W&M International Relations

<p>Does anyone know what the international relations program at William and Mary is like? I have to choose between W&M and UVA...do one of these schools surpass the other in terms of their IR program? And what about history programs-which school is better?</p>

<p>they're both going to be roughly the same... you can look up the course catalog for each school and see what classes those majors are required to take, that might be of some help.</p>

<p>There are many differences between UVA and WM that should be more heavily considered than the difference between their IR and History programs, IMO.</p>

<p>i agree with soccerguy. the personalities of the two schools are very different, not their academics.</p>

<p>Yeah, that's what I've heard. I'm just trying to get as much info as possible before choosing; I thought maybe academics would be the deciding factor, but it looks like they're about equal.</p>

<p>One difference as far as the History major is considered is that at UVA you must take 5 300-level classes. At WM, there is no set amount. While WM requires you to take a colloquium (400-500 level class marked with a "C"), it allows you the flexibility to mold your schedule in a way that better suits your concentration within the discipline rather than take upper level classes in areas you are not particularly interested in solely for the reason that a 301-level might be that much different than a 299-level. This may be important to you and it may not. However, I have taken some 200 level classes which were just as difficult as my 300 level ones and appealed more to my course of study. I may not have gotten the chance to take them had I attended UVA. I am sure UVA would provide a great experience as soccerguy315 has said and am only qualified to talk about WM as I am a senior history major there. I will say that given the sizes of the schools it is likely you would learn in a more intimate setting at WM. Also, the history dept. here is pure class. If you decide on WM, make sure you take Tudor England or Stuart England with Prof. Dale Hoak. His lecturing ability is phenomenal and his ability to string together ideas is poetic. I am not saying that UVA does not have a well-qualified faculty, but I am always impressed by the combination of distinction and approachability which can commonly be found at WM. The professors in the History department are witty, caring, and have a passion for what they teach.</p>

<p>I thougt Madeline Albright said W&M had one of the best IR depts in USA. Can anyone confirm?</p>

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I thougt Madeline Albright said W&M had one of the best IR depts in USA. Can anyone confirm?

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<p>Reiss</a> outlines global concerns at Reves Center fund-raiser | University Relations
2nd to last paragraph</p>

<p>Dear Whoever,
I'm an IR and Chinese major at the College and I would just like to say that WM has recently revamped its IR major and has reorganized it to be more like the more competitive IR major-offering schools in the nation. It is basically a combination History, Econ, Government minors with an international focus. If you search the TRIP survey online organized by Professor Tierney and others, you will find that WM is one of a few schools without a doctorate offering in IR that qualifies as one of the best IR programs in the country. I know it seems slightly biased because a WM professor created the research project, but reveals a predominately unbiased perspective on IR programs in the US and WM definitely comes out as one of the few at the top, something UVA can't compete with.</p>