International Relations

International Relations Icon
International Relations is an introductory course on international politics and the relations between actors in the global political system.

The overarching goal of this course is for students to critically engage with diverse and opposing perspectives to better understand the changing world and their role as citizens. 


Loading from Vimeo...

We are excited to offer International Relations next year. It is a great option for students who are passionate about policy and are interested in the global world around them.”

- Roger Andre, Executive Director



More about the program

Students systematically study international interactions between actors with different interests and ideas. They explore topics, encounter puzzles, examine theories, and evaluate evidence to understand world politics better. Students understand abstract political concepts through case studies and debates and relate them to real-world examples, developing international-mindedness.


Register for International Relations if you are interested in: 

  • Relevant topics in a globalizing world
  • Foreign policy
  • International conflict and negotiation
  • Fulfilling your senior social studies credit
  • Fulfilling an English graduation requirement while earning college credit

Course Credit

Grades offered: 11-12
MHS credits: 2.0
Normandale Community College Credits: 4.0

  • IB Global Politics SL* (1.0 social studies credit - weighted)
  • College Writing 
    • 1.0 English credit (weighted)
    • 4.0 Normandale Community College credits through concurrent enrollment 

*This is a year-long social studies elective course which can be applied to the required 12th-grade social studies credit.

**Students who have already completed IB Global Politics in Spanish are NOT eligible for this strand.


Guest Instructors

Guest instructors provide expertise on topics aligned to the VANTAGE curriculum. Teachers use a content-first approach to learning, enabling you to master academic core content, and then see how it is implemented by business partners to provide solutions to real-world challenges.

Mentorship and Networking

All VANTAGE students have a 1:1 mentor, but the networking extends beyond one professional. Mentors often open doors and guest instructors freely share their contact information, some provide employment and extended site visits.