Major Title: Regional Studies and International Relations
Major Description:
This interdisciplinary major examines global affairs through the lens of specific geographic regions, combining political science, economics, history, and cultural studies. Students develop expertise in regional dynamics while understanding their global implications, preparing for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, and transnational business. The program emphasizes language proficiency, area-specific knowledge, and analytical skills for interpreting complex international relationships.
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze political and economic systems of focus regions
- Understand historical contexts shaping contemporary international relations
- Develop regional language competency (minimum 2 years)
- Apply international relations theories to area-specific cases
- Conduct policy-relevant research on regional challenges
- Evaluate cultural factors in diplomatic and business interactions
- Track emerging geopolitical trends
Core Curriculum Structure:
- Comparative Regional Systems
- Political institutions comparison
- Economic development models
- Security architectures
- International Relations Theory
- Realism vs. constructivism applications
- Regional integration theories
- Non-state actor influences
- Research Methods
- Area studies methodologies
- Policy analysis techniques
- Field research preparation
Concentration Tracks (Choose One):
- Asia-Pacific Studies
- US-China relations
- ASEAN regionalism
- South China Sea disputes
- European and Eurasian Studies
- EU institutional dynamics
- Russia's near-abroad policy
- Energy security issues
- Middle East and North Africa
- Gulf state political economies
- Arab-Israeli relations
- Post-conflict reconstruction
- African Studies
- Continental free trade area
- Security partnerships
- Development financing
Skill Development Components:
Language Requirement:
- 4 semesters of regional language
- Professional terminology mastery
Experiential Learning:
- Model UN simulations
- Policy memo writing
- Cultural immersion program
Technical Skills:
- Geospatial analysis
- International database navigation
- Briefing preparation
Career Pathways:
- Foreign Service Officer
- International Business Analyst
- Regional Risk Consultant
- NGO Program Manager
- Intelligence Specialist
Unique Program Features:
- Capstone crisis simulation exercise
- Ambassadors-in-Residence program
- Partner institutions in focus regions
- DC/NY study trek
Assessment Methods:
- Policy position papers
- Regional risk assessment reports
- Multilingual presentations
- Scenario-based oral examinations
This program produces regionally specialized global professionals with the cultural fluency, analytical frameworks, and practical skills to navigate complex international environments. Graduates emerge prepared to address transnational challenges with nuanced understanding of geographic particularities within the broader international system.
