Introduction

In an increasingly interconnected world, there is an urgent need for globally aware Christian leaders, professionals, and policymakers grounded in the fundamentals of faith and freedom. The purpose of the International Politics and Policy (IPP) track at Patrick Henry College is to prepare Christian leaders for success in international business, law, policy, and humanitarian work. To achieve this objective, the IPP track educates students in the contending theories, prominent actors, existing problems, possible approaches, and current opportunities in foreign policy.

Program

IPP students learn from professors who are experts in international policy, theory, and research. Major courses and electives include International Relations, Comparative Economic Systems, Foreign Policy: Theory and Practice, European Politics, Ethics and International Relations, International Economics, Politics of Developing Nations, Comparative Politics, Modern Chinese History, and more.

Under the direction of a qualified faculty member or mentor, students in the International Politics & Policy track have the opportunity to explore a specific global issue (e.g. human trafficking, environmental degradation, international development, resource scarcity, globalization, free trade, ethnic violence, genocide, etc.) through researching primary and secondary sources. Students are then required to draft a policy report articulating a strategy for US involvement that would ultimately be forwarded to relevant government officials.

Apprenticeship Experience and Methodology

Several campus programs supplement the IPP major classroom experience. Students may write for the IPP Journal, which affords them further opportunity to hone their analytical skills and knowledge of international politics.

Patrick Henry College’s apprenticeship method requires IPP students to obtain real-world experience in an internationally-related internship. IPP students and graduates have worked at high-level internship positions in the White House, the US Department of State (Denmark), the Department of Defense, Heritage Foundation, Cisco Systems, Inc., The Atlantic Council, and the Project for National Security Reform.

For more information, see Bachelor of Arts in Government-International Politics & Policy.