Structure of the Major

1. Core Courses

All students must take four core courses, all of which are meant to serve as comparatively broad introductions to the field of International Studies and the subject of Globalization. While there are no enforced prerequisites, GEOG 300, which provides the broadest overview of the field, serves as our de facto "Introduction to the Major," while INTL 310 will begin to acquaint you with the economic basis of the global distribution of power. Methodological training in the theory, praxis, and ethics of studying (in) another culture is essential preparation for studying abroad, while a course in a "Modern World Issue" may well serve as a segue into your chosen Concentration Area. In principle, you should complete at least the first two core courses before turning to your area of concentration.

Introduction	GEOG 300	Global Awareness
Global Economics & Politics	INTL 310	Global Economics and Politics
Methodology (choose one)	ANTH 318	Ethnography
	COMM 312	Intercultural Communication
Modern World Issues (choose one)	ECON 306	Economies in Transition & Development
	HIST 333	Europe & the World
	PSCI 303	Politics of the 3rd World
	SOC 303	Race & Ethnic Relations (if there is a substantial international component)
	SOC 305	Sociology of the Modern World-System

2. Concentration Areas

Next, you must choose an area of concentration within the International Studies Major. The following links provide descriptions of concentration areas and the names of academic advisors who can meet with you:

Chinese Studies	Cultural Studies
European Studies	Globalization Studies
International Business Studies	Islamic Culture Studies
Latin American Studies	Pacific Basin Studies
Postcolonial African Studies

3. International Experience (Residency Abroad)

Before you graduate, you must complete a residency abroad while working on a meaningful project or assignment approved by your concentration area advisor(s). Some concentration areas have more specific residency requirements. Ideally, both the courses you select for the final two core requirements and those you take within your area of concentration should be geared towards this time abroad and the "meaningful project" you undertake there. Please be aware, too, that in many instances, you may be able to substitute courses you take abroad for part of the required curriculum in your concentration area. For these reasons, you should begin discussing an emphasis of study within your area of concentration and a suitable location for your international experience with your advisor as early as possible.

• In what ways can I complete a "Residency Abroad"?
• What's a "Meaningful Project"?

Be advised that in most instances, living and studying abroad will be more costly than living and studying at HSU; you should plan ahead accordingly. (See the Study Abroad links for more information.)

4. Language Proficiency

All International Studies majors are required to achieve proficiency in a second language, generally equivalent to five semesters of college-level study. This proficiency may be demonstrated by coursework, by examination or certification (especially in languages not offered at HSU), or in some instances by intensive "immersion" coursework in the country of residence abroad. Exceptions to the "five-semester" rule are sometimes granted, especially for certain Asian and African languages.