International Studies

Program Overview

International Studies combines courses from various departments to create a broad and interdisciplinary program, with a flexible curriculum that emphasizes the knowledge, analytical and critical skills, dispositions and cultural competencies needed to understand and navigate our contemporary global system. The program offers a major and a minor in international studies, and a global skills certificate. Students can work within the options available, or work with their advisor to develop a path of study that suits their own particular interests or career goals.

We recommend that students pursue a double major, which is entirely feasible without adding to costs and time. Consultation with all advisors is vital to embark on that path. 

Study Abroad

The International Studies program recognizes that studying abroad, working abroad or doing an internship abroad are excellent complements to the major, minor, or certificate programs. They can be rewarding and life-changing experiences. Incorporating study abroad into a student's college experience enhances the value of any academic program. UW-Parkside faculty-led programs, UW-System study abroad programs, and affiliated study abroad programs, once approved, can count toward elective credits in the international studies major. Study abroad programs are coordinated and arranged by the International Student Services directed by Laine Philippa. They can be week-, semester-, or year-long programs.

Preparation for Graduate and Professional Programs

The international studies major provides excellent preparation for individuals interested in international careers, law, business, foreign service, non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, foundations and many more. It also prepares students for working abroad, and for graduate studies in fields such as international relations, development studies, area/regional studies, public policy, international education, journalism or intercultural communication, and many other fields of study and practice.

Internships and Research Fellowships

The program arranges for internships and service learning opportunities in both domestic and international contexts. Summer research fellowships are available through the program on a competitive basis. The center has also developed internships to prepare students for professional careers in international education through administrative experience in study abroad and international student services.

Program Level Outcomes

Learning Goals:

1. Students will be able to understand the world beyond their borders through interdisciplinary frameworks. (KNOWLEDGE)
2. Students will be able to understand how interconnected the world is. (KNOWLEDGE)
3. Students will be able to demonstrate the necessary skills to navigate cultural and national differences in diverse ways (SKILLS)
4. Students will be able cultivate the dispositions to create a meaningful life of solidarity in relation to others’ worldview. (ATTITUDES)
    

Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the major, International Studies students will be able to:

1. Identify major global issues and concepts, comparing and contrasting differences and similarities among regions/countries (Learning Goal I).
   Components
   Students are able to:
   • articulate processes;
   • identify global trends in various areas;
   • analyze global systems;
   • discern economic, cultural, historical, and political similarities and differences.
2. Collect and use data to effectively understand and interpret international issues, analyzing them using concepts and methods from different disciplines (Goals II, III)
   Components
   Students are able to collect data and information from:
   • International agencies;
   • Governments;
   • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOS);
   • Primary sources;
   • Academic sources.
3. Communicate effectively in writing and verbally regarding global and international issues, with critical intercultural perspectives (Goal II)
   Components
   Students are able to:
   • Write all forms of text (papers, reports, press releases, etc.);
   • Make effective presentations (including digital ones).
4. Engage in multiple international and intercultural activities and experiences, appreciate cultural differences, tolerate national ambiguity, and reflect on how their national and cultural identities have been shaped. (Goal III)

Requirements for the International Studies Major (42 credits)

Students majoring in International Studies must complete a total of 42 credits of which 12 credits are introductory or pre-requisite courses. For core and electives courses, please note that every semester, the list is updated, posted or our website and sent to majors. You may request one from the Center for International Studies.

1. Introductory/Foundation Courses (12 credits)
   Introductory courses are required of all majors and provide students with the introductory background knowledge for the wide range of disciplinary perspectives that comprise the International Studies program. In some cases, these courses are required for upper-level work in a discipline that is related to International Studies. Many of these courses also fulfill university general education requirements.
    
   1. Required Course (3 credits)

      INTS 100

      Introduction to International Studies

      3 cr

   2. Elective Courses (9 credits)
      Choose one course from three different groups:
      Many, but not all, of these courses fulfill general education requirements. Consult with your advisor to make sure that you take the appropriate range of general education courses needed. Keep in mind the prerequisites for upper-level courses you anticipate taking in the future.
      
