A minor program in international studies is designed to stress connections between "classroom" learning and the international experiences as well as to increase program options available to students with an interest in international studies who are planning on going to law school or pursuing a graduate degree in fields such as English, history, legal studies, mass communications, political science, psychology, social services, sociology and Spanish. International studies minors are required to complete 18 credits in four years as is the case in other programs. Students are required to meet with their adviser for course choices ideally toward the end of their sophomore year or the beginning of their junior year.
Course Structure:
Students are required to take a minimum core of requirements within the 18-credit minor program (at least six credits of which are 300-level courses) as follows:
1. Two world language courses: these must be advanced courses at the 200-level or above. In languages without advanced course offerings, two courses in an additional language. The sequence of these courses can be decided with the consent of your adviser. Languages offered include Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese and Japanese.
2. A course on a non-American culture, be it in history, art, comparative literature, anthropology, etc.
Examples include:
- HS 227 Russian Cultural and Intellectual History
- HS 229 The Irish
- HS 235 History of Modern China
- HS 236 History of Modern Japan
- AN 101 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
- AN 201 Cultural Worlds
- AN 337 Non-Western Medicine
- SP 363 20th Century Latin America Fiction
- SP 375 Pre-Columbian America
3. A capstone course in international studies: PO 321 with an international focus is a required course for all students who choose to minor in international studies. For political science majors, substitute PO 311 or PO 331.
4. A course in international business/economics at the introductory or advanced level depending on the student's major concentration.
- EC 220 International Economics
- IB 201 International Business
- IB 280 International Field Experience
- IB 311 International Marketing
- IB 324 International Business Negotiation
- IB 325 International Trade, Investment and Competition
5. A course in geography, philosophy or political science.
Examples are:
- GP 101 Introduction to Geography
- GP 200 Special Topics in Geography
- PL 238 Philosophies of the Future
- PL 265 Living Religions of the World
- PO 211 Introduction to International Relations
- PO 317 International Law
- PO 321 Comparative Politics
In addition, students are encouraged, but not required, to take off-campus studies, either in the form of study abroad or an internship, for example, in Washington, D.C.