International Studies Home Page

MISSION STATEMENT

The International Studies major at Augustana College seeks to impart to students a thorough understanding of various regions and countries outside the United States and to increase their awareness of the wider aspects of globalization. It assists students in developing a sense of international literacy and in assuming roles of service and leadership in the global community by offering them a carefully constructed blend of preparatory courses. The major contains core background courses and a broader set of electives that include history, politics, economics, culture, religion, art, literature and foreign languages. A mandatory study abroad experience completes the major.

THE COMPOSITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL STUDIES MAJOR

The International Studies (IS) major is interdisciplinary and includes a number of courses from a range of academic fields. The major is designed to be complementary to other majors, and can thus be earned only as a second major. In other words, it may not be a student's sole major. The IS major stresses a core background in aspects of world history, cultures, religions, and foreign language proficiency as well as a broader set of elective coursework. The IS major also requires that students spend at least one semester studying overseas. For a detailed list of course requirements, print a copy of the checklist.

POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES MAJORS

Combining a primary major with a second major in International Studies allows students to gain a broader international perspective. This perspective is especially developed by participating in a study abroad program. Former US Education Secretary Richard Riley stated:

"Many more American college students need to see the world with a new set of eyes. And the best way for them to see the world as it really is, is to study overseas." Quoted in McQueen, Anjetta. "Educators urge more study abroad for U.S. students." Star Tribune. (June 11, 2000): E4.

Students wishing to pursue careers in the Foreign Service, the Peace Corps, intelligence agencies, international organizations, multinational corporations, non-governmental "think tanks" or foundations, religious organizations with international programs, and university teaching should strongly consider majoring in International Studies.

ESSENTIAL LINKS

• International Studies requirements and checklist

• Celebration of Cultures on-line calendar, coordinated by the Dept. of Modern Foreign Languages. The calendar lists on- and off-campus events, speakers, films, conferences, etc. that focus on world languages, cultures, literatures, politics, and econonmics. The calendar also lists the International Studies series of speakers, study and work abroad informational events, and deadlines for related scholarships and other opportunities of interest to students. Users can view, download and subscribe to the calendar, which is frequently updated.

• International Studies Committee International Travel Form (for Augustana College Faculty and Staff)

• A list of potential careers for International Studies majors

SPONSORING DEPARTMENTS

• Department of Art and Anthropology

• Department of Biology

• Department of Business Administration

• Department of Communications and Theater

• Department of Economics

• Department of English

• Department of Government and International Affairs

• Department of History

• Department of Modern Foreign Languages