      Group I

      ECON 120	Principles of Microeconomics	3 cr
      ECON 121	Principles of Macroeconomics	3 cr
      POLS 103	Introduction to Comparative Politics	3 cr
      POLS 104	Introduction to International Relations	3 cr

      
      Group II

      GEOG 105	Contemporary Human Geography	3 cr
      GEOG 110	Introduction to Geography: World Regions	3 cr
      GEOS/ INTS 109	Fundamentals of Global Climate Change	3 cr

      
      Group III

      HIST 118	Western Civilization I: From Antiquity to 1300	3 cr
      HIST 126	World History I: From Antiquity to 1300	3 cr
      HIST 128	World History III: From 1800 to the Present	3 cr

      
      Group IV

      LBST 101	Introduction to the Humanities - World Cultures to 1500	3 cr
      LBST 102	Introduction to Humanities - World Cultures 1500-Present	3 cr

      
      Group V

      ANTH 100	Introduction to Anthropology	3 cr
      HIST/ INTS 103	Introduction to Asia	3 cr
      SOCA 101	Introduction to Sociology	3 cr

2. Core Courses (15 credits)
   Core courses provide the broad comparative and global perspective and theoretical background essential to an international studies major.
   1. Group One: Methods Course (3-4 credits)
      When choosing a methods course, be sure to consider the prerequisites for that course. This requirement must be completed prior to taking INTS 495. Note: If taking sociology methods, you must take both SOCA 295 and 300 to meet the requirement.
      
      Choose one course:

      CRMJ 200	Criminal Justice Research Methods	3 cr
      ENGL 266	Literary Analysis	3 cr
      GEOG 300	Geographic Methods	3 cr
      HIST 250	Sources and Methods in History	3 cr
      POLS 200	Research Methods and Sources	4 cr
      PSYC 300	Research Methods in Psychology	3 cr
      QM 210	Business Statistics I	3 cr
      SOCA 250	Statistics for the Social Sciences	4 cr
      SOCA 300	Topics in Data Collection and Analysis	3 cr
      SOCA 303	Program Evaluation	3 cr
      SOCA 307	Survey Methods	3 cr

   2. Group Two: Core Elective Courses (11-12 credits)
      Take a maximum of two courses from any one department.
      Note: the conditional options below ENGL 346 OR ENGL 347; and SOCA 379 OR ANTH 382.

      ANTH/ INTS 210	Cultural Anthropology	3 cr
      ANTH/ INTS 228	Peoples of Southeast Asia	3 cr
      ANTH 312	Anthropology of Language	3 cr
      ANTH 357	Economic Anthropology	3 cr
      ANTH 362	Migration & Immigration	3 cr
      SOCA 329	Social Institutions in Contemporary China	3 cr
      SOCA 382	Environmental Anthropology	3 cr
      OR
      SOCA 379	Society and Environment	3 cr
      COMM 365	Intercultural Communication	3 cr
      COMM 430	Digital & Social Media	3 cr
      COMM 460	Global Media	3 cr
      ECON 308	Economic Development	3 cr
      ECON 402	International Economics	3 cr
      ENGL 112	Women in Literature	3 cr
      ENGL 319	Modern/Contemporary British Literature	3 cr
      ENGL 346	Pre-1800 World Literature	3 cr
      OR
      ENGL/ MODL 347	Post-1800 World Literature	3 cr
      ENGL 358	Film Genres	3 cr
      ENVS 101	Introduction to Environmental Studies	3 cr
      FIN 336	Management of Financial Institutions	3 cr
      FIN 437	International Financial Management	3 cr
      GEOG 108	Culture and Environmental Sustainability	3 cr
      HIST 260/460	International Conflict	3 cr
      HIST 290/490	Special Topics in History (with topics in Classical World to AD300 or East Asia: Ancient to Modern)	3 cr
      HIST 328	History of Britain II: 1603 to Present	3 cr
      HIST 315	History of the Modern Middle East	3 cr
      HIST 318	History of Islam	3 cr
      HIST 319	Arab-Israeli Conflict	3 cr
      INTS 303	Global Skills Practicum: Political and Economic Systems	3 cr
      INTS 304	Global Skills Practicum: Culture and Language	3 cr
      LBST 102	Introduction to Humanities - World Cultures 1500-Present	3 cr
      MGT 446	Global Management	3 cr
      MKT 356	Global Marketing	3 cr
      MODL 191	Culture of Food: The French Case From Croissants to Champagne	3 cr
      MUSI 332	World of Music	3 cr
      POLS 330	European Politics	3 cr
      POLS 331	The Politics of Developing Nations	3 cr
      POLS 335	Popular Music, Human Rights and Democratization	3 cr
      POLS 340	The Latin American Left	3 cr
      POLS 344	African Politics	3 cr
      SMGT 330	Marketing for a Sustainable World	3 cr
      SOCA 354	Class, Status, and Power	3 cr
      SOCA 379	Society and Environment	3 cr
      SPAN 322	Spanish Literature Since 1700	3 cr
      SPAN 335	Spanish-American Literature Since 1700	3 cr

