificate Program offers an opportunity for undergraduate students to pursue an interest in international affairs as a complement to their academic major. It is open to all undergraduates. The program provides a coherent course of study intended to enhance understanding of the complex international processesópolitical, economic, social, cultural, and environmentalóthat are increasingly important to all nations.

Eight courses chosen from seven areas of study comprise the core of the certificate program. The certificate will be issued by the Five College International Relations Committee, and its award will be noted on the undergraduate transcript. Although students are encouraged to take advantage of Five College interchange, such off-campus courses are not a requirement. Students may also offer courses taken during study abroad for certificate credit. Relevant courses must be approved by the appropriate adviser in order to receive recognition for the certificate. Information on study abroad is available from International Programs, William S. Clark International Center, tel. 545-2710.

Requirements

The Certificate Program consists of a minimum of eight courses covering the following areas of study:

1. Introductory world politics

2. Global institutions or problems

3. The international financial and/or commercial system

4. A modern history course paying substantial attention to the development of the international system

5. Contemporary American foreign policy

6. A contemporary foreign language up to a proficiency level of the second college year (through 240)

7. Two courses on the politics, economy, and/or society of foreign areas, of which one must involve the study of a Third World country or region.

A complete list of the Five College courses satisfying each of the seven requirements is available on the World Wide Web at the address: www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/5col/homepage.htm.

No more than four courses in any one discipline can be counted toward the certificate, and no single course can satisfy more than one requirement. Students who complete each of the required courses with a grade of "B" or better (no Pass/Fail options) are eligible to receive the Five College International Relations Certificate.

The IR Certificate Program is a "super minor" compatible with both liberal arts and professional school programs.