International Studies (Minor)
The international studies minor provides an interdisciplinary examination of cultures and societies outside the United States as well as an exploration of political, economic, social, and cultural interconnections among nation states, nongovernmental organizations, and ethnic and religious groups around the world. International studies coursework is combined with language study, study abroad, and a presentation of the capstone thesis to include 15 credits plus study abroad and language. Please see Graduation Honors for information about counting study abroad credits toward graduation honors.
Minor Requirements
Twelve (12) elective credits outside the required coursework for the student's major, in at least three different disciplines, from the following:
| ECO 211 | Principles of Macroeconomics * | 3 |
| ECO 485 | International Economics | 3 |
| EN 182 | The Movie or the Book? Narrative Adaptation in the Cinema * | 3 |
| FR 303 | Topics in French Civilization | 3 |
| HI 311 | Modern European History: 1914 to the Present * | 3 |
| IS 421 | Project | 1 |
| IT 110 | Information Technology in the Global Age | 3 |
| MGT 385 | International Business | 3 |
| MKT 485 | International Marketing | 3 |
| PH 365 | Asian Philosophy * | 3 |
| POL 102 | International Relations * | 3 |
| POL 103 | Comparative Politics * | 3 |
| POL 240 | Global Security * | 3 |
| POL 241 | Global Political Economy * | 3 |
| POL 380 | Politics of Latin America * | 3 |
| POL 381 | Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa * | 3 |
| POL 382 | Politics of Western Europe * | 3 |
| POL 385 | Politics of South Asia * | 3 |
| POL 386 | Politics of East Asia * | 3 |
| PSY 325 | Cultural Psychology * | 3 |
| SOC 151 | Cultural Diversity * | 3 |
| SOC 365 | Gender Inequality in Global Perspective * | 3 |
| SOC 375 | Topics in Human Rights * | 3 |
| SOC 385 | Global Inequality and Community Development * | 3 |
| SP 303 | Topics in Spanish Civilization and Culture | 3 |
| TRS 202 | Religions of the World * | 3 |
| TRS 325 | Religious Approaches to Death * | 3 |
| TRS 345 | Buddhist Traditions | 3 |
Language
Students must show a level of skill in a non-native language equivalent to the successful completion of a second-semester college-level language course. There are two different ways to meet the requirement:
- Complete six (6) credits of college-level coursework at the elementary level, which may include courses combining language and culture, or complete three (3) credits of college-level foreign language at the intermediate level. AP, IB, and CLEP equivalencies are accepted.
- Receive a waiver from a faculty member of the International Studies Steering Committee. Waivers will be granted when a student can show knowledge of a language equivalent to two semesters of college-level work either in a proctored exam or with a transcript showing prior schooling in a language other than English.
Study Abroad
Students must have a minimum of three (3) credits in a study abroad program approved by the Center for Global Engagement. A full semester abroad is strongly recommended. Students with substantial experience living outside the United States may request a waiver from a faculty member or the International Studies Steering Committee.
With the approval of the International Studies Steering Committee, up to three (3) credits of a language course may count toward the elective requirement.
With the approval of the International Studies Steering Committee, courses taken during an approved study abroad program may count as international studies electives provided they cover international studies, broadly defined.