In this ever changing and dynamic international world, International Studies is growing
as an essential field of inquiry. It is a diverse and exciting area of teaching and
research with its own professional association, the International Studies Association.
Students in the International Studies department will gain awareness of global issues
through courses in a variety of disciplines. They'll apply writing, reading, and critical
thinking skills to address significant issues in a global context, completing independent
research. Students will graduate the program with the ability to evaluate and apply
diverse perspectives to complex international dynamics at the regional, national,
and global level.
From problem-solving and research skills to effective communication and cutural competencies,
students in the International studies programs are well equipped to serve a heavily
interconnected world as global citizens.
Effectively demonstrate awareness of the interdisciplinary nature of global issues
by taking courses in a variety of disciplines;
Research and Critical Thinking Competency:
Effectively apply reading, writing, critical thinking, and analytical skills to address
significant issues in a global context;
Effectively undertake original, independent, and interdisciplinary research on an
international topic. Complete and defend a well-researched thesis / project;
Effectively evaluate and apply diverse perspectives to complex international dynamics
including multiple and conflicting positions (i.e. ethical, disciplinary, cultural);
Effectively describe and analyze the impact of international events and systems at
the regional, national, and local levels;
Problem Solving Competency
Effectively initiate meaningful interaction with other cultures to address significant
global problems;
Effectively develop the tools to take informed and responsible action to address ethical,
social, and environmental challenges in global systems and evaluate both micro and
macro consequences of individual and collective actions and interventions;
Language and Cultural Competency:
Develop a working knowledge of a foreign language and effectively interact therein;
Effectively demonstrate knowledge of another culture via cultural immersion to understand
socio-cultural aspects such as religion, politics, daily life, family structures,
culinary habits, values and ethics, etc…;
Ideally this takes place through a semester-long study abroad program
Interpersonal Competency:
International Studies students should develop skills for interacting with those from
different cultural, ethnic, socio-economic, and religious backgrounds in an effort
to truly become global citizens.
Take your learning beyond the classroom and broaden your understanding of global perspectives.
IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES
As a major at Aquinas College, International Studies is primarily a second degree
because of its interdisciplinary nature. It fits very nicely as a second degree with,
for example, Business, International Business, Foreign Language, Political Science,
History, Sociology, English, and Environmental Studies.
Students who have majored in International Studies have become, or gone on to:
