Coursework is the backbone of research. Before you jump in to a research project, make sure that you have the appropriate preparation in terms of research theory and skills, language proficiency, and writing experience. Courses exist across the disciplines at Tufts that can offer you preparation to undertake your research plan. If you are an IR major, some of these courses may count toward the major as well. Be aware of how your coursework can help you conduct research.

International Relations Courses:
The International Relations (IR) Program offers a two-course colloquium specific to helping you prepare to conduct research on international topics, particularly while abroad. Though not required for the major, IR highly recommends that you take the Pass/Fail ½ credit two-course sequence. The International Research Colloquium (INTR 91 and INTR 92) is designed to complement and build upon the disciplinary and interdisciplinary basics of your Tufts education and the program you are enrolled in abroad. It is designed to help students identify potential international research opportunities and enhance them upon return to Tufts.

• PS 188-03 Gender Issues in World Politics Spring 2008
  This course focuses on the differing perspectives of men and women on the core issues of world politics, in particular questions of war and peace, democratization, development and global distributive justice, political empowerment, the environment, and other issues. Study of social science theories of gendered perspectives on global issues and the evidence of gender differences in attitudes and behavior. The impact of global politics on women and men is also studied, with particular attention to issues of violence, environment, and economic justice. .
  
  
• INTR-91 (Spring 2007) International Research Colloquium
  Designed for sophomores who anticipate eventual development of any of the following projects: a senior honors thesis, a senior seminar paper, an integrative capstone project for a minor or related major field, a directed study with an individual faculty member, a research project as a component of a study-abroad experience, or a research proposal required as part of an application for national and international scholarships (such as the Fulbright program). Provides classroom instruction, Web-based communication, and faculty support to promote and facilitate the development of high-quality research projects and post-graduate research proposals with an international focus. Open to students of all majors. One-half credit. Spring.
  
  
• PS 188-03 Gender Issues in World Politics Fall 2007
  This course focuses on the differing perspectives of men and women on the core issues of world politics, in particular questions of war and peace, democratization, development and global distributive justice, political empowerment, the environment, and other issues. Study of social science theories of gendered perspectives on global issues and the evidence of gender differences in attitudes and behavior. The impact of global politics on women and men is also studied, with particular attention to issues of violence, environment, and economic justice. .
  
  
• DHP-P216 (Fall 2007) International Humanitarian Policy and Public Health: Seminar
  

  An introduction to international humanitarian policy and practice with particular reference to public health. This course draws from a wide range of disciplines in the human sciences, bearing on local and international responses to crises commonly considered “Complex Humanitarian Emergency” (CHE). Participants are expected to read extensively from a selection of scientific papers as well as policy and practice guidelines that are currently in use in international humanitarian assistance, particularly in public health. Active engagement in analytical/critical thinking demonstrable by written as well as verbal responses to the course content is encouraged.

  This course is also offered as an elective for Master's in Public Health (MPH) candidates.

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• CH-190 (Fall 2007) Social Capital and Mental Health: Seminar
  

  This course is designed to engage upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in interdisciplinary analyses of existing and emerging research evidence on the links between social capital and health, with a particular focus on mental health. Social capital has been part of the public health discourse for over a decade, but its association with mental health is a relatively recent and rapidly growing area of research and scholarship. Authoritative reading materials from a wide range of disciplines including Epidemiology, Social psychiatry, and Psychology; as well as Medical sociology, and anthropology are examined with special reference to disaster mitigation and response.

  This course is also offered as an elective for Master's in Public Health (MPH) candidates, fulfills the Community Health Program undergraduate research requirement, and is an elective within the "Global Health, Nutrition and the Environment" concentration in the curriculum of the International Relations Program.

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• PS198/INTR 197 Fall 2007 Senior Thesis
  A joint seminar for thesis writers in political science and international relations. Fall.
  
  
• INTR-91 (Spring 2006) International Research Colloquium
  Designed for sophomores who anticipate eventual development of any of the following projects: a senior honors thesis, a senior seminar paper, an integrative capstone project for a minor or related major field, a directed study with an individual faculty member, a research project as a component of a study-abroad experience, or a research proposal required as part of an application for national and international scholarships (such as the Fulbright program). Provides classroom instruction, Web-based communication, and faculty support to promote and facilitate the development of high-quality research projects and post-graduate research proposals with an international focus. Open to students of all majors. One-half credit. .
  
  
• INTR-91 (Spring 2005) International Research Colloquium
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• INTR-92 (Fall 2004) International Research Colloquium
  INTR 92 is the second course in the International Research Colloquium sequence (INTR 91 & INTR 92) and adds greater depth to the knowledge and skills learned in INTR 91 while paying specific attention to the unique challenges of conducting research while you're actually abroad. INTR 92 will help you stay on track with your research plans and connected to Tufts resources to help you transition smoothly in your academics when you return in the senior year. Open to students of all majors. One-half credit. Fall.
  
  

How to Register
Registration for both courses is high-demand in the IR Program in Cabot 605. Students interested in taking either course should contact the IR Program Office during registration periods. Students will be notified via email before the courses meet with logistics, tips on using the IRN, the online web environment, and assignments.

The two-course colloquium is built on the premise that students first take INTR 91 in the spring of their sophomore year and INTR 92 in the fall of their junior year. While INTR 92 is specifically geared toward students studying abroad, you do not need to be abroad in order to take the course. Since the colloquium is cumulative, we highly encourage students to take both courses. Students interested in taking INTR 92 without taking INTR 91 will need to speak with the course instructors for permission.

Related Courses: