Department of International Studies

International Studies Program

The International Studies Program offers to students an opportunity to expand their cultural, linguistic, and social horizons beyond their own local experience. As the world becomes increasingly interdependent it demands of all of us an expanded knowledge of other people, their social and political institutions, and their culture. The program leads to a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. There is no Bachelor of Science option. A Minor in International Studies is also available.

The International Studies Program encourages students to develop a general understanding of language, culture, economics, and politics while simultaneously offering the opportunity to specialize in one of three areas:

  1. Political and Economic Development
  2. Language, Literature, and Culture
  3. The United States and World Affairs

Bachelor of Arts in International Studies

Admission Requirements

For final admission to status as a major in the International Studies Program, a student must have completed:

  1. General Education Objectives 1, 2, and 3, a minimum of eight(8) credits of a foreign language (or demonstrated equivalent).
  2. POLS 2221 - Introduction to International Relations (with at least a C grade).
  3. A minimum of 24 credit hours with at least a 2.25 grade point average.
  4. A signed agreement with the International Studies Program Director for advising.

Program Requirements

The following courses may be taken as part of the general education requirements of the University:

  1. Sixteen (16) credits of a modern foreign language or the equivalent demonstrated competency. The languages offered at Idaho State University are Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian, Shoshoni, and Spanish.
  2. ECON 2201 - Principles of Macroeconomics (3 credits).

Major Requirements

The major in International Studies, in addition to the general requirements stated above, requires thirty-seven (37) credits distributed in the following categories:

  1. Required Courses
  2. Areas of Concentration
  3. Electives

Required Courses - nine (9) credits:

Areas of Concentration - eighteen (18) credits

Students must complete eighteen (18) credits to be chosen from within one of the following areas of concentration.

Political and Economic Development

This area of concentration has as its focus issues of political and economic development in those parts of the world which at once seek the possibility of change and are threatened by change. Eighteen (18) credits are to be selected from the following list and approved by your advisor. No more than twelve (12) of these required credits are to be taken from any one department's offerings.

Language, Literature, and Culture

This area of concentration is for those wishing to study the language, literature, and culture of societies other than the United States. It is limited to concentrations in French, German, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish. No more than twelve (12) of the required eighteen (18) credits may be taken from the offerings of a single department.

The United States and World Affairs

This area of concentration is for those students whose primary interest is in American foreign policy and national security affairs. No more than twelve (12) of the required eighteen (18) credits may be taken from the offering of a single department.

Electives

Ten (10) credits to be selected from either courses listed in the Areas of Concentration and not taken to fulfill the requirements for one of those Concentration; or the courses listed below; or a mixture of Concentration courses and those listed here.

Minor in International Studies

General Requirements

  1. Eight (8) credits in a foreign language or the equivalent demonstrated competency.
  2. ECON 2201 - Principles of Macroeconomics (3 credits)

Minor Requirements

In addition to the general requirements, students wishing to minor in International Studies must complete twenty-three (23) credits as detailed under Required Courses and Elective below.

Required Courses

Electives

Eighteen (18) credits selected from any of the courses listed in Required Courses, Areas of Concentration, and Electives under Major Requirements.


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