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 all students at any point in their undergraduate study who submits an acceptable course of study. Enrollment forms and instructions can be found on this website and returned to Gasson 109.
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:
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International Cooperation & Conflict
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International Political Economy
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Development Studies
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Ethics and International Social Justice
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Global Cultural Studies
The requirements are:
1. Foundation Course I: IN 510/PO 510 Globalization is required of all Minors.
2. Foundation Course II: Students select one course from the list of foundation courses approved for the student’s chosen Thematic Concentration.
3. 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.
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.
Students are allowed to count one course taken to fulfill the requirements of a major or the university core toward the requirements for an International Studies minor.
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.