International and Area Studies

Professor: Dugas (Director)

This program is designed for students who have strong international interests and wish to pursue these interests systematically in their academic studies. The program in international and area studies reflects the College''s belief that three kinds of skills and knowledge are essential for international understanding. The first of these is the ability to analyze issues that are global—issues that pertain to the interrelationships among the peoples of the world. The second is skill in making explicit, systematic comparisons between dimensions of social or cultural life in two or more societies, as well as acquiring the special kinds of insights resulting from such comparative analysis. The third is in-depth knowledge of a particular area of the world—its geography, history, culture, and/or institutions. These areas may be a nation, a subcontinent, or a continent.

With the proper mix of courses providing global/comparative and area experiences, mastery of a foreign language, study abroad, experiences in international cocurricular activities, the two required IAST courses (for majors), internationally-oriented Career and Professional Development and SIP, students majoring in international and area studies will be well prepared to live in and to make sense of the interdependent system of nations and regions that make up the modern world. They will also have received a solid foundation for graduate study and/or further training for careers in the international sphere.

The program in international and area studies is open to all students.

In addition to meeting formal requirements, majors are urged to consider international Career and Professional Development internships as well as SIPs in consultation with the Career and Professional Development Center.