Program Features
International Studies
(INTL) is a program designed to broaden
your understanding of the contemporary
world and enhance your studies in a
variety of other majors and minors.
The INTL program features (1) a core
requirement in world history, geography,
and comparative political systems; (2) a
language requirement to ensure some
fluency in a foreign language; and (3)
an area studies requirement that permits
specialization in two of the following
areas: Asia, Europe, Latin America, the
Middle East and Africa, and Russia and
Eastern Europe. The program also offers
concentrations in Global Studies and,
through the UWSP International Programs,
Australia-New Zealand-Southwest Pacific.
Foreign students may also select
American Studies as an area of
concentration.
The INTL program also features the
expertise of faculty from across the
university, including area and language
specialists. The faculty from various
disciplines provide an excellent
resource for students and the community!
Employment Opportunities
The
interdisciplinary preparation of an INTL major or minor,
especially in combination with another major, will
enhance employment opportunities for most students. The
program helps prepare students for careers in
business where the markets are global in reach,
and even small companies in Wisconsin are expanding
operations beyond the U.S. borders. The program is also
for students interested in governmental careers,
particularly foreign service opportunities through the
U.S. State Department or inter-governmental agencies.
The state government of Wisconsin has been increasing
its international scope as well, with agreements in
education and business. Students interested in
teaching careers or in non-profit and
non-governmental organizations (NGO's) also
benefit. School curricula across the U.S. emphasize
global and international education from kindergarten
through high school, and the NGO sector has grown
dramatically in the past decades to promote
international education and development.
For all these reasons, students are strongly encouraged
to combine INTL with a traditional discipline
and to spend a semester abroad with UWSP's International
Programs!
Sample Program of Study for the International Studies
Major/Minor:
Individual programs
of study should always be worked out with the
International Studies coordinator. The following is a
list of basic requirements for the major and minor, but
it does not contain the courses within the different
areas of concentration. Please consult the UWSP catalog
for a listing of area studies courses.
International Studies Major
consists of a minimum of 33 credits plus a language
requirement.
- Nine core credits: History 101 or 102; Geography
110 or 113; Political Science 160 or 180.
- Language requirement, 0-19 credits:
- If the native language is English, the
student must complete one foreign language
course beyond fourth semester college level of a
language appropriate to the area of
concentration, or test out.
- Foreign students, whose native language is
not English, may use English to fulfill their
INTL language requirement, normally by
completing English 101 and 102, the UWSP writing
emphasis (WE) requirement, and by demonstrating
ability to do coursework in English.
- Areas of concentration: 21 credits spread
between two areas, nine credits minimum in selected
areas of concentration; 15 credits must be in
courses numbered 300 and above: Asia, Australia-New
Zealand-Southwest Pacific (UWSP Semester Abroad
Program Offering), Europe, Global Studies, Latin
America, the Middle East and Africa, Russia and
Eastern Europe, American Studies (foreign students
only).
- Senior Seminar, three credits: INTL 480.
International
Studies Minor
consists of a minimum of 25 credits plus a language
requirement.
- Nine core credits, same as major above.
- Language requirement, 0-12 credits:
- If the native language is English, the
student must complete two semesters of college
level foreign language, or any foreign language
course beyond freshman level of a language
appropriate to the area of concentration (e.g.
211, 313, etc.), or test out.
- Foreign students, whose native language is
not English, may use English to fulfill their
INTL language requirement, normally by
completing English 101 and 102, or one of the
UWSP writing emphasis (WE) courses, and by
demonstrating ability to do coursework in
English.
- Areas of concentration: twelve credits from one
of the areas of concentration listed under the
major, with at least six credits numbered 300 and
above.
- Senior Seminar, three credits: INTL 480
