2. Complete a minimum of 120 units required for the degree
3. Complete of a minimum of 42 upper division units, including 36 in the major. Note: This leaves an additional 6 upper division units to be completed.
4. Required Coursework:
Required courses for the International Systems requirement include:
- INTS 250 - 3 units- Intro to International Studies
- INTS 396 - 1 unit - UD - International Studies Proseminar
- INTS 498 - 3 units - UD - Senior Capstone Thesis
- ECON 200 - 3 units - Basic Economic Issues –Tier II Individuals and Societies
- POL 202 - 3 units - International Relations – Tier II Inividuals and Societies
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San Miguel Woman photo by Tom Barta |
Required courses for the Functional Track requirement - Applied Political Economy
- POL 202 - 3 units - International Relations
- POL 360 - 3 units - UD - International Political Economy
5. A minimum GPA of 2.0 in each of the three subject areas, as well as a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
6. A maximum of 6 units from Tier II of General Education may be counted in the major. No units from Tier I may be counted in the major. Econ 200 (or Pol 202) is 3 units, which leaves 3 units more that may be applied towards one of the following fields of study, international systems, functional tracks, or language/regional studies.
7. At least one Writing Emphasis course in course work proposed.
8. The coursework in the three fields of study used in the major may not count toward a second degree or double major.
Language and Area Studies:
Sixth-semester proficiency in a foreign language is required for the IDS/IS degree. Our expectation is fluency in that language, and it is wise to develop that level of skill in one language rather than partial ability in two languages. Many IDS/IS majors do become fully proficient in two foreign languages. Those students who enter the program already fluent in a second language are strongly encouraged to pursue a third language, especially if the third is important to the student's area of geographic specialization (for example, Portuguese and Spanish for work in South America). Area studies courses are often taken in the social sciences, humanities, or fine arts.
International Immersion Experience:
It is expected that each IDS/IS major will have an international immersion experience. Normally this is a study abroad experience, but it could also be an international internship, even one conducted in the United States. The IDS/IS Director can assist students in selecting a foreign study experience or in arranging an internship. Some IDS/IS majors have won grants to finance their study abroad. While our program is young, IDS/IS majors have already studied in Russia, Morocco, Japan, Mali, Ghana, China, Mexico, Brazil, Turkey, Argentina, Chile and Venezuela as well as in Western Europe.
Senior Capstone Thesis:
The Capstone Thesis, normally conducted in the student's last semester, should be the culminating and integrative experience for the individualized degree program. A one-credit proseminar, INTS 396a, assists students in developing a thesis topic and in selecting a thesis advisor. For students in The Honors College, INTS 498H is another option. Each senior thesis is presented to an open forum.
Proposals for Double majors and minors in International Studies:
There currently is no minor in International Studies. Since all IDS programs already integrate three different academic fields, there is a logic to restraint on that the creation of a minor. While it is possible to double major in an IDS program and another discipline - three IDS/IS majors are doing so - students should be aware that there is NO overlap of fields. Double-majoring is tantamount to earning two degrees. |
