International Studies

Introduction

The International Studies major is an interdisciplinary program drawing on three social science departments for its core courses (economics, history, and political science) and on both humanities and social science departments for the geographical area concentration and other electives. Students interested in pursuing and International Studies major are encouraged to consult with the department chair, Prof. Russell Bova.

Advice Students interested in the major should try to enroll in POLSC 170 International Relations, and ECON 111 Introduction to Microeconomics, as well as a foreign language appropriate to the area of geographical concentration.  See www.dickinson.edu/bulletin/internat.html for more information on the major and course descriptions.

Suggested curricular flow through the IS major:

The IS major was designed around the expectation that all of our majors would spend a year abroad. As a result, we developed the coursework so that it is easily accomplished by a student wishing to spend a year abroad as long as a few guidelines are followed. Students not following these guidelines may still be able to study for a year abroad and still complete the major, but will face a more demanding senior year. Many students who do study abroad for a year are able to complete both the IS major and a language major or language minor, due to the overlap in these programs of study.

The guidelines below are written for the entering student who knows he or she wants to major in IS. Rather than tell you specific courses that you “must” have in a given semester, the following are general guidelines regarding courses that we suggest you take during each year. You should think of these guidelines as giving you a fast track into the major – this provides maximum flexibility in your junior and senior year.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact an IS faculty member for clarification.

 

FRESHMAN YEAR:

 

Language:

  • If beginning a new language, start in the first semester at Dickinson if at all possible.
  • If continuing in a language, it is probably best to continue in the first semester so that your ability with the language does not decline appreciably due to lack of use.

 

Core Political Science, Economics, and History classes (6 classes):

  • To make the most of your abroad experience, we recommend you complete these 6 classes prior to going abroad.
  • During the freshman year you should complete POLSC 170 (International Relations) and ECON 111 (Microeconomics).

 

SOPHOMORE YEAR:

 

Language:

  • Continue language classes in order to satisfy the requirements of the specific overseas program you are interested in pursuing.

 

Core Political Science, Economics, and History classes (6 classes):

We recommend the remaining core political science, economics, and history classes be completed during the sophomore year (prior to your study abroad). The following guidelines should prove useful.

  • ECON 112 (Macroeconomics) has ECON 111 as a prerequisite. The instructor teaching ECON 112 may waive this prerequisite for those concurrently enrolled in ECON 111 and ECON 112.
  • IB&M 200 (Global economy) has ECON 111 and 112 as prerequisites. It is possible, but not recommended, to be concurrently enrolled in ECON 112 and IB&M 200.
  • POLSC 280 (American Foreign Policy) has POLSC 170 as a prerequisite.
  • Diplomatic History may be fulfilled in several different ways during this year.

 

JUNIOR YEAR:

We strongly encourage all students to spend a year abroad in order to obtain the greatest benefit from their experience. We believe that the optimal experience is a year abroad because it provides sufficient time to completely immerse yourself in another culture. It is easy to continue working on the IS major during this year. Since this may occur literally anywhere in the world, you will need to discuss your plans with your major advisor prior to going abroad (you will have chosen your IS advisor prior to going abroad). Your advisor will be able to advise you regarding how the specific courses available at your location fit into the IS curriculum. The following guidelines are typical of what is accomplished in the year abroad:

  • The language requirements for the major are completed in the foreign location, if they have not already been completed at Dickinson. Many students studying abroad continue taking language courses during this year and complete majors or minors in that language.
  • Students typically complete the majority of their 5 general electives during this year.
  • If studying in Bologna, you may take ECON 248 (World Economy) rather than IB&M 200 (Global Economy). You will not receive course credit for ECON 248 if you have already completed IB&M 200.

 

SENIOR YEAR:

·        Seniors take INTST 401 (Senior Seminar) and the two semester sequence (1/2 credit

each semester) INTST 402-403 (Integrated Study) which culminates in the IS Oral Exam at the

end of the spring semester.

Courses that fulfill Distribution Requirements Many of the courses in the major can serve as distribution requirements. In this way, the major offers an organizing theme for the selection of College requirements.

Other Courses  Courses for the major may also serve a second major in one of the core disciplines or in the language of the geographic area.

Refer to the department Web page www.dickinson.edu/departments/intst/.

Note: With the exception of courses taken abroad in non-Dickinson programs, no course required for the major can be taken pass/fail.

Opportunities for Off-Campus Study  Majors are strongly encouraged to study abroad in the area of their geographical concentration, but study abroad is not a requirement. Students should consult with the Director of International Studies and with the Dean of International Education.

Senior Oral Examination  One especially challenging part of the major is the comprehensive oral examination at the end of the senior year. The exam lasts one hour, and involves questions relating to all four components of the International Studies Program.

Advising: All International Studies majors should select an academic advisor from the core departmental faculty. In 2005-2006 these include Professors Bova, Stuart and Fratantuono. Any questions or problems in identifying an appropriate advisor should be directed to the department chair.

Careers: Many International Studies majors pursue careers in International Business, International Banking and International Law. Recent graduates have also gone into government service in the State Department, the Commerce Department, the Department of Defense; into graduate schools at Yale, Columbia, Princeton and Harvard; and into professional schools throughout the country.

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Updated November 15, 2005