Overview
International Relations is the study of the relationships between countries and between governmental and non-governmental organizations.
IR operates as an inter- and multi-disciplinary program in which core, as well as elective courses, are drawn from a range of disciplines such as political science, history, modern languages and literature, sociology, anthropology, economics, geography, and environmental studies.
At a Glance
Curriculum
Why study international relations at Mount Allison?
At Mount Allison, the International Relations program is designed for students who are interested in an inter-disciplinary approach to international and global studies.
International and global studies are concerned with:
- the interconnections between state as well as non-state organizations and actors
- the globalizing effects of economic, social, technological, environmental, military, and political processes
- emerging issues of justice, responsibility, and human well-being that are international and global in scope
The program provides students with a broad range of intellectual and critical skills for analyzing the interactions between political and economic systems, cultural norms, environmental dynamics, and hierarchies of power.
International Relations is available as:
- BA major (60 credits)
- BA honours (72 credits)
Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?
Program highlights
International experiences
International Relations students are encouraged to gain international experience.
International opportunities include:
- study abroad and exchange programs
- summer field schools
- independent study and undergraduate research
- international internships
- international conferences
- work and volunteering
Many travel opportunities at 91Â鶹are made more affordable through travel grants, bursaries, and awards that can help pay for your international experience.
The International Relations program is centred around courses in political science, language, and economics.
- In first and second year you'll take introductory courses in economics, political science, and international relations
- In third and fourth year you will begin to specialize
In addition to your core courses, you'll have the opportunity to choose two streams of study from the following disciplines:
International Relations also has a university-level language requirement. 91Â鶹offers courses in:
INLR/POLS 2301 — Introduction to International Relations
This course introduces several of the major theories, structures, processes, and issues in international relations. After introducing the current theoretical approaches to the study of global politics, the course addresses a series of topics from among the following: systems of global governance; the concept 'terrorism'; non-state actors in global politics such as corporations, social movements, and non-governmental organizations; human rights and human security; gender and international politics; poverty, 'development', and inequality; and the environment.
POLS 3331 — American Foreign Policy
This course examines American foreign policy during the post-World War II period. The first half of the course introduces key concepts and theories concerning the making of American foreign policy. The second half of the course considers the Post-Cold War security environment and the challenges facing US policy makers in the contemporary environment.
INLR 3201 — Problems in International Development
This course focuses on leading issues in international development from an international relations perspective.
INLR 3351 — Foreign Policy Analysis
This course introduces key theories in the study of foreign policy-making. It explores the role of individual decision-makers, interest-groups, economics, bureaucratic politics, and regime types. It also examines how constraints and opportunities in the international system shape foreign policy choices. It analyzes foreign policy in the context of both developed and developing states and considers a variety of different foreign policy issues.
INLR 4101 — Global Governance Simulation
This course engages students in an innovative and intensive simulation of an international conflict or crisis in order to highlight the challenges of international decision-making in multilateral forums. It draws case studies from the United Nations and other international organizations, or from disputes among states and non-state actors.
ECON 3901 — International Trade
This course examines issues such as the pure economic theory of international trade and important institutions (the FTA, NAFTA, the EC, GATT, etc.), plus problems and policies associated with trade in goods and services. It also examines issues such as free trade and protectionism and the gains and losses resulting from globalization.
SPAN 1101 — Introductory Spanish I
This course teaches elements of Spanish grammar and pronunciation through practice and reading of prescribed texts. This is an intensive course designed for students who have no previous knowledge of Spanish.
What can I do with an international relations degree?
Through experiential learning opportunities, faculty-supervised research, and close mentorship, students develop practical skills and critical thinking abilities valued by employers and graduate programs.
Recognized by Maclean's as Canada's top undergraduate university, Mount Allison's strong academic reputation helps graduates stand out as they pursue diverse career paths.
Many go on to top graduate and professional programs in law, international affairs, business, and political science while others move directly into careers in international development, public policy, and beyond.
Popular career paths for International Relations graduates include:
- humanitarian aid worker
- global health aid worker/policy developer
- foreign service officer
- international development worker
- public policy analyst
- foreign affairs analyst/specialist
- immigration officer/specialist
- intelligence officer
- international project manager
- community development specialist
Alumni Spotlight
Brynne Langford ('16)
Bachelor of Arts, honours International Relations, minor in Political Science
Senior Policy Analyst, Accessibility Secretariat, BC Public Service
» Brynne Langford working on cross-government hub for accessibility initiatives in B.C.
What is it like to study at Mount Allison?
The interdisciplinary nature of my international relations degree has enriched my studies so profoundly. I have been able to learn about so many different yet intersecting case studies and theories, which have always complemented the content across all my courses. I have learned so much — I cannot recommend this fantastic program enough.
Mount A is the perfect place for someone who is ready to take advantage of all the opportunities they will be offered. I enjoyed the flexibility of the IR degree and the ability to specialize in not one, but two different 'streams'. I would recommend this program for someone who is interested in many fields and wants the flexibility of specializing in areas outside of their main degree. It is an excellent way to approach concepts and ideas from a variety of angles, and gives you the chance to learn in many different ways.
/current-students/department-politics-and-international-relations
What are my admission requirements?
What other programs are related to international relations?
Political Science
Political Science provides a strong foundation in Canadian and international politics, comparative politics, and political theory.
Canadian Public Policy
Canadian Public Policy is an interdisciplinary program examining public decision-making and policy processes related to environmental, social, health, and economic policy.
Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)
PPE brings together three disciplines, giving students insight into the meaning of citizenship, how government works, the nature of justice, and the outcomes of economic systems and policies.