International Relations (IR)
ABOUT THIS MAJOR
International Relations is a field of study dealing with how nations with varying power, interest, and identity interact with each other in the absence of a global government. The discipline originated in the tragic experience of World War I, when unprecedented devastation called for a systematic inquiry into the causes of war and conditions for peace. Since then, the range of issues covered in the discipline has expanded to include economic interdependence, international organizations, terrorism, poverty, human rights, and climate change, among others.
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International Relations as a discipline is not just about what is happening around the world. We study why countries and national leaders behave the way they do, using different intellectual lenses, called theories. When discussing global issues such as nuclear proliferation, terrorism, refugees, hunger, and global warming, there is no such thing as the "correct answer" that satisfies everyone. The important thing is that you respect different viewpoints and work to find a common ground. Classroom discussions provide valuable opportunities for students with diverse cultural background to present their views and learn from each other. The skills learned are extremely useful not only in the way students approach their daily lives, but also in their future workplace, be it a multinational firm, government, or international organization. The International Relations major is for students who want to contribute to international societies as global citizens.
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4 subfields below:
Click in to know the full list of modules in each subfield.
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*Note: There is no need to take up only the modules covered in your preferred subfield. The subfields only serve the purpose of recommending you the modules to take. You are allowed to choose modules from other subfields.
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Find the subfield that matches your interests for recommended courses to take to meet your individual goals.
Global Governance | Learn the fundamental concepts regarding how societies function and what keeps them functioning in rational order. |
International Security | If you are interested in how you can contribute to society to make the world a safer place, you will learn the core values that keep our world secure. |
International Political Economy | This subfield focuses on the underlying political and economic rules, laws, and values that assists in the development and maintenance of society. |
Culture and Society | For those of you who are interested in diversity and learning about how and why societies have developed different cultural backgrounds and identities, give this a look. |
YOUR FOUR-YEAR ACADEMIC FLOW
1st year (Freshman):
The first year will focus on academic writing, analytical thinking as well as Japanese language courses for students to not only adapt to life in Japan, but to prepare them for more intense high-level courses offered from their second year and onward. In combination with Liberal Arts courses, students will be able to apply the skills they have gained the first year towards their Major Studies.
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2nd Year (Sophomore) to 4th Year (Senior):
From 2nd year onwards, students will take their modules under their own Major. Students can also pick elective programs from the 2nd year onwards such as Volunteering, Internships or Study Abroad, etc.
Academic Literacy Course
The Academic Literacy Courses is fundamental for all students in all Majors in TIU E-track program.
3 modules are covered in this and all 3 are compulsory.
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Academic Composition I
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Academic Composition II
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Analytical Reading and Thinking
Liberal Arts Courses
The Liberal Art Courses are depending a way for students during their first year to take fundamental courses relevant to their major. While some courses are required dependent on the major, a wide range is offered for students to develop a broader comprehension of various subjects.
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Fundamentals of Mathematics
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Principles of Management
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Introduction to Social Psychology
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Introduction to Sociology
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Statistics I
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IT Literacy
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Sustainable Society
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Principles of Economics
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Introduction to International Relations (compulsory course for IR students)
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Principles of Political Science (either this or "World Economy" has to be taken for IR students)
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World Economy (either this or "Principles of Political Science" has to be taken for IR students)
Japanese Language Class
Even though TIU's E-Track courses are conducted in 100% English, students still need to learn Japanese language to build communicative ability for your daily life and to be prepared with the business level proficiency required for entering the Japanese workforce. Students learn Japanese in a small class setting four days a week. Instructors help students with no prior Japanese experience develop fluent Japanese skills by the time they graduate and work to push students who have already studied Japanese to even higher levels of proficiency.
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All students will take a Japanese language evaluation test before the school decides which level and class to put the student in.
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8 levels of the Japanese language class - Elementary 1, Elementary 2, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2, Advanced 1, Advanced 2, Upper-Advanced, Business Japanese.
OTHER INFORMATION
Under Academic Literacy Course in your first year, it is required to get a total of 12 credits.
The 3 compulsory modules are worth 4 credits each.
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Under Liberal Arts Courses, it is required to get 16 credits.
All the modules under liberal arts course are worth 4 credits each.
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Under Japanese Language Class, it is required to get 0-16 credits depending on which level you are in.
Elementary 1 and 2 are compulsory for beginner students.
Different levels of Japanese language are worth different amount of credits.
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Elementary Japanese 1 (8 credits)
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Elementary Japanese 2 (8 credits)
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Intermediate Japanese 1 (4 credits)
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Intermediate Japanese 2 (4 credits)
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Advanced Japanese 1 (4 credits)
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Advanced Japanese 2 (4 credits)
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Upper-Advanced Japanese (2 credits)
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Business Japanese (2 credits)
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However it is fundamental to get a total of 44 credits for General Education (Academic Literacy, Liberal Arts, and Japanese language).
Hence if 16 credits are not achieved from Japanese language class, these credits will instead be placed to "Electives".
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Under your own International Relations Major, it is required to get a total of 40 credits.
Most modules under IR Major are worth 4 credits each.
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Under Electives, it is required to get a total of 40 credits.
These credits can be achieved by selecting any of the other modules under Liberal Arts Course, Japanese Language Class, and/or International Relations Major.
Note that let's say 16 credits are not achieved from Japanese language class, you will need 56 credits under Electives (and hence only 28 credits for General Education).
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In summary, it is required for each student to get a total of 124 credits upon graduation.
Internships are worth either 2 or 4 credits and this can be applied towards the credits requirement for graduation.