An International Studies minor provides an excellent intellectual compliment to traditional academic disciplines. Many students choose to pursue a minor in International Studies to prepare themselves to meet the challenges of the complex and interconnected world of the twenty-first century.

The minor is open to students who submit an acceptable course of study. The Carroll School of Management provides an International Studies minor specifically for CSOM students. Eligible students wishing to declare an IS Minor must do so by the first semester of their Junior year, no later than the last day of drop on or about October 3. Enrollment forms and instructions can be found on this page, downloaded and filled out, and returned to Gasson 109.

University regulations state that students may only double count one course between University core and a minor or one course between student’s major and a minor.

All current and prospective students are encouraged to take advantage of the advisement services offered by the International Studies office.

Curriculum

This interdisciplinary minor is a carefully structured six-course plan of study focused around the students chosen thematic concentration. The five options are:

• International Cooperation and Conflict
• International Political Economy
• Development Studies
• Ethics and International Social Justice
• Global Cultural Studies

The requirements are:

Foundation Course I

• IN 510/PO 510 Globalization - Offered both semesters. It does not have to be the first class taken.
• IN 546 World Politics - Offered spring semester. Students who have already taken IN 500 or PO 501 will not be able to take this as their Foundation I course or as an elective. It does not have to be the first class taken.
  
• PO 501 International Politics - Offered spring semester. It does not have to be the first class taken.

Foundation Course II

Students select one course from the list of foundation courses approved for the student’s chosen Thematic Concentration.

Thematic Concentration Electives

Students select four courses from the list of elective courses approved for their chosen Thematic Concentration. In selecting these courses, students should follow the University’s requirement that the six courses taken for the minor must come from at least three different academic departments. The specific courses approved for each Thematic Concentration are reviewed and updated regularly by the International Studies Program. There is also a seminar open to senior International Studies minors (IN/TH 504), which can be taken as an elective toward their International Studies Minor.

NB: Students wishing to follow Ethics and International Social Justice track must choose electives according to the "Clusters" outlined on our course list.

NB: Students wishing to follow the Global Cultural Studies track must choose electives according to one of the following options: Global Culture and the Humanities option; Global Culture, History, and the Social Sciences options, and Area Studies option. Please Note: In addition, there are "Suitable Clusters" within each of the three options above that the student must follow. Students must select a cluster of courses that are related.

Students who minor in International Studies are encouraged to study abroad, taking courses relevant to their thematic concentration and advancing their knowledge of a foreign language. Students are permitted to count two courses taken abroad toward fulfillment of the electives requirement of the International Studies minor. These courses must be approved in advance by the Director or the Academic Advisor of the International Studies Program.

Freshman and other students considering a minor in International Studies should take a Foundation II course in their desired thematic concentration.

The International Studies Program keeps an up-to-date list of suitable courses for an IS major or minor.