INTERNATIONAL STUDIES (INST)

Professor: Larson (Coordinator)

The major is designed to integrate an understanding of the changing social, political, and historical environment of Europe today with study of Europe in its relations to the rest of the world, particularly the United States. It stresses the international relations of the North Atlantic community and offers the student opportunity to emphasize either European studies or international relations. The program provides multiple perspectives on the cultural traits that shape popular attitudes and institutions. Study of a single country is included as a data-base for comparisons, and study of its language as a basis for direct communication with its people.  

The program is intended to prepare a student either for graduate study or for careers which have an international component. International obligations are increasingly assumed by government agencies and a wide range of business, social, religious, and educational organizations. Opportunities are found in the fields of journalism, publishing, communications, trade, banking, advertising, management, and tourism. The program also offers flexible career preparation in a variety of essential skills, such as research, data analysis, report writing, language skills, and the awareness necessary for dealing with people and institutions of another culture. Preparation for related careers can be obtained through the guided selection of courses outside the major in the areas of business, economics, foreign languages and literatures, government, history, and international relations or through a second major. Students should design their programs in consultation with members of the Committee on International Studies. 

Students interested in teacher certification should refer to the Department of Education on page 133. By completing a major in the foreign languages (five or more courses) and the education program, students can be certified to teach that language. 

The International Studies program also encourages participation in study abroad programs such as the affiliate programs in England, France and Spain on page 66, as well as the Washington and United Nations semesters. 

The following course, when scheduled as a W course, counts toward the writing intensive requirement: INST 449.   

The major consists of 11 courses including INST 449 plus the following:  

International Relations Courses - Four or two courses (if two, then four must be taken from Area Courses). Courses within this group are designed to provide a basic understanding of the international system and of Europe’s relations with the rest of the world.  PSCI 225 is required.

PSCI 225         International Relations

ECON 343      International Trade

HIST 320         European Diplomatic History

PSCI 439         American Foreign Policy  

Area Courses - Four or two courses (if two, then four must be taken from International Relations Courses). Courses within this group are designed to provide a basic understanding of the European political, social, and economic environment. HIST 116 and ECON 240 are required.  

HIST 116         Western Civilization II

ECON 240      Economic Geography

PSCI 221         Comparative Politics and Geography

HIST 218         Europe in the Era of the World Wars

HIST 219         Contemporary Europe  

National Courses

Language - Two courses in one language.  

FRN 221, plus one course numbered 222 or above (except 311)

GERM 221, plus one course numbered 222 or above

SPAN 221, plus one course numbered 222 or above (except 311)  

Country - One course. The student must select, according to his or her language preparation, one European country which will serve as a social interest area throughout the program. The country selected will serve as the base for individual projects in the major courses wherever possible.  

France              FRN 311         Modern France

Germany          HIST N80        Topics in German History

Spain                SPAN 311       Hispanic Culture  

Elective Course -One course which should involve further study of some aspect of the program. Appropriate courses are any area or international relations courses not yet taken; HIST 115, 215; PSCI 327; related foreign literature courses counting toward the fine arts requirement and internships.  

449

SENIOR SEMINAR

A one-semester seminar, taken in the senior year, in which students and several faculty members will pursue an integrative topic in the field of international studies. Students will work to some extent independently. Guest speakers will be invited. The seminar will be open to qualified persons from outside the major and the College. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.