The Politics and Human Rights major allows students to explore the key issues shaping the world today from an interdisciplinary social science perspective. Students are not required to specialize in any particular area, but those who wish do so may choose one of two "tracks." Students in the United Nations track will focus their coursework on international studies and are encouraged to apply to MMC's competitive United Nations Program, which offers full-time professional immersion in UN programs, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) accredited to the United Nations, and Permanent Missions of Member States. Students in the media production track will gain the skills to communicate issues of politics and human rights through creative media.
General Education: 30 Credits; Major: 42 Credits; Elective Credits: 48 Credits
Learning Goals for the Major in Politics and Human Rights
After completing the Politics and Human Rights major, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the history and content of major political and human rights issues.
- Situate political and human rights issues in a historical context.
- Apply multiple theoretical approaches to issues of politics and human rights.
- Evaluate issues of politics and human rights in various contexts and within their own experience.
A. Foundations (9 credits)
| PHR 101 | Foundations of Social and Political Inquiry | 3 |
| PS 106 | Introduction to U.S. Politics | 3 |
| IS 116 | Power: Conflict and Diplomacy | 3 |
| | or | |
| COMM 112 | Storytelling Across Media | 3 |
B. Theory and Methods (9 Credits)
Take all the courses below.
Note that PHR 371 should be taken in spring semester of junior year.
C. Experiential Learning (6 Credits)
Take any two of the following courses. Study abroad courses may also count towards experiential learning requirements.
Students in the United Nations track will take IS 324 and 3 credits of internship or study abroad.
Students in the media production track will take COMM 216 or COMM 233 followed by COMM 355.
Electives (12 Credits)
Take any 12 additional credits in the social sciences (PHR, PS, SOC, or IS), at least six of which must be at the 300-level or above. History courses may also count as electives with advisor approval.
Students in the United Nations track must include a minimum of six credits of IS courses at the 300 level or above. IS 315 International Law is strongly recommended for students who wish to apply to the MMC United Nations program.
Senior Seminar Sequence (6 credits)
The senior seminar sequence requires students to produce an in-depth research project in the senior seminar and extend that research in the form of an applied project, internship, or creative media piece.