International Studies, B.A.
International Studies is an interdisciplinary program designed to build student expertise in particular world regions and/or about diverse international issues including globalization, diversity, migration, international law, conflict resolution, economic development, environmental policy, and the roles of gender, race, language, and class in international contexts.
The International Studies BA program is oriented to produce individuals competent to understand the interrelated nature of global phenomena and confident in their membership in a community of global citizens. At the same time, each undergraduate specializes in a particular world area or a global theme. Students enrolled in the International Studies BA program will:
1. describe histories, institutions, values, and norms of various cultures;
2. analyze issues from the perspectives of other cultural traditions;
3. apply theories in international studies to interpret current global issues;
4. defend views on international cultures or issues with clear and well-reasoned arguments.
A BA degree in International Studies prepares students for a range of career opportunities in education, government, in non-profit foundations and NGOs, in for-profit entities, and in a wide range of other institutions and enterprises offering services transnationally or otherwise working in global environments.
Major Requirements (39 credits):
1. Core Curriculum (18 credits)
Required Course:
| IS 225 | The World as a Total System | 3 |
and 6 credits from:
| IS 150 | Introduction to International Studies | 3 |
| GEOG 120 | World Regional Geography | 3 |
| HIST 122 | World Civilization II | 3 |
| PS 104 | The World's Political Systems | 3 |
Research Methods Course
| IS 400 | Practicing International Studies | 3 |
and at least 3 credits
from community engagement (IS 300), an experience abroad (IS 360, IS 490, or other) or an internship (IS 450).
Senior Capstone
Students are required to take either IS 498 Research in International Studies or IS 499 International Studies Senior Project.
| IS 498 | Research In International Studies | 3 |
| IS 499 | International Studies Senior Project | 3 |
2. Geographical Areas and Themes in Global Studies (21 Credits)
Students will select 21 credits from one of the programs below, in order to follow one of the following tracks: African Studies (2a), or Global Studies (2a), European Studies (2a), Latin American Studies (2a), Middle Eastern Studies (2a), or Global Studies (2b).
2a. Geographical Area Studies:
Students will take 15 credits in one regional specialization and 6 credits in one global theme, or as approved by the advisor. 9 credits must be at the 300- or 400-level. Not more than 9 credits may come from the same discipline (designator). Courses listed below are for advisory purposes only. Additional courses may be identified with the approval of the advisor.
Africa
| ANTH 416 | Archaeology of Africa | 4 |
| ANTH 424 | Peoples and Cultures of Africa | 4 |
| FR 305 | Introduction to Francophone Literature | 3 |
| FR 315 | Aspects of Francophone Cultures | 3 |
| GEOG 446 | Sub-Saharan Africa | 3 |
| HIST 271 | Introduction to African History and Culture | 3 |
| HIST 376 | History of Africa since 1800 | 3 |
| HIST 432 | History of South Africa | 3 |
| HIST 476 | African History through Film | 3 |
| IS 461 | Topics in African Studies | 3 |
| PHIL 260/AFAM 260 | African Philosophy | 3 |
| PS 421 | Government and Politics of Africa | 3 |
| PS 434 | Government and Politics of the Middle East and North Africa | 3 |
East Asia
Europe
| ENG 365 | The Modern European Novel | 3 |
| FR 304 | Introduction to French Literature | 3 |
| FR 305 | Introduction to Francophone Literature | 3 |
| FR 315 | Aspects of Francophone Cultures | 3 |
| FR 316 | Contemporary France | 3 |
| GEOG 444 | European Union | 3 |
| GEOG 448 | Russia and Neighboring Regions | 3 |
| GER 304 | Introduction to German Literature I | 3 |
| GER 305 | Introduction to German Literature II | 3 |
| GER 316 | German Civilization from 1800 to Present | 3 |
| HIST 234 | Modern Europe | 3 |
| HIST 342 | English History since 1688 | 3 |
| HIST 343 | Modern Ireland: 1690-Present | 3 |
| HIST 344 | History of Modern Germany | 3 |
| HIST 348 | History of Russia II | 3 |
| HIST 356 | History of East Central Europe since 1919 | 3 |
| HIST 380 | Modern Poland | 3 |
| HIST 415 | The Cold War in the United States and Europe | 3 |
| HIST 442 | Absolutism and Enlightenment in Europe | 3 |
| HIST 443 | Revolution and Reformation in Europe | 3 |
| HIST 444 | Mass Politics and Total War in Europe | 3 |
| HIST 447 | History of the Soviet Union | 3 |
| HIST 448 | Stalin and Stalinism | 3 |
| HIST 452 | World War II in Europe | 3 |
| IS 463 | Topics in European Studies | 3 |
| ITAL 304 | Introduction to Italian Literature I | 3 |
| ITAL 305 | Introduction to Italian Literature II | 3 |
| ITAL 316 | Italian Civilization from 1861 to the Present | 3 |
| ITAL 488 | Italian Life and Culture | 3 |
| PHIL 330 | Early Modern Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL 332 | 19th Century Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL 366 | Existentialism | 3 |
| PS 336 | West European Governments | 3 |
| PS 435 | Russian and Eastern Europe | 3 |
| SPAN 304 | Introduction to Spanish Literature I | 3 |
| SPAN 305 | Introduction to Spanish Literature II | 3 |
| SPAN 315 | Spanish Civilization | 3 |
| SPAN 451 | Introduction to Spanish Linguistics | 3 |
Latin America
Middle East
| GEOG 447 | Geographic Perspective on Israel/Palestine | 3 |
| HIST 231 | Ancient Mediterranean World | 3 |
| IS 465 | Topics in Middle East Studies | 3 |
| PS 345 | International Terrorism | 3 |
| PS 370 | Arab Uprisings | 3 |
| PS 434 | Government and Politics of the Middle East and North Africa | 3 |
| PS 439 | U.S. Middle East Policy | 3 |
2b. Global Studies:
Students will take 15 credits in a particular global theme, and 6 credits in one geographical area, or as approved by the advisor. 9 credits must be at the 300- or 400-level. Not more than 9 credits may come from the same discipline (designator). Courses listed below are for advisory purposes only. Additional courses may be identified with the approval of the advisor.
Communication and Diversity in the Global Context
Energy, Resources, and Environment
Governance, Security, and Human Rights
Population, Mobility, and Development
Language Requirement:
The International Studies BA program requires that all students have a level of proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding of a single world language relevant to the Concentration, equal to the completion of the 126-level (226-level for French, Italian, or Spanish). Fulfillment of this requirement will be determined by a CCSU instructor of the language, the Chair of the World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Department, or a CCSU faculty member designated by the Director of International Studies.
Minor Requirement:
A minor is required of this major. International Studies majors are encouraged to minor in a world language relevant to their Concentration, however, any minor may be selected. Double majors are exempt from a minor.
Total Credit Hours: 57