Interdisciplinary Studies: Concentration in International Studies

The International Studies program gives undergraduate students an opportunity to explore the challenges and opportunities facing the contemporary world from different disciplinary perspectives. This interdisciplinary approach is designed to provide students with the broader range of ideas and skills necessary to analyze and respond to the diverse mix of cultural, economic, and political forces that shape the global community.

The program is valuable for students with career aspirations in a number of fields, including law, journalism, business, public service, and teaching. It is of particular value to people interested in global inter-governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations such as the United Nations and private religious and humanitarian service organizations.

The concentration in International Studies affords students an opportunity to gain an interdisciplinary understanding of some of the most important trends and forces which cut across national borders and regional boundaries. In addition to classroom work, students must engage in participatory activities and earn at least 6 credit hours from study abroad and/or experiential learning abroad.

Requirements for Concentration in International Studies:

I. Required Courses for the major —at least 20 hours including:

One course from:

3 hours from:

A course that produces original research on a topic related to international studies, as determined by the International Studies director

6 hours of modern foreign language at the 300-level or above

Individuals who demonstrate advanced foreign language proficiency as determined by the International Studies director are not required to take the 6 additional hours of modern foreign language. These students must replace the exempted hours with the same number of hours from courses approved by the International Studies director.

II. Critical components of the International Studies concentration:

Critical components of the International Studies concentration are focused study on a specific area of international affairs and international experience. To gain a broader understanding of the contemporary world, students must complete 21 additional hours, with 15 hours from A., and 6 hours from B. Some courses may have prerequisites that are not part of the International Studies major. Appropriate courses may be substituted with the permission of the International Studies director.

A. Areas of Emphasis:

Students are expected to pursue a focused plan of study in international affairs by choosing at least 9 hours from one of the following emphasis areas. The additional 6 credit hours can be chosen from the remaining courses listed, or from other appropriate courses with a modern international focus, as determined by the International Studies director. Students seeking a double major may count only 6 credit hours from the first major toward the INTS concentration.

1. Society and Culture in the Global Community:

2. International Law and Human Rights:

3. Trade and Development:

B. International experience represents a critical component of international studies. Thus students must select one of the following options for six credit hours:

1. 6 hours earned in a UNCA-approved study abroad experience:

These credits must be earned in courses appropriate to the theme of International Studies and must be approved by the INTS director.

2. 6 credit hours from:

INTS 365 - International Experiential Learning Project (3-6)

III. Other concentration requirements:

Major and computer competency is demonstrated through successful completion of 3 hours from a course that produces original research on a topic related to international studies. Oral competency is demonstrated through successful completion of INTS 495 .

Declaration of Major in Interdisciplinary Studies: Concentration in International Studies:

Declaring a major in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in International Studies requires the student to complete a Declaration of Major Form that must be signed by the director. Before declaring a major, a student must satisfy the LANG 120 requirement.