This interdisciplinary minor offers students a global perspective on how governments function, how societies interact, and how international systems shape our world. Through the study of political institutions with a focus on the global challenges facing societies, students gain a deeper understanding of international relations and comparative politics, and the interactions between them. The curriculum encourages critical thinking in four broad topic areas: world regions, politics and policy, global perspectives, and international studies. This minor complements a wide range of majors and prepares graduates to engage thoughtfully and effectively in an increasingly interconnected world.
Contact the minor advisor through Patriot Connect.
This minor has been designated as a "Workforce-Ready Minor," meaning it is aligned with at least one of Virginia's high-demand career fields and includes career-relevant assignments as well as the opportunity to earn academic credit through an internship.
Policies
Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor and students must earn a minimum grade of 2.00 (grade of C or better) in all courses applied to the minor. For policies governing all minors, see AP.5.3.4 Minors.
Minor Requirements
Total credits: 18
Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GOVT 132 | Introduction to International Politics (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GOVT 133 | Introduction to Comparative Politics (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select four electives from the following with no more than one course from each field | 12 | |
| Introduction to American Government (Mason Core) | ||
| Field 1: World Regions | ||
| Politics of Africa | ||
| Politics of Latin America | ||
| Politics of the Middle East and North Africa | ||
| Politics of East Asia | ||
| Politics of Europe | ||
| Politics of South Asia | ||
| Politics of Eurasia | ||
| Issues in the Politics of Advanced Industrial Societies | ||
| Field 2: International Politics and Policy | ||
| Chinese Foreign Policy | ||
| Diplomacy | ||
| International Political Economy | ||
| American Foreign Policy | ||
| Islam and Politics | ||
| American Security Policy | ||
| International Security | ||
| Field 3: Global Perspectives | ||
| Comparative Political Leadership | ||
| Democracy in Global Perspective | ||
| Data Analysis for Comparative and International Politics | ||
| Field 4: International Studies | ||
| Grand Strategy | ||
| Law and Ethics of War | ||
| Issues in International Studies | ||
| Human Rights | ||
| International Law and Organization | ||
| Revolution and International Politics | ||
| Ethics and International Politics | ||
| Internship/Experiential Learning | ||
| Internship (when relevant, up to 3 credits of internship may be applied to electives with approval of Schar School advisor) | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |