The Department of International Relations was newly founded in 2002. Its formation is responded to the China’s open door policy and the public needs to knowledge of current international affairs and development of world communities. It is also an important step for the academic and faculty enlargement of Sun Yat-sen University on humanity and social sciences.
The faculty of the Department includes 2 professors, 5 associate professors and 5 lecturers who work mainly on the International Theory and Asia Pacific Affairs. Some visiting lecturer and researcher positions are opened to scholars of the country and all around the world.
One major for underguaduates on International Politics and two master’s programs on International Relations and World History are offered by the Department. All courses are targeted for training students who have “International Conception” and “Global Insight”, and combining knowledge of humanity and sciences. The major and selected courses include: world politics, international relations theory, diplomacy, international law, international political economy, history of international relations, China’s foreign policy, U.S. foreign policy, international organizations and systems, security and cooperation in East Asia, politics and diplomacy of Southeast Asia, regional conflict issues, APEAC and ASEAN studies, culture and religions of East Asia, Ethnic Chinese issues, etc.
Foreign students and eligible graduates from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao are welcome to join the degree programs and courses.
The enhanced theory studies and research on international affairs are also main objective of the Department. It is characterized by area studies focused on Asia Pacific region. In order to promote the development of scientific research activities, Tree research centers are affiliated to the Department entitled Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (founded in 1978), Center for Asia Pacific Studies (from 2000) and Center for American Studies (from 2003). A number of research projects have been completed and the international symposiums and seminars have been sponsored by these centers.
