Minor Description

The International Relations (IR) Minor is comprised of relevant courses from many different departments and programs in the Social and Behavioral Sciences (Division II). So long as all requirements are fulfilled, students in any Wesleyan major (including the University Major) can earn the IR Minor. Please note: International Relations Minor (IRM) is being replaced by the new Global Engagement Minor(GEM) as of Summer 2020. Students in the classes of 2022 and 2021, some of whom have already declared the IRM, are still allowed to declare and complete the IRM. The GEM and IRM will exist side-by-side for the next two years.

Admission to the Minor

Students seeking the International Relations Minor are required to take a foreign language to the intermediate level, introductory government, history, and economics courses, and five advanced global systems and area studies courses, some of which must focus on developing countries. The foreign language requirement is met by coursework through the intermediate college level in any foreign language or demonstration of proficiency gained elsewhere (four semesters or the equivalent). Introductory courses should ideally be taken during the student’s first two years at Wesleyan. Advanced courses should be identified from the international relations course list in WesMaps. At least one advanced course must be taken from each of three different disciplines, at least two must be taken from the global systems section of the list, and at least two more must be taken from the area studies section of the list. Two of the area studies courses must focus on developing countries.

Students are urged to study abroad, preferably in a non-English-speaking country, to improve language skills. Internships in foreign-policy fields (with international organizations, government agencies, multinational corporations, or nonprofit organizations) are encouraged.

A maximum of two courses taken at other institutions, either in the United States or abroad, may be counted toward the IR Minor after they have been approved by the appropriate Wesleyan department chair for Wesleyan major credit. Once this approval has been given, the IR Minor Committee will determine which of the requirements the course might fulfill.

Wesleyan courses that count toward the minor are listed under IR Minor courses on the Fries Center for Global Studies website. To receive the minor upon graduation, students will be required to have an overall GPA of B+ or higher in the advanced courses submitted for certification (if only five courses are listed). The GPA requirement is waived if qualifying students take a sixth advanced course. Certification will appear on the student’s transcript after graduation.

Minor Requirements

Students seeking the International Relations Minor are required to take a foreign language to the intermediate level, introductory government, history, and economics courses, and five advanced global systems and area studies courses, some of which must focus on developing countries. The foreign language requirement is met by coursework through the intermediate college level in any foreign language or demonstration of proficiency gained elsewhere (four semesters or the equivalent). Introductory courses should ideally be taken during the student’s first two years at Wesleyan. Advanced courses should be identified from the international relations course list in WesMaps. At least one advanced course must be taken from each of three different disciplines, at least two must be taken from the global systems section of the list, and at least two more must be taken from the area studies section of the list. Two of the area studies courses must focus on developing countries.

Students are urged to study abroad, preferably in a non-English-speaking country, to improve language skills. Internships in foreign-policy fields (with international organizations, government agencies, multinational corporations, or nonprofit organizations) are encouraged.

A maximum of two courses taken at other institutions, either in the United States or abroad, may be counted toward the IR Minor after they have been approved by the appropriate Wesleyan department chair for Wesleyan major credit. Once this approval has been given, the IR Minor Committee will determine which of the requirements the course might fulfill.

Wesleyan courses that count toward the minor are listed under IR Minor courses on the Fries Center for Global Studies website. To receive the minor upon graduation, students will be required to have an overall GPA of B+ or higher in the advanced courses submitted for certification (if only five courses are listed). The GPA requirement is waived if qualifying students take a sixth advanced course. Certification will appear on the student’s transcript after graduation.