International Studies Program
Goals
International Studies is an interdisciplinary program intended to promote student awareness of differing cultural perspectives, and appreciation and respect for the distinctiveness of cultures. By the completion of the program, students should develop the following competencies:
- Ability to analyze international phenomena by developing and conducting a research plan.
- Ability to identify sources of information and courses of study that will answer, solve, and/or inform a question, problem, or field of international study.
- Ability to understand core concepts and methodologies of different fields, and to assimilate and integrate information and ideas from different fields.
- Ability to present information in written and oral formats.
- Ability to translate concepts and theories into real-world applications and ability to function effectively in business, governmental, and foreign academic or social environments.
- Ability to integrate emerging technologies into research and communication; awareness of potential visions of the future and the implications of rapid technological change.
- Knowledge of links between International Studies major and potential careers.
- Awareness of ethical considerations in the world and ability to make ethical decisions in career.
Through course work, study abroad and internship programs, students are prepared for a variety of international careers.
Programs
Students considering the International Studies major will meet with the Program Director to identify a field of study. The student will maintain a digital portfolio that keeps a record of how each course he or she is taking for the major relates to the field of study. The student will also maintain a record in the portfolio of any other experiences and/or courses that relate, including study abroad, internships, and/or service learning projects. All International Studies students are expected to participate in a study abroad program and/or an internship that includes substantial international content.
Courses
For a description of the other courses that comprise the international studies program, please see the course descriptions listed under the participating departments.
This course is designed to introduce students to the scope and methods of international studies. Topics of transnational significance, especially those which reveal the similarities and differences of the world's societies and cultures will be considered. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the program, issues of world geography, society, economy, environment and politics will be examined from different cultural and theoretical perspectives. - three semester hour
This course is designed to introduce students to the systematic analysis of international processes and phenomena. Methods of critical investigation from a variety of disciplines are applied to research topics as students determine their subfield of inquiry, research question, and approach to answering the question.
A seminar focusing on a conceptual issue of the instructor's choice.
Using methods and theoretical frameworks from disciplines such as history, political science, sociology, anthropology, and communications, students engage in research on an international topic.
Individual research of a substantive nature pursued in the student's major field of study. The research will conclude in a written thesis or an original project, and an oral defense.
Individual research of a substantive nature pursued in the student's major field of study. The research will conclude in a written thesis or an original project, and an oral defense.
A junior or senior work study program providing relevant employment experience. Registration will occur at the beginning of the experience. The objective of the program is to integrate classroom theory and practical work experience, thus lending relevancy to learning and providing the student with a realistic exposure to career opportunities. Students interested in taking an internship or co-op should talk to their adviser.
A junior or senior work study program providing relevant employment experience. Registration will occur at the beginning of the experience. The objective of the program is to integrate classroom theory and practical work experience, thus lending relevancy to learning and providing the student with a realistic exposure to career opportunities. Students interested in taking an internship or co-op should talk to their adviser.
A junior or senior work study program providing relevant employment experience. Registration will occur at the beginning of the experience. The objective of the program is to integrate classroom theory and practical work experience, thus lending relevancy to learning and providing the student with a realistic exposure to career opportunities. Students interested in taking an internship or co-op should talk to their adviser.
A junior or senior work study program providing relevant employment experience. Registration will occur at the beginning of the experience. The objective of the program is to integrate classroom theory and practical work experience, thus lending relevancy to learning and providing the student with a realistic exposure to career opportunities. Students interested in taking an internship or co-op should talk to their adviser.