Handbook for Majors TABLE OF CONTENTS International Affairs Center Staff ………………………………………………3 The International Studies Major ……………………………………………….4 Major Requirements ……………………………………………….5 Minor in International Studies ……………………………………………….6 Description of Core Courses ……………………………………………….6-7 Study Abroad ……………………………………………….7 Major Electives ……………………………………………….8-9 Departmental Honors ……………………………………………….10 Para Curricular Credit ……………………………………………….10 Cross Registration ……………………………………………….10 Course Schedule ……………………………………………….11 Graduate Studies ……………………………………………….12-13 International Careers ……………………………………………….14 Major Checklist ……………………………………………….15 Scholarships ……………………………………………….16 Program and Activities ……………………………………………….16 External Programs and Fellowships ……………………………………………….17 2 The major is housed in the International Affairs Center. The Center staff includes: Jeanne T. Meadows, Ph.D. Director and Chair, International Studies Office: Cosby, 4th floor, Room 404 404-270-5548 (office) 404/270-5532 (fax) E-mail: [email protected] Ms. Zadie R. Long Senior Administrative Assistant 404-270-5546 404-270-5532 E-mail: [email protected] Meadows at Teotihuacan, Mexico 3 The International Studies Major International Studies is an interdisciplinary field of inquiry that focuses on patterns of interaction in the global community relating to the human condition. The international studies major embarks on a journey that provides comprehensive understanding of the global system from its cultural context to the role of geo-political and geo-economic forces that determine its nature The course of study is heavily concentrated in the areas of sociology, anthropology, political science, economics, geography, and history. The major is consistent with the mission of the college to promote academic excellence and enhance leadership as well as to help students “to appreciate the many cultures of the world and commit to positive social change.” This charge suggests that students must be encouraged to develop skills to function in a global environment. The core beliefs of the major are: 1. The world is becoming more and more interconnected economically, politically, and socially 2. Fundamental trends in the international community can be understood and anticipated 3. Multiple cultural perspectives should be developed and applied in understanding the international community 4. Non-violent dispute resolution is preferable to the use of force These beliefs presuppose: 1. An appreciation of the role of geography and history in the development of culture 2. A deep and abiding belief in the dignity and worth of every human being 3. Acceptance of the desirability of cultural pluralism in the formulation of political and economic institutions International Studies in a Liberal Arts Context The International Studies Major at Spelman is rigorous and focused. The structural integrity is maintained by an oversight committee composed of the major advisor, the Study Abroad Advisor, Chairs of the departments with core courses in the major, and the Chair of World Languages and Literature. The charge of the committee is to ensure that major courses meet stated goals and objectives. Students are required to select courses in a specific issue area or country area, designated as a “track.” Track selection ensures that students acquire a specialized core of knowledge. The first two courses in the major are interdisciplinary. The pedagogical value of these two courses is two pronged. They enable students to become acquainted with theoretical and conceptual frameworks. At the same time they develop a sense of mission for addressing global problems. 4 In many disciplines preparatory courses must be taken before the student becomes eligible to take courses that interest them. The International Studies major is structured so that students learn concepts and frameworks while taking courses that are germane to their interests. Introductory courses provide an overview of the disciplines included in the major. Students are then equipped to select elective courses to gain in-depth knowledge about a specific issue or geographic area. Major Requirements Students should begin the major in the sophomore year. Courses The major consists of 40 credit hours - 20 hours of core courses designed to introduce the concepts and organizing frameworks and 20 hours of elective courses designed to provide competence in a specific geographic or issue area. The elective courses must all be at the 300 level or above. Courses must be selected from two departments at minimum. Core courses: IS 211, Introduction to International Studies IS 212, World Politics History 303, Foundations of the Modern World Economics 324, Economic Development of Emerging Nations or Economics 424, Globalization and Development IS 411, Senior Thesis. Elective courses: These courses must be chosen from the following issue or geographic area: International Development, Cultural Studies, Latin America, Africa, or Asia. Additional Requirements: Economics 241 and Economics 242, Principles of Macroeconomics and Principles of Microeconomics must be taken as a pre-requisite to Economics 324. Students who take Economics 241 only should take Economics 424. Economics 241 is therefore a cognate course for the major. The course may be used to satisfy the Social Science requirement for the College core. Students interested in admission to upper tier graduate or professional schools in International Studies should take both Economics 241 and Economics 242. The International Studies major should successfully complete at least two courses in a foreign language at or above the 300 level. 5 One semester of Study Abroad is required. It is suggested that International Studies majors go abroad during the first semester of the junior year. Students will receive major credit for two electives taken during Study Abroad. International students may be exempt from the Study Abroad requirement. A grade of C or better is required for the successful completion of major courses. Minor in International Studies Students who wish to minor in international studies will complete the following core courses: IS 211, Introduction to International Studies IS 212, World Politics History 303, Foundations of the Modern World Economics 324, Economic Development of Emerging Nations or Economics 424, Globalization and Development Minors must also complete two major electives selected from one track. Electives should be taken from two disciplines. Minors must successfully complete two courses in a foreign language at or above the 300 level. Study Abroad is encouraged but not required for Minors. Description of Core Courses IS 211, Introduction to International Studies This course provides background information on the disciplines included in international studies as well as an introduction to concepts and frameworks used in the analysis of international phenomena. The goal of the course is to increase the ability of students to integrate disciplinary subject matter. The emphasis is two-fold. The first emphasis is spatial geography. The purpose of this emphasis is to provide tools for addressing issues of power and location, economic development, population density and the biosphere. The second emphasis is cultural pluralism interpreted broadly to include social justice and human rights issues – especially the status of women - as well intercultural communication in the global community. IS 212, World Politics: Pre-requisite IS 211 This course builds on the foundation of “Introduction to International Studies.” It focuses on the institutions for international interaction as well as international events that have shaped the international system. It considers the role and impact of actors in the international arena including national political leaders, international organizations, terrorist groups, ethnic groups, and sub-national actors. 6 History 303, Foundations of the Modern World This course examines the interconnectedness of the world beginning in 1400. Beginning with the commercial revolution and the voyages of discovery, the course moves on to examine the scientific revolution, imperialism, the World Wars and post colonialism. Economics 324, Economic Development of Emerging Nations: Pre- requisite- Economics 241 and 242. This course is a comprehensive study of the characteristics and problems of less developed nations, the theory of economic development, the role of the public and private sectors, strategies of development, and the role of the developed nations. Economics 424, Globalization and Development: Pre-requisite – Economics 241. This course is an in-depth investigation of globalization and development from an interdisciplinary perspective of politics, economics, history, sociology, and philosophy with concern for cross-national, cross-community and cross-gender relations and interactions. IS 411. Senior Thesis This course allows the student an opportunity to use primary research to write a research paper. The emphasis is on the incorporation of different frameworks and perspectives in researching the paper topic. Salient international issues are discussed in the course to further emphasize the significance of theoretical frameworks and concepts. The student is encouraged to conduct primary research during the Study Abroad experience. The research paper is submitted to the instructor followed by an in-class oral presentation. STUDY ABROAD It is suggested that majors study abroad during the first semester of the junior year. Students should have a 3.0 cumulative