3. Major Elective Course Options (12 credits)
   Elective options allow students to focus on an area of interest within the broad scope of International Studies. A list of currently approved courses for each option is available from your advisor, the Center for International Studies office and the department website. That list may include some of the core elective courses listed above. Students may also propose an individually designed option, subject to approval of the Center for International Studies Steering Committee.
   
   Students are required to complete a minimum of 12 credits in one of the following options. Course taken for these options must be taken from at least two different departments and must be selected in consultation with an international studies major advisor.
   
   Option A - Globalization and Development
   Focuses on the processes of political, economic and cultural changes that accompany globalization and development, with an emphasis on developing nations.
   
   Option B - International Relations
   Focuses on the major interactions among nations, including politics, trade and intercultural communication. Also includes consideration of international organizations and non-governmental organizations.
   
   Option C - Comparative Cultures and Societies
   Focuses on cross-cultural and comparative study of societies and cultures, including the arts, language, literature, politics and social organization.
   
   Option D – International Commerce/Business
   Focuses on commercial and economic relations among nations, from business and economic perspectives.
   
   Senior Seminar (3 Credits):

   INTS 495

   Senior Seminar in International Studies

   3 cr

   Senior Seminar is required of all majors in International Studies, except for those doing a double major who should take it in the other discipline. This capstone course is offered in Spring. Students should take it in their senior year or the Spring before intended graduation (if in December). Students are expected to carry out an original research paper or a professional practical project that caps their studies, especially in the elective option they have selected. The research methods course must be completed prior to taking the Senior Seminar so that students are appropriately equipped to carry out the research required for their senior project. Please, consult with your advisor regarding an appropriate research methods course for your particular option or research project interest soon after declaring your major.

   If you are seeking a double major, you must have consulted with your advisor in the other discipline about doing your Senior Seminar focusing on an international issue or project. Their consent is important to double majoring.
    

Recommended for the International Studies Major

Study abroad or any other experiential learning activity in International Studies is strongly recommended.

Each student planning to major in International Studies must consult regularly with an International Studies faculty advisor to schedule a coherent program consonant with their interests. This is particularly important when selecting elective course options. Students are cautioned to match prerequisite classes with higher level classes within the major.

Languages

Although, International Studies does not have a language requirement, faculty members strongly encourage students to gain additional language competence beyond the introductory level required for graduation. This is critical for students who choose elective course option C (Comparative Cultures and Societies).

Experiential Learning Activities

All majors in International Studies are strongly encouraged to take part in experiential learning in International Studies. This may be accomplished through study abroad, participation in short-term faculty-led study tours, semester or year-long study abroad, working with international students on campus, especially the Parkside International Club, or working/ volunteering with an international agency or a non-governmental organization in the international arena.

Requirements for the International Studies Minor (18 credits)

The international studies minor consists of 18 credits. The following courses are required:

1. Required Course (3 credits)

   INTS 100

   Introduction to International Studies

   3 cr

2. Core Courses (6 credits)
   Choose six credits from two different departments from the list below.

   ANTH 200/ INTS 210	Cultural Anthropology	3 cr
   ANTH 382	Environmental Anthropology	3 cr
   OR
   SOCA 379	Society and Environment	3 cr
   COMM 365	Intercultural Communication	3 cr
   COMM 460	Global Media	3 cr
   ECON 308	Economic Development	3 cr
   ECON 402	International Economics	3 cr
   ENGL 319	Modern and Contemporary British Literature	3 cr
   ENGL 346	Pre-1800 World Literature	3 cr
   OR
   ENGL/ MODL 347	Post-1800 World Literature	3 cr
   ENGL 358	Film Genres	3 cr
   FIN 336	Management of Financial Institutions	3 cr
   FIN 437	International Financial Management	3 cr
   MGT 446	Global Management	3 cr
   MKT 356	Global Marketing	3 cr
   MUSI 332	World of Music	3 cr
   POLS 330	European Politics	3 cr
   POLS 331	The Politics of Developing Nations	3 cr
   POLS 335	Popular Music, Human Rights and Democratization	3 cr
   SMGT 330	Marketing for a Sustainable World	3 cr

