International Studies
International studies is the study of relationships among people and states affected by increasingly permeable borders and facing global issues. The minor in international studies aims to prepare students to be responsible citizens by introducing them to issues of importance in an increasingly interdependent world of global dynamics in politics, economics, ideas, language, and culture. Around the world, international studies programs are preparing students for productive roles in transnational or intergovernmental institutions and in the areas of public policy, governance, business, diplomacy, development, and cultural studies. A goal of the minor is to provide a foundation for students interested in pursuing career opportunities in these areas or in entering graduate programs in international studies.
The minor combines applied and theoretical approaches to international studies and draws from an increasing number of disciplines that are now exploring the descriptive and normative aspects of living in a world impacted by features of globalization. The minor allows students to use the disciplinary methods and materials acquired in their major as a base from which to engage in the necessarily inter- and multidisciplinary course work of international studies. Finally, the minor employs a broad conception of international studies by incorporating the study of politics, economics, philosophy, and political theory (as captured in the core courses) with the complementary study of specific themes (as captured by each of the five tracks).
Although language study is not required per se for the minor, students intending to undertake graduate work in international studies should plan to acquire proficiency in a foreign language, which is a requirement (at the time of admission or graduation) in the most selective programs here and abroad.