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American University Catalog 2024-2025
Global International Relations (BA)
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Global International Relations, B.A. (Sample Plans)
Offered by the School of International Service , the Global International Relations (BA), awarded jointly by American University and Ritsumeikan University (RU), Japan, reflects the cultural and geographic reach, as well as the expertise and strengths of both universities in offering the first truly global degree in international relations. Students gain a deep understanding of global and regional challenges, especially as they relate to East Asia and the United States. They are uniquely prepared to pursue careers that draw upon their ability to critically examine international relations from multiple theoretical, historical, cultural, national, and disciplinary perspectives and standpoints. Students fulfill degree requirements for both institutions and spend two full academic years at each university.
The joint BA prepares students for internationally-focused careers in government, non-profits, and the private sectors. The curriculum is firmly rooted in the liberal arts and sciences, inherently interdisciplinary, and aimed at helping students to think critically and clearly about the most pressing global challenges. It also affords an opportunity for students to find their truest vocations, to discover their passions, and to become active and engaged citizens in a complex global world that defies simple explanations or solutions.
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Admission to the Program
The Global International Relations (BA) is restricted to students who have been accepted into the AU-RU Joint Degree Program (Sakura Scholars Program). Candidates for admission to the joint Global International Relations (BA) must present evidence of excellent personal and academic qualifications. The admission process is administered jointly between American University and Ritsumeikan University. To be considered for first-year admission, an applicant should have earned at least a B average in secondary school. All applicants (including US citizens) whose first language is not English are required to submit results of one of the approved tests of English proficiency (see AU Admissions). Other factors taken into account are leadership qualities, character, and personal interest. The Sakura Scholars Program is designed for incoming-first-year students, therefore current AU or RU students are not eligible to apply. Major Requirements
- 124 total credit hours with a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA
- 63-65 credits must be completed through American University and 59-61 credits must be completed through Ritsumeikan University
- Students must be enrolled for 48 months
- 55 credit hours of coursework, unique to the Global International Relations (BA) (i.e., major coursework) with grades of C or better, including at least 18 credit hours at or above 300-level or 3000-level, plus at least 3 credit hours of Japanese coursework at or above JAPN-215 Japanese, Intermediate II (5) at AU or Japanese II (Comprehensive) at RU. Students whose first language is Japanese or can demonstrate equivalent proficiency will be exempted from the requirement to take Japanese language courses
- Up to 3 credit hours from an approved internship may be applied toward the major
- Credit by exam or transfer credit does not apply to the 124 total credits required for the degree. Some degree requirements may be fulfilled with credit by exam or transfer credit. Students in the Sakura Scholars Program must complete all AU Core requirements, regardless of credits by exam or transfer credits previously completed or accepted by American University
Course Requirements
Note: Course requirements are also fulfilled with approved equivalent courses offered by Ritsumeikan University. Courses offered by RU are indicated by listing without a hyperlink (e.g., RUIR-XXXX or Japanese XXXX). Information listed as RU courses may be subject to change without notice. American University is not responsible for changes to course codes, course titles, or course scheduling of another institution.
Foundation (19 credit hours)
Basic Economics I
Complete one of the following:
Basic Economics II
Complete one of the following:
Introduction to International Studies
Complete one of the following:
First Year Seminar
Note: Sakura Scholars will be enrolled in a cohort section of SISU-106 First Year Seminar (3) . It is designated as a course jointly designed with Ritsumeikan University.
Intercultural Communication
Note: RUIR-2231 and RUIR-2232 are required courses that students complete at RU and are designated as courses jointly designed. Completion of both courses fulfill the intercultural communication foundation requirement and the Diversity and Equity (DIV) integrated requirement of the AU Core. - RUIR-2231 Japanese Culture (2)
- RUIR-2232 Cultural Awareness and Communication (2)
International Economics
Complete one of the following:
Note: SISU-300 Introduction to International Economics (3) fulfills the Economics foundation requirement and the Quantitative Literacy II (Q2) integrative requirement of the AU Core. RUIR-3241 and RUIR-3242 fulfill the International Economics requirement but do not fulfill the Q2 integrative requirement. SISU-300 is strongly recommended.
Foreign Language (3 credit hours)
Complete 3 credit hours from the following: Note: Students whose first language is Japanese or can demonstrate equivalent proficiency will be exempted from the Japanese language course requirement. - JAPN-215 Japanese, Intermediate II (5)
- JAPN-314 Advanced Japanese I (3)
- JAPN-315 Advanced Japanese II (3)
- JAPN-490 Independent Research in Japanese (1-6)
- Japanese II (Comprehensive) (5)
- Japanese III (Writing) (1)
- Japanese III (Comprehensive) (5)
- Japanese IV (Writing) (1)
- Japanese IV (Comprehensive) (5)
- Japanese V (Writing) (1)
- Japanese V (Comprehensive) (5)
- Japanese VI (Writing) (1)
- Japanese VI (Comprehensive) (3)
- Japanese VI (Listening & Speaking) (2)
- Japanese VII (Listening & Oral Comprehension a) (1)
- Japanese VII (Listening & Oral Comprehension b) (1)
- Japanese VII (Reading Comprehension a)
- Japanese VII (Reading Comprehension b)
- Japanese VII (Composition a)
- Japanese VII (Composition b)
- Japanese VIII (Academic Japanese a)
- Japanese VIII (Academic Japanese b)
- Japanese VIII (Career Japanese a)
- Japanese VIII (Career Japanese b)
Research Methodology (6 credit hours)
Introductory Research Methodology
Complete one of the following:
Advanced Research Methodology
Complete one of the following:
Thematic Areas (18 credit hours)
- 9 or more credits to complete the required gateways for the three thematic areas: Peace, Global Security, and Conflict Resolution (P); Identity, Race, Gender, and Culture (I); and Global and Comparative Governance (G).
- 6 additional credit hours at or above 300-level (at AU) or 3000-level (at RU) from a primary thematic area
- 3 additional credit hours at or above 300-level (at AU) or 3000-level (at RU) from a secondary thematic area
Peace, Global Security, and Conflict Resolution (P)
Gateway
Complete one of the following:
Identity, Race, Gender, and Culture (I)
Gateway
Complete one of the following:
Global and Comparative Governance (G)
Gateway
Complete one of the following:
Regional Focus (9 credit hours)
Complete 9 credit hours with a regional focus in East Asia and the Pacific from the following, and at least 3 credit hours must be taken at or above 300-level (at AU) or 3000-level (at RU). For courses designated as topics courses, only approved sections will meet the East Asia and the Pacific regional focus requirement: East Asia and the Pacific
Capstone (3 credit hours)
Complete one of the following: Note: AU-Home Sakura Scholars complete the capstone at AU and RU-Home Sakura Scholars complete the capstone at RU.
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