What You’ll Study in the Bachelor’s Degree in International & Comparative Policy Studies
Pursue interdisciplinary work in the areas of globalization, international relations, comparative policy, and development with the international and comparative policy studies (ICPS) major from Reed College. Conduct studies across the social sciences, and select a home department in anthropology, economics, history, political science, or sociology. Develop strong analytical skills, and undertake a significant research project that integrates perspectives, techniques, and methods across different disciplines.
Roadmap to the BA in International & Comparative Policy Studies at Reed
Study phenomena in the areas of globalization, international relations, comparative policy, and international economic development as an international and comparative policy studies major at Reed. Develop analytical skills and learn to execute genuinely interdisciplinary work. With guidance from an interdisciplinary faculty committee, write an original interdisciplinary thesis that integrates perspectives, techniques, and methods across different disciplines.
Year One
Lay the Foundation
Set the stage for a solid and strong academic background within your home department, either anthropology, economics, history, political science, or sociology. Take courses in other, related disciplines that will help you develop a range of analytical skills for studying either international or comparative policy issues.
Join your fellow first-year students in Reed’s signature Humanities 110 course. This yearlong class is your first taste of Reed’s ethos of overlapping academic boundaries. Study human history, religion, art, and culture and learn how it all weaves together and impacts the present.
Year Two
Synthesize Your Coursework
Synthesize the variety of courses you will take outside your department, and begin deepening your understanding of the ICPS faculty expertise. These faculty will not only support you as you learn to apply a range of disciplinary lenses but can also help to ensure you meet the necessary requirements for the major.
Submit your application to the major, detailing your reasons for pursuing international and comparative policy studies and outlining the courses for your particular path of study. Explore the added value of taking an interdisciplinary rather than disciplinary course.
Explore opportunities to study at other domestic and international institutions, many of which offer coursework that complements the ICPS curriculum.
Year Three
Propose Your Course of Study
Write a proposal for a significant interdisciplinary research project, applying relevant approaches to an important policy question and compiling and assessing a bibliography of secondary works, primary resources, or both.
Take your junior qualifying exam in your home department, which ensures you are ready to begin your senior thesis.
Year Four
Present and Defend Your Senior Thesis
In your senior year, you’ll write an original interdisciplinary thesis that integrates perspectives, techniques, and methods across different disciplines. As the culmination of your time at Reed, this thesis will show you’ve developed the skills to study phenomena in the areas of globalization, international relations, comparative policy, and international economic development, and will exhibit your rich understanding of interdisciplinarity.
Why Pursue International & Comparative Policy Studies at Reed College?
Execute Genuinely Interdisciplinary Work
As an international and comparative policy studies major, you’ll explore how different social sciences approach global problems, and you’ll integrate approaches from across disciplines. The wide breadth of disciplines and classes will help you develop a range of analytical skills while also providing perspective on the multifaceted human experience.
Opportunities to Study Around the World
ICPS majors have many opportunities to study at other institutions in the United States and abroad. You’ll find coursework that complements your ICPS curriculum. The International Programs office can provide a variety of useful resources and assistance to ICPS students interested in study abroad options as well as information about international programs on campus (speakers and research opportunities, for instance) and Fulbright fellowships and other international scholarships.
Careers for International and Comparative Policy Majors
Reed’s ICPS graduates are ready for careers in international relations, economic development, policy, law, or for more advanced study at the masters or doctoral level. Here is a sampling:
- Chief of staff, Department of Information Technology, City of Seattle
- Senior humanitarian advisor, USAID’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance
- Operations director, Brazil, Assured Labor
- Senior counsel, Demand Justice
- Research program manager, United Nations
- Master’s student, Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs
Notable Theses by International and Comparative Policy Studies Majors
ICPS majors have undertaken rigorous interdisciplinary research projects for their senior theses. Here are a few notable examples:
- “A Statistical Analysis of WTO Disputes: Who Initiates, Who Joins, and Why?” (Giselle Herzfeld ’20, ICPS-political science)
- “Ballot Integrity or Voter Suppression?: Minority Threat Theory Applied to the Case of Voter Identification Laws in the United States” (Melissa Molloy ’19, ICPS-sociology)
- “Strait to Hell, Boys: Obstacles to Cooperation in Combating Maritime Piracy in Indonesian Waters, 1945–2009” (Audrey Augenbraum ’14, ICPS-history)
- “The Destruction of the African Renaissance: AIDS in South Africa and American Foreign Policy” (Gina Nicole Vorderstrasse ’10, ICPS-political science)
- “Determinants of Corruption Levels in Former Soviet States” (Angelina Porter Clarke ’04, ICPS-political science)
Our International & Comparative Policy Studies Faculty
The five members of the International & Comparative Policy Studies Committee represent the anthropology, economics, history, political science, and sociology departments.
