International Studies, Minor

The International Studies major provides an interdisciplinary approach to international and global connections. The major acquaints students with approaches from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The student’s individual program may focus on a world region, a particular issue or discipline, or a future career goal such as government, business, or foreign service. All IS majors continue foreign language at least through the third-year college level. A study abroad experience of at least 3 hrs and at least 4 weeks duration is required.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in International Studies are expected to:

• Understand the connections between countries;
• Describe the impact of international events or arrangements at the regional, national, and local levels in at least one major area of the world;
• Articulate how historical processes, such as colonialism, post-colonialism, and globalization, have led to our current situation in general, and to specific conditions in at least one area of the world;
• Analyze and describe global issues both qualitatively and quantitatively, using approaches from both the humanities and the social sciences;
• Demonstrate a basic command of at least two appropriate disciplinary approaches, such as economics, sociology (demographics), political science, history, literature, popular culture, environmental studies, cultural studies, or regional studies;
• Apply interdisciplinary approaches, including foreign language skills and international experience, to research and present specific global issues.