Political Science: International Relations and Comparative Politics

In an era of globalization where all nations depend on trade, effective communication across borders and oceans is becoming increasingly important.

While the differences are most easily noted, the similarities between cultures, nations, politics and people are what connect us and help us relate in the global arena. Emmanuel students with a concentration in international relations and comparative politics integrate theory and classroom learning with practice, through such experiences as internships, travel and participation in Model UN.

Major Requirements

View the 2022-2023 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for B.A. in Political Science with a Concentration in International Relations & Comparative Politics


Six Core Courses

  • POLSC1201 Introduction to American Politics and Government (SA) (SS) (SJ)
  • POLSC1301 Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics (SA) (SS)
  • POLSC1401 Introduction to International Relations (SA) (SS)
  • POLSC1501 Political Theory 
  • POLSC2701 Research Methods in Political Science 
  • POLSC4100 Senior Seminar

Five additional Political Science courses, chosen from the list below, exclusive of internships or directed studies. At least two must be at the 3000-level.

  • POLSC2301 Politics of Race and Ethnicity in Latin America*
  • POLSC2302 European Politics: From Transition to Integration
  • POLSC2401 American Foreign Policy
  • POLSC2409 The Politics of International Economic Relations
  • POLSC2411 The Contemporary Middle East: Challenges and Promise 
  • POLSC2413 International Law and Institutions
  • POLSC2415 In the Footsteps of Thucydides*
  • POLSC2417 Statecraft and Globalization*
  • POLSC2419 The Geopolitics of Democracy*
  • POLSC2421 Model United Nations
  • POLSC2503 Revolution and Nationalism
  • POLSC3301 Comparative Politics of Developing States
  • POLSC3303 Street Democracy
  • POLSC3403 Human Issues in International Relations
  • POLSC3405 Negotiating Peace
  • POLSC3407 People and Politics of the Middle East
    *Travel Course

Learning Goals & Outcomes

At the completion of Political Science degree, the student will:

  • Understand the basic tools and concepts of the discipline of political science and each of its subfields: American Government, Comparative Politics, International Relations and Political Theory
  • Understand how the various subfields interact
  • Demonstrate a practical application of concepts and theories of the discipline
  • Be able to orally communicate effectively
  • Develop an understanding of non-Western governments
  • Develop an understanding of the interactions in the international arena

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Featured Faculty: Petros Vamvakas

Petros Vamvakas is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Latin American Studies, Middle East Studies and Peace Studies Programs. His work focuses on security and democratization, as well as issues related to identity and race in politics throughout the Americas. As part of his teaching, he has escorted groups of students to Crete, Greece, and will be bringing a group of students to Cuba.

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