Fostering a World View

New Divisional Major in International Relations Nears Completion of Its First Four-Semester Cycle

IN SEPTEMBER, 1946, the College offered for the first time a major in international relations. It did so not because the various facets of international relations had been neglected in the curriculum or because the topic had become important overnight. Courses have long been available to students in international law, contemporary economic systems and economic geography, not to mention the allinclusive subject of history. And while the United States as a nation may seem ill-prepared and immature in the international role thrust upon her at the end of World War 11, relations between nations have always been of utmost importance to man and the development of his civilizations.

The decision to establish a major in international relations was rather an outgrowth of a belief by many people at Dartmouth, including President Hopkins, that there is a great need for general orientation in international affairs in this country —not only for the small group of students who plan to work abroad but also for the much larger number who become leaders in their home communities. One way of gaining this orientation would be in a course of study which would draw upon all the departments of the social sciences.

By June the international relations major will have completed its first four-semester cycle, affording an opportunity to analyze the work that has been done during the past two years.

The original outline for the major was made by members of three departments of the social sciences: Prof. John Pelenyi of the Government Department, who is serving as chairman of the major. Prof. John G. Gazley of the History Department, and Prof. Joseph L. McDonald of the Economics Department. This group has since been joined by Professors John Adams of the History Department, Trevor Lloyd and Van Harvey English of the Geography Department; John Masland and H. Gordon Skilling of the Government Department; and Charles L. Stone of the Psychology Department.

As presented for approval by the Social Sciences Division in April, 1946, the new major had been planned in the liberal arts tradition. Just as a certain hard core of subjects is believed necessary for a liberal arts curriculum if the student is to be educated as a whole man, so certain required subjects are believed necessary to any student seeking a real understanding of international relations. In addition to the basic courses offered in the Social Sciences Division, the hard core of the international relations major consists of courses in international economics, international organization, power politics and the diplomatic history of modern Europe.

While it would be absurd to prevent a student from deepening a special interest in one phase of international relations, the committee felt that any such specialization should not be gained at the expense of a general knowledge of the subject. A concentrated study of one region or one topic was considered to be primarily in the field of graduate schools, while most businesses sending men abroad want to train their specialists themselves.

In order to offer good working conditions for serious students, it was decided not to accept more than 25 from any one class. Furthermore, not only must a student majoring in international relations take four more courses than a student taking a regular departmental major, he must also maintain a 2.5 average.

He is also expected to have better than average ability in writing English and, if he plans to enter the field professionally, is expected to acquire a reading and speaking knowledge of a foreign language beyond the level of general college requirements. In addition all candidates must pass a proficiency test demonstrating a general knowledge of American history.

What other courses a student might elect would depend upon his interests. Those anticipating a business career abroad might elect courses in administration, contemporary economic systems, money and foreign exchange, and commercial geography. For those contemplating a career in the foreign service, courses suggested include administration, contemporary economic systems, European governments and politics, international organization, history of foreign relations of the U. S., and the psychology of international relations. A purely academic approach to the problem might include courses in European government and politics, contemporary economic systems, international economic problems, conduct of American foreign relations, international law, the diplomacy of the powers and imperialism and world politics in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Two courses were introduced directly as a result of the new major. One is "The Diplomatic History of Modern Europe," taught by Professor Adams, and the other is "An Introduction to Contemporary World Politics" taught by Professors Peenyi, Masland, and Skilling.

One of the most interesting parts of the international relations major is the attempt made in the senior year to show the methods used by responsible government officials in reaching a decision. A certain problem in international relations is taken under consideration by the whole class and students are required to make reports on specific parts of the problem. This year the German peace problem was chosen and students were asked to bring in reports on such phases as the Ruhr and reparations. At the end of the semester the class makes recommendations on the solution of the problem in both majority and minority reports.

Several groups have been taken to the United Nations headquarters at Lake Success and students are encouraged to travel abroad or to continue their study summers. Two students have been placed as members of the Secretariat on World Telecommunications Conference at Atlantic City this summer.

To help stimulate interest on campus in international affairs, an International Relations Club was organized with Professor Pelenyi as faculty adviser. Open to all interested undergraduates, the club is run by a student steering committee which invites speakers at various intervals to discuss current international issues.

In summary, the new international relations major is not a belated attempt to bridge a gap. It is rather a new approach to an old problem, and an approach which has utilized the tools already available in the Dartmouth curriculum.

A SEMINAR FOR STUDENT INTERNATIONALISTS, CONDUCTED BY PROFESSOR JOHN PELENYI

MEMBERS OF STEERING COMMITTEE FOR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS MAJOR: From left to right, Professors Van Harvey English, John C. Adams, John G. Gazley, Joseph L. McDonald, John Peienyi, chairman, John W. Masland Jr., Charles L. Stone and H. Gordon Skilling in a conference room in Baker.