International Studies

About the Major

As the world grows smaller and countries erupt into headlines, it becomes important to find an education that gives a global understanding of today's and tomorrow's problems.  The value of this kind of education goes beyond increasing one's knowledge, for it can lead to careers in expanding fields.

The broad-based program in International Studies acquaints students with the political and economic systems of various societies, gives them proficiency in at least one foreign language, and introduces them to the histories of major world areas.  This general background can be supplemented with specific studies in one or more fields.

Diplomacy is an important career option and the International Studies curriculum provides preparation for the Foreign Service.  Other career areas include: government service, international development, intelligence work, commerce, defense treasury, national security, international banking, international trade, travel agencies, international business and teaching.

Course Requirements

ECO 101: Introduction to Macroeconomics

Institutions and functioning of capitalism; national income and its determination; monetary and fiscal policy; international economics; and problems of growth and development. CC

ECO 102: Introduction to Microeconomics

The mechanisms by which resources are allocated in a market system, and study of modifications to account for imperfections in the system. Topics include demand, production and cost, theories of business behavior and consumer behavior, market performance in the U.S. economy and comparative economic systems. CC

ECO 303: International Economics

International trade, foreign exchange, international capital movements, tariffs and restrictive trade practices, trade agreements and international monetary agencies. Prerequisites: 101, 102.

ECO 315: Comparative Economic and Political Systems

Study of major international economic and political systems and the role each plays in influencing global economics and politics. Prerequisite: 101 or 102, or PS 110 or 120. NWC

IS 206: Comparative Contemporary Cultures

An exploration of the cultures of a region or several regions of the modern world through study of social and political institutions, religion, the arts and the influence of contact with foreign cultures. Emphasis primarily on Asia, Africa, or Latin America. NWC

IS 399: Senior Thesis

In conjunction with a faculty adviser, the student will design and complete a major research paper or project. Prerequisite: senior major.

PCS 101: Introduction to Peace Studies

This course serves as an introduction to the field of peace studies and peace research. Two primary subject areas are covered: the impact of war and violence on society, and nonviolence in theory and as a practice for social change. More specifically, the course will serve as a basic introduction to issues such as disarmament, institutional violence and the ideas of leaders in nonviolent movements. HWC

PS 120: American Government

Survey of United States national government, particularly Congress, Supreme Court and the presidency. Attention is also given to political parties, elections, interest groups and analysis of contemporary issues. CC

PS 203: International Relations

The forces influencing relations of nations. Agencies, organizations, procedures devised to carry on such relations. Prerequisite: 110. NWC

Two of the following courses:

HIS 112: Modern European History

Social, cultural, economic and political history of Western Europe from the background of the Old Regime and the French Revolution to present times. HWC

HIS 124: U.S. History to 1865

From the European expansion to the Civil War. Includes the colonizing experience; interaction and conflict of African, Native American and European cultures; development of colonial society, economy, government; and politics; the Revolution; and establishment of a republic, its growth in the 19th century and conflicts leading to the Civil War. HWC, CD

HIS 125: U.S. History from 1865 to 1945

Covers period from Reconstruction to World War II, including the rise of big business and organized labor, the immigrant experience, attempts at reform and the impact of the Great Depression and two world wars on American society. HWC

HIS 126: U.S. History since 1945

Major developments since World War II, including the Cold War; the civil rights, women’s and other movements; Watergate; the "Reagan Revolution"; the American Presidency; and the legacy of the "rights revolution" and cultural debates in recent decades. CC

HIS 214: Europe in the Contemporary World

Problems and policies from 1900 to the present, with emphasis on the collapse of the 19th-century international system and the effects of the rise of the United States and Russia as superpowers. Prerequisite: 112.

Three of the following courses:

ECO 362: Problems of Developing Countries

A seminar in the economic, political, social and educational problems of developing nations. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. NWC

FA 240: Art and Culture of China

Introduces students to the artistic and cultural traditions of Imperial China. The visual arts have played different roles and served various functions during China’s long history. In this course, a selection of artworks will be studied in their cultural context: bronzes, jades, ceramics and silk textiles. Special emphasis on the expressive arts of painting and calligraphy. NWC, ART

IS 201: Cultures of India, South, and Southeast Asia

Primitive and archetypal patterns. Indigenous religious patterns. Major attention to the contemporary varieties of Hinduism. Readings in ancient and modern literature. NWC

IS 203, 303: Cultures of Southeast Europe

An exploration of the history, religious and social institutions of the Balkans, a region where the encounter between the cultures of East and West took place that continues to influence our world today. Emphasis on Bulgaria, Greece and the former Yugoslavia. NWC

IS 205, 305: Culture and Politics of the Middle East

Provides an introduction to the cultures and politics of the Middle East. A general survey of historical material will be presented in order to provide the necessary background for understanding major cultural systems such as Islam, Judaism and modern ideologies such as Arab Nationalism, Pan-Arabism and Zionism. An overview of politics, regional conflicts and superpower involvement. NWC

IS 270: Sub-Saharan Africa

This survey course on Sub-Saharan Africa addresses questions relating to economic, political, social and cultural developments. It starts by discussing the role and impact of the Atlantic slave trade and European colonialism. It then examines post-colonial developments by looking at issues such as economic crises, brain drain, education, ethnic conflicts, democratization, gender and health issues, and effects of the current globalization. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or instructor’s permission. NWC

IS 370: Topics: International Law and International Organizations

A study of the historical development, sources and codification of international law, laws of treaties and laws of diplomatic relations. Attention will be given to the role of international and regional organizations in promoting the welfare of the global community, human rights, peace and security. Prerequisite: PS 110.

IS: 370: Contemporary International Problems

This course is an approach to globalization that focuses on issues and problems that affect both developing and Western nations. Topics include global inequality, trade, terrorism, health, population and migration, and the environment. Prerequisites: sophomore standing and a previous course in International Studies, Business and Economics, or History and Political Science. NWC

PS 221, 321: Women in Global Perspective

The political, economic and social position of women on a cross-national basis. Race, class and cultural barriers to the advancement of women. Topics include women in politics, women in business and economics, and various policies affecting women. WS, NWC

Foreign Language Requirement

FRN 218: French and Francophone Culture and Civilization

Critical analysis of French and Francophone culture with emphasis on political, social, economic, intellectual and artistic currents through the reading and discussion of historical and literary texts from the Middle Ages to the present. HWC

SPN 221: Culture and Civilization of Spanish-America

This course will trace the development of Spanish-American civilization from its pre- Columbian periods to the present. The focus will be on the major intellectual, artistic and political attempts at articulating a self-consciously Spanish-American identity. FWC, NWC

Student Learning Goals

1. Recognize and appreciate the historical, economic, political, social, and cultural dimensions of international processes.

Outcomes: Students learning will be demonstrated by the ability to

• understand the various aspects of the current globalization and impact on areas such as trade, finance, diplomacy, foreign policy, development and security worldwide;
• deliver effective oral presentation on any of the above topics or else;
• effectively implement the research process in the major.

2. Effectively acquire and analyze interdisciplinary literature within the major

Outcomes: Acquisition and analysis of interdisciplinary literature will be demonstrated by the student’s ability to

• interpret and synthesize literature;
• critically analyze literature and engage in interdisciplinary scholarly inquiry;
• engage analysis through both qualitative and quantitative methods.

3. Acquire some level of proficiency in a foreign language

Outcomes: Acquisition of proficiency in a foreign language will be demonstrated by the student’s ability to

• understand and communicate effectively;
• immerse her/himself and understand another culture other than her own.