B.A. in International Studies
Description
The B.A. in international studies is an interdisciplinary curriculum that allows students to systematically study other peoples, their histories, cultures, politics, and economies. In addition to a regional focus (East Asia, Europe, or Latin America), Croft students select a thematic concentration on one of the following: global economics and business, international peace and security, politics and economics in transition, or social and cultural identity.
Croft students pursue advanced proficiency in a foreign language as an integral part of their studies. Accelerated language programs are currently available in Chinese, French, and Spanish. Students may also choose to study Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Russian.
A degree from Croft can lead to a career in law, international business, journalism, or education and research, to employment with agencies such as the U.S. Foreign Service, and the United Nations, or to work in the non-profit sector, non-governmental organizations, and the intelligence community.
Minimum Total Credit Hours: 124
General Education Requirements
The general education/core curriculum requirements for this program are those defined by the College of Liberal Arts. All international studies majors are to fulfill their social sciences distribution requirements by taking Econ 202 and Econ 203.
Course Requirements
A major in international studies for the B.A. degree consists of 42 semester hours, including Inst 101, three 3-hour core courses, 12 hours of additional course work in one geographic region, 12 hours in a single specialization module, Inst 421 and Inst 422. With the exception of certain students who have already studied for periods of a semester or more in their geographic region of concentration, all students must spend at least one semester in an approved study abroad program. Students also must demonstrate language competency by means of a proficiency exam selected and facilitated by the institute.
A. Introductory course (3 credit hours)—one course Inst 101 Introduction to International Studies B. Core courses (9 credit hours)—three courses Inst 203 East Asia Inst 205 Europe Inst 207 Latin America C. Regional courses (12 hours)—four additional approved courses in one geographic region D. Specialization courses (12 hours)—four approved courses drawn from one of the following areas: • Global economics and business • International governance • International peace and security • Political and economic transitions • Social and cultural identity E. Senior thesis (6 credit hours)—two courses Inst 421 Research Seminar I Inst 422 Research Seminar II
Other Academic Requirements
Beginning with the fall 2006 semester, a minimum grade of C is required in the 42 hours of graded course work required by the international studies major.
The international studies major requires no minor.