Why major in Government and International Relations?
The program in Government and International Relations assumes that UIC students will work in an interdependent world, one featuring governments, international organizations, multinational companies, NGOs, and other international entities. Understanding the nature of this world is important for a variety of internationally oriented careers. A major in Government and International Relations seeks to provide students with an understanding of the global system's past, the tools to function effectively in the present, and the ability to respond to future developments. The program recognizes the changing nature of the contemporary political and economic environment and seeks to lay an interdisciplinary basis for understanding these changes. It provides students with an opportunity to study the complex web of transnational politics in an in-depth, interdisciplinary fashion.
A major in Government and International Relations provides students with the conceptual tools that they will need to thrive in the fast-changing world of tomorrow. The challenges which students will face are coming to terms with what it means to live in an interdependent world with interlocking economics, political systems, and cultural perceptions. In the words of Kenneth Tye it involves thinking about "problems and issues that cross national boundaries, and about the interconnedectness of systems--ecological, cultural, economic, political and technological."
Over the course of four years students will gain not only conceptual tools but skills that are essential for work in a global environment. Stress is placed on an ability to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively. Equally important is an ability to think analytically in analyzing concepts, definitions, arguments, and complex problems. Students will also learn how to organize and interpret social, economic, and political data. Just as important is that students are exposed to different ways of thinking, and they develop the capacity to reason analytically, as well as the ability to write succinctly. Studying organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) equips students with a solid understanding of the issues involved in international activities. Above all, they develop an understanding of the nature and significance of politics and economics as a global activity. Students acquire the ability to research and critically analyze material from a range of sources, and to synthesize relevant information to construct a coherent argument, and engage in problem-solving: investigating, analyzing and advocating solutions to complex political and economic problems. Employers like people who can deal with large volumes of information and identify key tasks or priorities. Courses in Government and International Relations also develop students' communication skills in all areas - through writing clearly structured essays and presenting their ideas in formal and informal settings. Students' ability to present their own ideas and other people's ideas will enhance their employability.
Finally, it is worth stressing that majors in Government and International Relations are prepared to embark on exciting careers in many areas related to transnational issues and concerns that vary from business to diplomacy. In addition many have found employment with international or non-governmental organizations such as the United Nations or companies conducting business or finance operations internationally.