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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Minor and the Five College Certificate
in IR?
The main differences are that the Five College certificate: 1) consists
of seven courses, not six; 2) has a language requirement; and 3) has a grade
minimum. In terms of its course requirements, however, it parallels the
Smith minor. It is not necessarily "better" to have a Five College Certificate
in IR. Both the minor and the Five College Certificate in IR will serve
you well as you pursue a career in an international field. You cannot do
both-you must choose one. If you already fill the language requirement,
we generally recommend that you do the Five College Certificate.
When is the best time to take International Politics (Government
241)?
Government 241 is an introduction to the minor. It is best to take this
course early in your IR studies so that you are familiar with the main paradigms
of international relations thinking along with many of the substantive issues
in the field. The course is open to first year students, although it is
a demanding course and students generally find it to be easier after they
have adjusted to college. If you are planing to study abroad your junior
year, we strongly urge you to take this course before you go abroad.
Can courses taken at other colleges or abroad count towards my IR
minor?
Absolutely. Many students fulfill minor requirements during a junior year
abroad, or in summer school. You should discuss whether the course will
satisfy the minor with your IR advisor before you take a course at another
institution. Also remember that in addition to Government 241, no more than
two of the requirements may be taken within the same department.
I've decided to minor in IR. Now what do I do?
Find an IR advisor. It can be any faculty member listed on the Faculty Page
on the IR web site. You should meet with your advisor to discuss what courses
to take to fulfill the minor. Please fill out the IR Minor worksheet
before your meeting. When you are ready, you can get a minor declaration
form from the registrar. You will need to have this form signed by your
advisor. Remember, in addition to Government 241 no more than two of the
requirements may be taken within the same department.
I've decided to pursue a Five College Certificate in IR. Now what
do I do?
The advisors for the IR minor can also advise you on a Five College Certificate,
so the steps are the same for the Certificate as for the minor. Find an
IR advisor. You should meet with your advisor to discuss what courses to
take to fulfill the Certificate. Please fill out the Five-College Certificate
worksheet before your meeting.
When you have fulfilled all the requirements, get a Certificate application
from the registrar. You will need to have this form signed by your advisor.
The interdisciplinary requirement for the Five College Certificate is somewhat
different than the requirement for the minor: no more than four courses
in any one department can be counted toward the certificate.
What if I want to major in IR?
There is no International Relations major at Smith. If you want to create
a major, you must do so by declaring an interdisciplinary self designed
major. For this you need to obtain an application from the Dean of the College,
find two faculty members from different disciplines willing to serve as
advisors, and write a statement that explains why you are unable to pursue
your course of study within the traditional majors offered at Smith. Most
students find, however, that they are able to pursue their international
interests by combining an IR minor or an area studies minor with a major
in Government, Economics, History, Anthropology or a language.
It's my senior year and a course I need for the minor is not offered.
What do I do?
First check the Five College Catalogue and see if any of the other colleges
are offering a suitable substitute. Then talk to your advisor about whether
the course you have in mind will count towards the minor. Remember, in addition
to Government 241 no more than two of the requirements may be taken within
the same department.
I want to take a course in international economics, but I don't have
the prerequisites. What do I do?
Many of the courses in international economics require introductory and
intermediary micro and macro economics as a prerequisite. This may seem
like a lot of classes to take, but a firm understanding of economics is
essential to understanding international relations. A course in International
Political Economy offered in the government department can also fulfill
the minor requirement, assuming that you are not using more than one other
government class to fulfill another minor requirement. If you do decide
to pursue graduate studies in International Relations (or in International
Business), you will need introductory and intermediate micro and macro economics.
I think I might want to pursue graduate studies in International
Relations. Is an IR minor essential in order to be accepted to Graduate
school?
Most masters programs in international relations want candidates with a
proven commitment to international affairs. A minor in IR is evidence of
your commitment to international affairs. Many masters programs prefer candidates
who have also worked a few years in an international relations field after
college. Doctoral programs have a different set of expectations. They will
want to see that you have excelled in courses in the government and economics
department. Your IR advisor is a resource for your questions about graduate
studies in International Relations. The CDO is also an excellent resource
for information about graduate schools, and careers in International Relations.
I want to do an internship abroad. Is there any funding at Smith
to help support me?
Yes, there is. You can use your PRAXIS money for international internships.
The Government Department administers the Fox-Boorstein fellowship (link
to the application will be available soon), a competitive fellowship to
help support students working during the summer for an international governmental
or non-governmental institution, or doing an internship abroad in the public
sector. Applications are due in the spring. Check with Lea Ahlen in Wright
Hall 15 for the due date. |
