International Studies
Overview
The international studies program offers an opportunity to learn about foreign cultures, languages, politics, economics, and history. 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 Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. The program makes use of additional courses in international studies, 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 2054: Intro. to World Politics
IS 2064: Global Economy and World Politics
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) World Politics and Policy; (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 2054: Intro. to World Politics
IS 2064: Global Economy and World Politics
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 Curriculum for Liberal Education as amended for International Studies, 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 2054: Intro. to World Politics
IS 2064: Global Economy and World Politics
Students must also maintain an in-major GPA of 2.0.
Undergraduate Courses (IS)
2054 (GEOG 2054) (PSCI 2054): INTRODUCTION TO WORLD POLITICS
An introduction to the prevalent methods and theories in the study of world politics. Topics include: historical context of contemporary world politics, global actors and power relations, international conflict and conflict resolution, international systems, interdependence, trade and international law and prospects for global governance. (3H,3C)
2064 (GEOG 2064) (PSCI 2064): THE GLOBAL ECONOMY AND WORLD POLITICS
An introduction to the interaction of politics and economics power and wealth, within the world political economy. Topics include: the international financial system, the dynamics and principles of trade, and the role of transnational firms, as well as issues of environmental protections, sustainable development, and the distribution of wealth and power. (3H,3C)
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. I,II,III,IV,V (0C)
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. I (3H,3C)
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. II (3H,3C)
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)
4754: INTERNSHIP
Variable credit course.
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.
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