International Studies, BA

Program Description

The international studies major offers students the opportunity to study international politics, economics, culture, and society. The major encourages intensive study of a foreign language with an interdisciplinary curriculum of study chosen by a student in consultation with a faculty advisor.

The Bachelor of Arts degree program in International Studies consists of three parts: three years of study of one foreign language; the major core courses, which include introductory work in art history, economics, geography, history, political science, religion, and women, gender, and sexuality studies; and work in a specialized concentration.

The specialized concentrations in the International Studies major provide six options: International Diplomacy and Peace Studies, Regional Studies (African Studies, Asian Studies, European Studies, Latin American Studies, or Middle Eastern Studies), Comparative Cultures, International Economics, Global Gender Studies, and Research/Intelligence Analysis.

The International Diplomacy and Peace Studies concentration includes courses in Political Science, Communication, and History. The African Studies, Asian Studies, European Studies, Latin American Studies, and Middle Eastern Studies concentrations allow students to focus on a global region and include classes in Anthropology, History, Humanities, and Political Science. The Comparative Cultures concentration includes courses from Anthropology, Classics, English, History, Humanities, Philosophy, and Religion. The International Economics concentration focuses on global economic concerns, with supporting course work in History, Political Science, and Sociology. The Global Gender Studies concentration incorporates a gender-analysis approach to diplomacy, area studies, comparative cultures, and international economics. The Research/Intelligence concentration combines course work in research methods, ethics, and a variety of disciplines to assist those interested in international affairs to work in data analysis.

Study abroad opportunities in Australia, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malta, New Zealand, Scotland, Spain, Thailand, and elsewhere are available through the University Studies Abroad Consortium, of which Wright State is a member. Study abroad and cultural exchange can be arranged through the University Center for International Education.

Although studying abroad is not a requirement for an international studies degree, students will find that it will greatly enrich their educational experience, as will exposure to a foreign culture and peoples. For adequate language preparation, students interested in studying abroad should design their course of study well in advance of their trip.

Students interested in careers in government, international business, teaching, or journalism should contact the director of the international studies major. The major also provides sound preparation for students interested in graduate work in law, the humanities, or the social sciences.

Admission Requirements

Currently admitted to Wright State University

Program Learning Objectives

Students enrolled in the International Studies program will learn to

Demonstrate an understanding of the value of diversity and multicultural competence in today’s global environment.
Communicate effectively in writing.
Use critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate global political, economic, or social issues.

Program Learning Outcomes

As a result of their learning experience, graduates of the International Studies program can

Demonstrate an understanding of the value of diversity and multicultural competence in today’s global environment.
Communicate effectively in writing.
Use critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate global political, economic, or social issues.

International Studies Honors Program

Departmental honors in international studies are awarded upon graduation to qualified international studies majors who carry out independent research under the guidance of a faculty sponsor or for an advanced, limited enrollment seminar in any discipline in which they have had significant coursework and who complete an honors thesis with a grade of A or B. Juniors with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 (and 3.5 in the major) should contact the program director about this opportunity and its requirements.

For More Information

Program Requirements:

I. Wright State Core: 38 Hours

Element 1: Communication Credit Hour(s): 6
Element 2: Mathematics Credit Hour(s): 3
Element 3: Global Traditions Credit Hour(s): 6
Element 4: Arts and Humanities Credit Hour(s): 3
Element 5: Social Sciences Credit Hour(s): 6
Element 6: Natural Sciences Credit Hour(s): 8
Additional Core Courses Credit Hour(s): 6

LA 1020 - First-Year Seminar in Liberal Arts Credit Hour(s): 3

III. Related Requirements: 6 Hours

You are encouraged to take a third year of language either at WSU, through SOCHE, or Study Abroad.

2 courses in foreign language at the 3000 level or above or
2 courses in a second foreign language offered at WSU (1000-2000 level or above) or
demonstrated proficiency

If you are unable to complete a third year of language, you may choose instead to take 6 additional credit hours in your selected concentration.

IV. Major Concentration - must select one: 21 hours

Check with your advisor for other courses that might be acceptable within your concentration. Courses marked as Special Topics, Studies, Seminar, etc. must be relevant to the concentration.

Instead of a third year of foreign language, you may take 6 additional credit hours in your selected concentration.