International Studies

Arnold Schuetz, Director

The international studies program offers an opportunity to learn about foreign cultures, languages, politics, economics, and histories. The curriculum is interdisciplinary in orientation and is designed to introduce students to a variety of important approaches for understanding the international scene. Whether or not students will pursue careers directly related to world affairs, the understanding gained in the program will provide a much broader perspective of the world and the United States's place in it.

All students who wish to obtain a major in international studies must complete the Core Curriculum requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences. The program makes use of additional courses in international studies, agricultural economics, economics, foreign languages, history, political science, and other disciplines.

The major in international studies requires successful completion of 48 semester hours of course work, including the following seven required courses (21 hours):

IS 2055, IS 2056: Introduction to International Studies
ECON 2005, ECON 2006: Principles of Economics
PSCI 3615, PSCI 3616: International Relations
IS 4004: Seminar in International Studies

And the following:
12 hours of a single foreign language at the 3000-4000 level
15 hours of selected courses in one of these options:
(1) General; (2) Development; (3) Business; (4) Environmental Affairs.

The minor in international studies requires successful completion of 18 semester hours of course work, including the following required courses (6 hours):

IS 2055, IS 2056: Introduction to International Studies

The remaining 4 courses (12 semester hours) needed to complete the minor will be chosen from an approved list.

Satisfactory Progress

University policy requires that students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree meet minimum criteria toward the University Core (see "Academics" chapter in this catalog), toward the Arts and Sciences College Core (see first part of this chapter), and toward the degree in international studies.

Satisfactory progress toward the B.A. in international studies requires that:

Upon having attempted 72 semester credits (including transfer, advanced placement, advanced standing, credit by examination, freshman rule), students must have completed the following 6 courses (18 semester hours):

ECON 2005, ECON 2006: Principles of Economics
FL 2105, FL 2106: Intermediate level of a foreign language
IS 2055, IS 2056: Introduction to International Studies

Undergraduate Courses (IS)

2055-2056 (PSCI 2055-2056): WORLD POLITICS AND ECONOMY

Introduction to the study of world politics and political economy. Topics include balance of power, conflict resolution, interdependence, international trade and monetary management, poverty and development, as well as the role of values in world order. (3H,3C) 2055: I; 2056: II.

2964: FIELD STUDY

Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY

Variable credit course.

3115,3116: SELECTED WORLD PROBLEMS

Selected world problems and how they affect various countries. Each semester, a topic will be chosen. (3H,3C) 3115: I; 3116: II.

3944: INTERNATIONAL ENROLLMENT

Participation in an approved study abroad program without direct supervision of the Va Tech faculty but with required enrollment in an approved program of study in a foreign university. (0C) I,II,III,IV,V.

3954: STUDY ABROAD

Variable credit course.

4004: SEMINAR IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

Interdepartmental seminar to synthesize and articulate basic assumptions, theories, and methods of international studies. Senior standing in IS and instructor consent required. (3H,3C) I.

4014: SEMINAR IN GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT

Utilizes development, gender, and social theory to examine the impact of aid programs on communities in the Third World. Analyzes such issues as the impact of development projects in agriculture, natural resources, and employment on the local people, the impact of aid on women; and the policies and administrative structures that direct the world of international development. (3H,3C) II.

4044 (COMM 4044): INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION

Comparative perspectives on global communication systems; problems with the flow of information; roles of international organizations; mass communication and national development; implications for conflict resolution; selected case studies. Senior standing required or instructor consent required. (3H,3C) II.

4964: FIELD STUDY

Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY

Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY

Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

Variable credit course.

Please see the Graduate Catalog for graduate course listings.