Why study International Studies at MC?

Globalization is more than a buzzword. It is the future job market, social justice platform, political and economic reality, and cultural context for everyone. Understanding the dynamics of a rapidly changing global landscape is crucial for tomorrow’s leaders and college graduates. The International Studies major at Maryville College is designed to give you knowledge, experience, and confidence needed to be successful and make a difference in a diverse and complex world.

In our program of study, you will obtain advanced language skills, study abroad for a significant period of time, and complete a substantial senior research project. These are competitive advantages that are not required in many programs. You will also participate in the Program for International and Civic Leadership, an innovative new initiative that enhances internships, interdisciplinary course offerings, and extra-curricular activities. International Studies majors can choose between two courses of study: Global Studies focused on economics and politics or Area Studies with expertise in Hispanic or Asian studies.

Photo of Nelida Djassi

Nélida Djassi

Home Country: Cabo Verde

An international student from the Republic of Cabo Verde, an archipelago nation roughly 400 miles off the west coast of Africa, Nélida chose the International Studies major, in part, “because it is fascinating to me to learn about new cultures, new ideas, transitions and how each system works together to build the world we live in.”

With a double minor in Political Science and French, she’s also involved in the College’s Global Citizenship Organization, works part-time at RT Lodge and is a Study Abroad Ambassador. She plans to attend law school after graduation.

“As a Maryville College student, it has been an incredible experience, not just academically but also personally,” she said. “I have learned much more than I initially thought I was going to, from arts to identity relations to politics. Keeping an open mind has helped me build skills and connections, and it is a continuous life preparation. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be a Scot and for meeting incredible people!”

 

Photo of Andrew Kuliasha

Andrew Kuliasha ’21

Currently: Pursuing a Master’s in World History at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia

After earning a Ph.D., Andrew plans to work in either international education at the college level or work as a foreign affairs officer for the U.S. State Department. He credits his Maryville College education for preparing him for graduate school. During his time at MC, he was taught valuable skills such as how to write and communicate effectively.

“The liberal arts education also has given me the ability to look at topics from a variety of angles,” he said. “This ability has let me see the problems more clearly and allowed me to make it more understandable to my peers here at James Madison University.”

 

Scott Henson
Dr. Scott Henson
Associate Professor of Political Science
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Job Placements

United States Department of Defense
Medical Translation
Jacksonville Public Library
Partnership for Families, Children and Adults

Graduate School Placements

University of Technology Sydney Australia
Emory University School of Law
SIT Graduate School
National Intelligence University
University of Tennessee
Sewanee School of Theology

Students successfully completing the program of study will have achieved the following:

  • Develop a global perspective and employ it in an overseas experience
  • Demonstrate sensitivity and responsiveness to the needs of persons of other cultures during an overseas experience and those present in the United States
  • Analyze foreign culture incorporating the analytical tools of social sciences, humanities and the fine arts
  • Analyze international and cross-cultural problems and apply this knowledge during an overseas experience
  • Employ a foreign language or English dialect in an overseas experience

All students in the International Studies Major are required to take the following courses.

Required courses include:

Major and Major-Related Courses

*NOTE: All INT majors should take the INT-section of MCW 400: Senior Year Seminar.

INT 201: Contemporary Global Issues(3 hrs)
SLS 299: Issues in Professional Development(2 hrs)
OVS 203: Cross-Cultural Preparation for Education Abroad(0-1 hrs)
INT 351: Senior Study I(3 hrs)
INT 352: Senior Study II(3 hrs)

One of the following:

INT 316: International Organizations and Law(3 hrs)
Or
INT 317: International Criminal Law and Human Rights(3 hrs)

One of the following

ECN 101: Contemporary Economic Issues(3 hrs)
Or
ECN 201: Principles of Economics(4 hrs)

One of the following:

PLS 211: Comparative Government and Politics(3 hrs)
Or
PLS 212: International Politics(3 hrs)

One of the following

ECN 325: International Trade and Finance(3 hrs)
Or
BUS 329: International Business(3 hrs)

One of the following

REL 212: World Religions(3 hrs)
Or
REL 348: Explorations in the History of Religions(3 hrs)

One of the following:

HIS 333: Studies in Asian History(3 hrs)
HIS 334: Studies in Latin American History(3 hrs)
HIS 335: Studies in African History(3 hrs)
MUS 315: Introduction to Ethnomusicology(3 hrs)

Six hours of foreign language beyond the 100-level (6 hrs.)

Four additional courses with the Global+ designation (12 hrs.)

*NOTE: These four additional GL+ courses must be different than courses used above to satisfy the course requirements in the major. In other words, these four additional courses may include courses listed above (i) if they are designated GL+ AND (ii) if they are not a course already chosen to satisfy that particular requirement for the major.

As indicated above, all students in the International Studies Major must complete two years of a foreign-language=two courses beyond the 100-level general education requirement, or the 6-hour equivalent of advanced language study taken abroad. When English is a second language for the student in the major, the student may be exempt from the foreign language requirement. International students may be exempt from the education abroad requirement upon approval of the division chair.

Courses taken abroad may be substituted for courses that satisfy the above requirements in religion, business, politics, economics, history or advanced language beyond the 200-level up to a maximum of 12 credits. Requires approval of the faculty member designated as the INT Coordinator.

The education abroad requirement will ideally be one full semester or one full year at an institution outside the United States as described under Education Abroad in this Catalog, and will typically take place during the Spring semester of the junior year. The requirement for education abroad can also be met through a single period of study of at least six weeks at an institution outside the United States. The six-week option must be approved by the International Studies Coordinator. Note that International Studies 201 and OVS 203 are prerequisites for all education abroad coursework and study for which academic credit from Maryville College is to be awarded, and that courses taken during education abroad can substitute for major requirements with the permission of the International Studies Coordinator.

Students majoring in International Studies should plan carefully to allow for the required period of education abroad. Education abroad requires scheduling of completion of all on-campus coursework, and anticipation of likely costs related to travel abroad. Suitable substitutions may be available for students who are not eligible to study abroad.

The Minor in International Studies consists of 18 credit hours.

Required courses include:

Minor and Minor-Related Courses

INT 201: Contemporary Global Issues(3 hrs)
Three Global+ designated courses (9 hrs.)
Six hours of foreign language beyond the 100 level, or 6-hour equivalent of advanced language taken abroad (6 hrs.)
Education abroad for a minimum of 6 weeks or completion of the Global Experience requirement of the Global+ Certificate program
*NOTE: If possible, INT minors are encouraged to take the INT-section of MCW 400: Senior Year Seminar.

In addition to required courses for majors and minors, Maryville College students take classes in the Maryville Curriculum, a core program of general education. Consisting of 51 credit hours, the Maryville Curriculum ensures that students see their major in a wider context and develop the basic communication, quantitative, and critical thinking skills that are needed for success in college and career.

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