International Studies, B.A.

Professors: Mary Pettenger, Robin Smith

Mission

To introduce students to important concepts and issues in world affairs. Students will acquire advanced language skills and knowledge of geopolitics, history and culture. Participation in study abroad, a global internship or field research abroad prepares the student for an international career. This major is also excellent preparation for graduate study in a variety of fields that emphasize language, geopolitics, history and culture.

Learning outcomes

Apply interdisciplinary approaches to critically analyze issues of global significance.
Demonstrate reading, speaking and writing skills of a second language at a “general professional proficiency” level.
Increase cross cultural knowledge through an international experience and regional study.

Core Courses

International Studies core (16)

ANTH 216 Cultural Anthropology Credits: 4
GEOG 106 Introductory Economic Geography Credits: 4
HST 106 World History: The Modern World Credits: 4
PS 203 International Relations Credits: 4

Regional and Topical content (30)

A. Regional content (12-16)

Must take at least four courses in one region to complete the concentration.

Areas of Concentration

B. Topical content (0-22 credits)

Or as needed to complete 30 total credits in content

ANTH 370 Women in Cross-Cultural Perspective Credits: 4
ANTH 388 Transnational Migration Credits: 4
ANTH 392 Applied Anthropology Credits: 4
ANTH 432 Human Rights Credits: 4
COM 325 Intercultural Communication Credits: 3
ENG 341 Period Studies in Continental European Literature After 1700 Credits: 4
ENG 441 Studies in Continental European Literature Credits: 4
GEOG 370 Human Migration Credits: 4
GEOG 410 Global Issues Credits: 4
GEOG 418 International Trade and Transportation Credits: 4
HE 465 International Health Credits: 4
HST 411 World Problems Credits: 4
LING 312 Language and Society Credits: 4
PHL 350 Social and Political Philosophy Credits: 3
PS 204 Governments of the World Credits: 4
PS 432 Global Health Policy Credits: 3
PS 465 Government and Politics of the Middle East Credits: 3
PS 473 Globalization Issues Credits: 3
PS 477 International Environmental Politics Credits: 3
PS 481 International Law Credits: 3
PS 493 International Organizations Credits: 3
PS 497 U.S. Foreign Policy Credits: 3
SPAN 445 Hispanic Women Writers Credits: 4 (when related to Latin American writers)

Modern language specialization (24)

Study of a second modern language (in the same language) through the third year or above of university level instruction or equivalent. First-year language courses may not be counted toward the major. International students, who speak English as a second-language and have passed an approved English language assessment test (e.g., TOEFL), can substitute additional courses in the regional and topical areas of the major for the 24 language credits (subject to pre-approval by the International Studies adviser).

International experience

The major requires at least eight weeks of international experience consisting of study abroad, an international internship, and/or field research abroad, selected in consultation with and approved by the student’s adviser.