International Relations

Contact

Duane Oldfield

Associate Professor and Chair of Political Science, Chair of International Relations, director of Social Service program

2 East South Street

Galesburg, IL 61401-4999

309-341-7156

doldfiel@knox.edu

Major, Minor

Governments worldwide are being challenged by new and powerful forces -- global terror networks; systems of power and influence that transcend the nation-state; news and opinions disseminated via the Internet faster than governments can appreciate, assimilate, or control. The faculty at Knox present intelligent and diverse perspectives on international relations that encourage students to reach their own conclusions regarding questions of diplomacy, power politics, international law and ethics, transnational forces, military strategy, feminism, behavioralism, and ideal models of international political and economic development.

International Relations majors gain global civic education in the sense of exploring what our government and global communities are and "ought to be;" analyzing problems in the many sub-fields and areas represented in the department; improving reasoning, writing, and statistical skills; and focusing on race, gender, class, religion, and third world issues in most of the courses offered in the department.

Upcoming Events

October 01

Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fund Application Period

October 01

Cellar Door Submission Drive

See Events Calendar

Students display their countries flags at the annual International Fair in Ford Center for the Fine Arts.

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People have told me what I did was courageous. I don't know. I think it was necessary. I think maybe it's important.

David Fridovich '74

International Relations Major

We created a really strong International Club and founded International Fair during my sophomore year.

Patrick Lyn '84

Economics and International Relations Major

I want to have an impact on the environment by influencing policy through the political process.

Jason Deschamps '15

Environmental Management and International Relations Double Major

Do Peace Corps. Commit to it. There’s truly nothing like it.

Tom Courtright

International Relations Major, Journalism Minor

Knox opened my eyes to engaging with the community as a career.

Cassidy Jones '16

Environmental Science and International Relations

No Limits

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The Program

International Relations begins with courses in international relations, comparative governments, globalization, methods of political analysis, and political theory. Advanced electives focus on America foreign policy and foreign political systems, including Europe, Latin America, Middle East, and South and Southeast Asia. Language courses through the intermediate level and overseas study are strongly recommended for the International Relations major.

Students may minor in International Relations or Comparative Politics. Students often undertake national and international internships, independent studies in an area of particular student interest, Honors Projects, and a host of experiential learning opportunities related to International Relations.

Resources

The International Relations program is housed with the Political Science Department in George Davis Hall, which includes the Dorothy Johnson '39 and Richard Burkhardt '39 Language Center which is beneficial to International Relations majors.