International Relations and Global Politics

Overview

AUR’s International Relations and Global Politics Program at The American University of Rome combines an excellent faculty, students who embody the diversity of people around the world, a curriculum that is both theoretical and practical in character, opportunities for fieldwork and internships and learning excursions in Europe and beyond.

Rome serves as the ideal backdrop for the study of international relations and politics and provides opportunities for internships with organizations dedicated to the pursuit of enhanced international cooperation.

Diverse Backgrounds and Shared Interests

Members of the faculty in International Relations are a microcosm of the world in terms of their countries of education, life experiences, academic interests and expertise. This diversity of education and intellectual interests enriches the dialogue in the classroom and the learning of students in academic and real-world situations. AUR’s students are from around the world as well. Both faculty and students bring to their conversations the diversity of perspective that contributes to lively discussions and a more informed basis for learning.

The faculty have designed the curriculum to provide students with the practical and theoretical skills required to serve professionally in the field of international relations. The curriculum offers a focus on Europe, the Mediterranean and the Middle East, with courses in politics, economics, public administration, law and other areas of related interest and incorporates elements of comparison with and the role of the United States.

Students supplement class lectures with international conferences that address issues of current topical interest and give students opportunities to meet, listen to and question those who develop and implement international relations policy.

Students take relevant field trips in Italy, Europe and beyond. During every winter session, AUR students and faculty travel to Ghana to study its politics, history and culture. Students also travel to areas of current political interest such as Kosovo to learn about the history, politics, and peoples of this area of the Balkans. Every year students participate in various Model United Nations around the world where they collaborate in discussions and propose resolutions on challenging international issues.

The University and the International Relations Club sponsor lectures, seminars, films and visits to embassies and other sites in Rome. Recent speakers addressed topics as diverse as racism, Abraham Lincoln and the Italian imagination, and the concepts and consequences of revolution.

Students in our program relish the mix of learning in the classroom, in fieldwork and internships, and in learning excursions and conversations with peers from around the world. Our graduates are prepared to pursue advanced degrees or serve in international, non-governmental, or national organizations.

Accreditation

The B.A. in International Relations and Global Politics is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.