Integrated International Studies

Major

Program Committee

Michael Schneider, History, co-chair
Robert Seibert, Political Science, co-chair
Roy Andersen, Economics
Nancy Eberhardt, Anthropology/Sociology
Timothy Foster, Modern Languages
Karen Kampwirth, Political Science
Robin Ragan, Modern Languages

Integrated International Studies (IIS) is an interdisciplinary major that provides strong educational preparation for those interested in understanding or participating in the international or global system. Students in this program acquire sophisticated perspectives on the structure and processes of the contemporary global system and develop skills of analysis and communication to support their professional engagement internationally.

The major integrates theories of modern social science and history with the practical mastery of foreign language(s) and cultures. Students are required to complete a set of core courses that introduce broad global themes; develop language skills to a functional level including conversational ability; apply the languages in classroom and non-classroom contexts; complete a geographic area specialization; and study or work abroad.

The departmental curriculum contributes to the College's Key Competency Requirements as follows:

• Writing Key Competency - PS 314 and 315, 300-level History courses, and advanced social science courses in other departments serve as writing-intensive courses for majors
• Speaking Key Competency - PS 315 and 210 language courses serve as speaking-intensive courses for majors
• Information Literacy and Informed Use of Technology - Students majoring in IIS are expected to demonstrate mastery of the techniques of contemporary information technology; including the intelligent use of the internet, presentation software, statistical procedures, and maps and languages. The required core courses in this major all address these technologies.

Departmental Learning Goals

Students completing a major in Integrated International Studies will be able to:

1. Describe key features of “globalization” and identify their impact in specific contemporary international and local contexts
2. Cultivate college-level competence in a foreign language and be able to employ their skills to navigate in cultural settings outside of the United States
3. Design and implement a research project using interdisciplinary social analysis to analyze contemporary global systems and processes

Requirements for the Major

Integrated International Studies Course Descriptions