Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

International Studies Major (Bachelor of Arts)


Curriculum Requirements - Total Credits Required: 125-126


Freshman - Credits: 32-33


  • Foreign Language    (Cr: 6)
  • Global Issues General Education Requirement    (Cr: 3)
  • Individual and Society General Education Requirement    (Cr: 3)
  • Quantitative Reasoning General Education Requirement   (Cr: 3)
  • Science and Technology General Education Requirement   (Cr: 3-4)
  • Focus Area Course  (Cr: 3)

Sophomore - Credits: 32


(Recommended Study Abroad one Semester)

  • Focus Area Courses    (Cr: 9) 
  • Foreign Language    (Cr: 6)
  • Aesthetic Awareness and Creative Expression General Education Requirement  (Cr: 3)
  • Literary Perspectives General Education Requirement  (Cr: 3)
  • Elective    (Cr :3)

Junior - Credits: 31


  • Focus Area Courses   (Cr: 6)
  • Values & Ethical Reasoning General Education Requirement    (Cr: 3)
  • World Cultures General Education Requirement    (Cr: 3)
  • Electives    (Cr: 15)

Senior - Credits: 30


  • General Education Electives    (Cr: 12)
    (two must be above the 100 level)

International Studies Major Requirements


To meet the international studies major’s requirements in a World Affairs Focus Area, students take four courses in one of the following areas: international politics, governance, and security; culture and globalization; international business, economics, and development; and global health and sustainability. Students also have the option of proposing their own focus area, which must be approved by the program administrator.  Students also select two additional electives from any of the courses listed in the Regional or World Focus Areas or additional foreign language courses.

Regional Focus Area Courses


To meet the international studies major’s requirements in a Regional Focus Area, students take two courses in one of the following areas: Africa; Asia; Europe; Middle East; or Latin America. This option is for students who want to develop expertise in a particular region. Courses taken abroad count toward this requirement. Students also select four additional electives from any of the courses listed in the Regional or World Focus Areas or additional foreign language courses.

Learning Outcomes


Upon completion of the international studies program, students will:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the cross-disciplinary nature of the field - e.g. the global and comparative dimensions of history, economic systems, cultural norms, art, and literature.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of international politics and geopolitics, and their role in world affairs and conflicts. 
  • Communicate effectively in written form within the conventions of the disciplines that constitute international studies.
  • Describe the language and culture of a region of the world that differs from that which students already know. 
  • Demonstrate the critical inquiry and analysis skills needed to engage constructively in intellectual discourse within the international studies discipline.
  • Make connections between their major and professional opportunities through a variety of internships.