International Studies, B.A.

Core Courses

Students take 9 hours of core coursework. INST 2350 - Introduction to Global Studies  and INST 2310 - Introduction to International Relations  provide the theoretical framework for the Development Studies and Security Studies tracks. INST 4950 - Capstone in International Studies  (Capstone) provides the culminating experience for students completing the B.A. degree in international studies and fulfills the COM3 writing requirement for the University Studies Program.

• INST 2310 - Introduction to International Relations Credits: 3
• INST 2350 - Introduction to Global Studies Credits: 3
• INST 4950 - Capstone in International Studies Credits: 3

Concentration

International Studies majors will complete a minimum of 9 hours in a chosen area of concentration, choosing either “Development Studies” or “Security Studies”. 

The course offerings for each concentration are distinct, but they do in some cases overlap. Students who wish to further explore how coursework for one concentration might inform their understanding of coursework eligible for completion of the other concentration are also enabled to do this as part of their “electives”. Students can also supplement eligible courses in either concentration with internationally focused courses approved by the student’s advisor and the INST Program Director.

Regional Study Requirement

INST majors complete their “regional study” requirement as part of learning about the distinctiveness of different world regions as well as about the interconnections and interdependencies between them. Through “regional study” courses, students come to understand the global economic, political, and social-cultural processes that constitute and cut across world regions. INST majors must take one of the “gateway” options and at least two upper-division offerings, as listed below. Students can supplement the courses listed below with internationally focused courses approved by the student’s advisor and the INST Program Director.

Electives

Majors are required to complete 6 additional hours of upper-division coursework. This element of the major provides students with flexibility. Majors can complete this element of the major with INST “topics” courses that are not anticipated or are otherwise unlisted among the courses eligible for completing their concentration in “Development Studies” or “Security Studies,” or for completing their “regional study” requirement; they can complete more credits towards their concentration than the nine they otherwise need; or they can complete more courses for the regional study requirement than they otherwise need. Students can also supplement the courses available for completion of this aspect of the major (that is, upper-division courses listed under the other requirements of the major) with internationally focused coursework across campus, or study abroad courses, with approval from the student’s advisor and the INST Program Director. Some of the courses that might supplement the listed courses as part of a major’s “electives” are announced in the Advising Newsletter for the major, which is distributed by the Advising Center during the registration window for each semester. 

Foreign Language

All majors must complete 15 credits of the introductory sequence of foreign language courses in one language, consistent with the curriculum in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages (that is, the 1010-1020-2030-2040 sequence in one language). The same sequence (1010-1020-2030-2040) is also available in Arabic, a language program housed in the School of Politics, Public Affairs, and International Studies. Students who already are proficient in a foreign language can instead demonstrate fourth semester proficiency, as evident in a test of proficiency.