Curriculum

The International Studies major combines experiential learning with a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of international economics, international relations, development and underdevelopment. Students majoring in international studies are required to take POLS 30 Issues Before the United Nations and have advanced foreign language skills and off-campus experience.

Interdisciplinary and individualized, the international studies major is designed by the student, and supervised by the International Studies Advisory Committee (ISAC) which aims to ensure quality and congruity in each student's program.

To apply for admission into the program, a student will typically submit a major proposal, choose a geographic area of concentration as well as a substantive field of emphasis-such as international development, international relations, international trade and business-and identify three faculty members who are most knowledgeable in the student's selected field. They will help select 24 semester hours of upper-level courses from various disciplines that are congruent with the student's chosen area of interest, and see to the implementation of the academic program.

One emphasis and strength of the major is on the use of a foreign language across the curriculum. The advanced language requirement thus assures that by the time the majors start the upper-level courses in their field of emphasis, they shall be able to use materials in languages other than English as part of their coursework. The majors must demonstrate that they not only understand the world, but can communicate with it.

Off-Campus Study

With few exceptions, international studies majors participate in a study abroad program that is related to their field of concentration, so that they are immersed in a different culture while developing their Chinese, Japanese , German , French , or Spanish language skills. While studying abroad, many students have the opportunity to complete an internship in their specific area of interest.

After Earlham

Recent program graduates have obtained Fullbright scholarships to study abroad. Others have served as officer and program assistant in the Asia Foundation and Japan Society, still others have worked in the Peace Corps and as human rights monitors. Graduates have also pursued graduate studies as diverse as Law, City Planning and Public Administration.