Global International Relations (BA)
Offered by the School of International Service, the Global International Relations (BA), awarded jointly by American University and Ritsumeikan University, Japan, reflects the cultural and geographic reach, as well as the expertise and strengths of both universities in offering the first truly global degree in international relations. Students gain a deep understanding of global and regional challenges, especially as they relate to East Asia and the United States. They are uniquely prepared to pursue careers that draw upon their ability to critically examine international relations from multiple theoretical, historical, cultural, national, and disciplinary perspectives and standpoints. Students fulfill degree requirements for both institutions and spend two full academic years at each university.
The joint BA prepares students for internationally-focused careers in government, non-profits, and the private sectors. The curriculum is firmly rooted in the liberal arts and sciences, inherently interdisciplinary, and aimed at helping students to think critically and clearly about the most pressing global challenges. It also affords an opportunity for students to find their truest vocations, to discover their passions, and to become active and engaged citizens in a complex global world that defies simple explanations or solutions.
,Admission to the Program
Candidates for admission to the joint BA in Global International Relations must present evidence of excellent personal and academic qualifications. The admission process is administered jointly between American University and Ritsumeikan University. To be considered for first-year admission, an applicant should have earned at least a B average in secondary school. All applicants (including US citizens) whose first language is not English are required to submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Pearson Test of English (PTE). Other factors taken into account are leadership qualities, character, and personal interest.
- 120 credit hours with minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA (Undergraduate Academic Regulation 2)
- Completion of all requirements for a major (Undergraduate Academic Regulation 9)
AU Core Requirements
- Completion of AU Core foundation requirements (Undergraduate Academic Regulation 8.2-8.6)
- Completion of AU Core Habits of Mind requirements (Undergraduate Academic Regulation 8.7)
- Completion of AU Core integrative course requirements (Undergraduate Academic Regulation 8.8-8.11)
For additional information, see AU Core Curriculum.
Major Requirements
- 124 total credit hours with a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA
- 62 credit hours of major coursework with grades of C or better, including at least 18 credit hours at or above 300-level, and at least 3 credit hours of Japanese coursework at or above JAPN-215 Japanese, Intermediate II (5)
- Up to 3 credit hours from an approved internship may be applied toward the major
Course Requirements
Note: Course requirements are also fulfilled with approved equivalent courses offered by Ritsumeikan University.
Foundation (18 credit hours)
Required
- ECON-100 Macroeconomics FA4 (3)
- ECON-200 Microeconomics FA4 (3)
- SISU-105 Introduction to International Studies FA3 (3)
- SISU-106 First Year Seminar (3) (topics)
- SISU-205 Intercultural Communication FA3 (3)
Economics
Foreign Language/Electives (8 credit hours)
Complete one of the following foreign language and elective combination options:
Option 1
- JAPN-215 Japanese, Intermediate II (5)
- 3 credit hours from approved coursework
Option 2
- JAPN-314 Advanced Japanese I (3)
- 5 credit hours from approved coursework
Option 3
- JAPN-315 Advanced Japanese II (3)
- 5 credit hours from approved coursework
Research Methodology (6 credit hours)
Note: Other course approved by SIS Undergraduate Program Director can be used as a substitute for SISU-306 Advanced International Studies Research (3).
- SISU-206 Introduction to International Studies Research (3)
- SISU-306 Advanced International Studies Research (3) (topics)
Thematic Areas (18 credit hours)
Complete the following:
- SISU-210 Peace, Global Security, and Conflict Resolution (3)
- SISU-260 Identity, Race, Gender, and Culture (3)
- SISU-280 Ruling the World: Global and Comparative Governance (3)
- 6 additional credit hours at or above 300-level from a primary thematic area 3 additional credit hours at or above 300-level from a secondary thematic area
Peace, Global Security, and Conflict Resolution (P)
Gateway
Thematic Area
- IBUS-471 Peace through Entrepreneurship and Global Business Practicum (3)
/ MGMT-471 Peace through Entrepreneurship and Global Business Practicum (3)
- RELG-475 Religion and Violence (3)
- SISU-310 Topics in Peace, Global Security, and Conflict Resolution (3)
- SISU-318 Topics in Global Security and Foreign Policy (3)
- SISU-319 Arab-Israeli Relations (3)
- SISU-393 International Relations Theory (3) (if not taken to fulfill another thematic area)
- WGSS-350 Interpreting Gender in Culture (3) : Gender and Violence
Identity, Race, Gender, and Culture (I)
Gateway
Thematic Area
- AMST-340 Community Activism and Regional Studies (3) (approved topic)
- HLTH-441 Health Communication (3)
- SISU-360 Topics in Identity, Race, Gender, and Culture (3)
- SISU-393 International Relations Theory (3) (if not taken to fulfill another thematic area)
- SOCY-310 Language, Culture, Power (3)
- SOCY-351 Race, Racialization and Power (3)
- SOCY-453 Intersectionality: Theory and Practice (3)
Global and Comparative Governance (G)
Gateway
Thematic Area
Regional Focus (9 credit hours)
Complete 9 credit hours with a regional focus in East Asia and the Pacific. At least 3 credit hours must be taken at or above 300-level. For courses designated as topics courses, only approved sections will meet the East Asia and the Pacific regional focus requirement.
East Asia and the Pacific
- ANTH-439 Culture, History, Power, Place (3) (approved topic)
- CHIN-312 Advanced Chinese I (3)
- HIST-250 History of Chinese Civilization FA3 (3)
- HIST-251 History of Modern China (3)
- HIST-447 Asian Studies (3) (approved topic)
- PHIL-211 Introduction to Asian Philosophy (3)
- PHIL-413 Studies in Asian Philosophy (3) (topics)
- RELG-185 The Religious Heritage of Asia FA3 (3)
- RELG-240 Global Religious Ethics (3)
- SISU-212 China, Japan and the United States FA3 (3)