3. Elective Course (9 credits)
   Choose three 3-credit courses, in consultation with an International Studies advisor, that meet the requirements from one of the option areas listed below. A list of current approved courses for each of these options is available from your minor advisor, the Center for International Studies office and the department website.
   
   Option A - Globalization and Development
   Focus on the processes of political, economic, and sociocultural change that accompany globalization and development, with an emphasis on developing nations.
   
   Option B - International Relations
   Focus on the major interactions among nations, including politics, trade and intercultural communication. Also includes consideration of international organizations and non- governmental organizations.
   
   Option C - Comparative Cultures and Societies
   Focus on cross-cultural and comparative study of societies and cultures, including the arts, literature, politics and social organization.
   
   Option D - International Commerce
   Focus on commercial and economic relations among nations, including a business perspective as well as national economic policy.

Requirements for the Global Skills Certificate (13 credits)

The certificate in global skills is designed to assist students to understand and appreciate the impact of international affairs on their daily lives. Degree and non-degree students completing the certificate will be expected to value different cultures and political/economic systems, as well as become familiar with the numerous international connections that exist between countries through trade, diplomacy, international organizations and communication technology. Students are strongly encouraged to keep in mind that both core and options classes may have prerequisites.

1. Required Courses (7 credits)

   INTS 100	Introduction to International Studies	3 cr
   INTS 301	Global Skills Practicum: Basic Global Skills	1 cr
   INTS 302	Global Skills Practicum: Perspectives on Globalization	1 cr
   INTS 303	Global Skills Practicum: Political and Economic Systems	1 cr
   INTS 304	Global Skills Practicum: Culture and Language	1 cr

2. Core Course (3 credits)
   Choose one:

   ANTH/ INTS 210	Cultural Anthropology	3 cr
   ANTH/ INTS 228	Peoples of Southeast Asia	3 cr
   ANTH 312	Anthropology of Language	3 cr
   ANTH 357	Livelihoods, Exchange, and Globalization	3 cr
   ANTH 362	Migration and Immigration	3 cr
   ANTH 382	Environmental Anthropology	3 cr
   COMM 365	Intercultural Communication	3 cr
   COMM 460	Global Media	3 cr
   ECON 308	Economic Development	3 cr
   ECON 402	International Economics	3 cr
   ENGL 346	Pre-1800 World Literature	3 cr
   OR
   ENGL 347	Post-1800 World Literature	3 cr
   ENGL 358	Film Genres	3 cr
   FIN 437	International Financial Management	3 cr
   GEOG 108	Culture and Environmental Sustainability	3 cr
   MGT 446	Global Management	3 cr
   MKT 356	Global Marketing	3 cr
   MUSI 332	World of Music	3 cr
   POLS 330	European Politics	3 cr
   POLS 331	The Politics of Developing Nations	3 cr
   POLS 335	Popular Music, Human Rights and Democratization	3 cr
   SMGT 330	Marketing for a Sustainable World	3 cr
   SOCA 379	Society and Environment	3 cr

3. Elective Course Option (3 credits)
   Choose one course in consultation with an International Studies advisor that meets the requirements for one of the options below. A list of currently approved courses for each option is available from your advisor, the Center for International Studies office and the department website.
   
   Option A - Globalization and Development
   Focus on the processes of political, economic and socio-cultural change that accompany globalization and development, with an emphasis on developing nations.
   
   Option B - International Relations
   Focus on the major interactions among nations, including politics, trade and intercultural communication. Also includes consideration of international organizations and non-governmental organizations.
   
   Option C - Comparative Cultures and Societies
   Focus on cross-cultural and comparative study of societies and cultures, including the arts, language, literature, politics and social organization.
   
   Option D – International Commerce
   Focus on commercial and economic relations among nations, including a business perspective as well as national economic policy.

Courses in International Studies (INTS)

 
Graduate Courses