International Studies
Investing in global citizenship for a more just world
Introduction
In our increasingly interconnected world, we no longer have the luxury of focusing only on our own country. What happens globally can affect us locally, while policies enacted locally can have implications for citizens halfway around the world. So how can we address the challenges of today’s world—from refugee displacement to gender inequality to rising authoritarianism—in a way that ensures a safe, sustainable and fair future for all?
International Studies (IS) explores global justice, including international development ethics, and the intricacies of how culture and society feed sociopolitical issues (and our understanding of them). Through discussions, in-class projects and guest speakers, students delve into the Sustainable Development Goals and learn what it means to be a citizen not just of one’s country but of the globe.
Students consider questions such as:
- What does a more just world look like and how can we get there?
- What does inclusive global citizenship mean for—and require of—communities, institutions and individuals?
- Can we justify extreme poverty amidst immense riches? Who is responsible for aiding the world’s poorest and most vulnerable?
IS offers an engaging and immersive opportunity for students who are interested in better understanding the world, including the forces that are shaping it. All majors and backgrounds are welcome. The program will be of particular interest to anyone interested in global justice, development ethics and human rights, but also international issues more broadly.
Colloquium and Lecture Topics
- Forced displacement (refugees and internally displaced persons)
- International development and human rights
- International Humanitarian Law and the “laws of war”
- Individual identity and intercultural dialogue
- Social action, diplomacy and the tools of change
I love International Studies because the topics we cover are ever-changing, relevant to current events and interdisciplinary. I find it amazing how we're able to cover and connect with many different topics like human geography, political science and public health!
Other Learning Opportunities
The IS experience is shaped in part through excursions and other active learning opportunities, both on and off campus. To broaden our understanding of what is covered in the classroom, we may visit embassies in Washington, DC, the Organization of American States, the Museum of the Americas, the Museum of the American Indian and our local Piscataway indigenous community, among others.
Students have walked Washington, DC’s, culturally diverse Heritage Trails to glean the international elements of the nation’s capital, participated in international negotiation simulations, presented on policy solutions to global challenges, and engaged in project-based learning in the classroom. Students also have the opportunity to engage in ongoing community-based learning by tutoring and mentoring refugees.
Curriculum Overview
Over the two-year program experience (four semesters), students will take a colloquium, practicum and select additional courses. Note that these Scholars courses are generally in addition to any courses students take to satisfy major requirements.
The following table represents a typical two-year curriculum, but individual schedules may vary. Details about courses and requirements can be found on the International Studies Citation Checklist.
SEMESTER | COURSE | CREDITS |
---|---|---|
Freshman Fall | Scholars Colloquium | 1 credit |
Academic Writing | 3 credits | |
3–4 courses toward degree and major requirements | 9–12 credits | |
Freshman Spring | Scholars Colloquium | 1 credit |
International Political Relations, or The Study of Political Philosophy | 3 credits | |
3–4 courses toward degree and major requirements | 9–12 credits | |
Sophomore Fall | Scholars Colloquium | 1 credit |
Supporting course | 3 credits | |
2–3 courses toward degree and major requirements | 6–9 credits | |
Sophomore Spring | Scholars Practicum | 3 credits |
4–5 courses toward degree and major requirements | 12–15 credits |
Sponsoring College
Residence Hall
Cumberland Hall
Office Address
1119 Cumberland Hall
Office Phone
Faculty
![Portrait of Stacy J. Kosko](/sites/default/files/styles/optimized/public/people/Stacy-Kosko-IS-headshot.jpg?itok=fiC9N1y8)
![Portrait of Sarah Kilmer](/sites/default/files/styles/optimized/public/people/kilmer.jpg?itok=JNBnjsLc)
![Portrait of Karim Makkawy](/sites/default/files/styles/optimized/public/people/Karim-Makkawy-IS-headshot.jpg?itok=BbER0YWj)
![Portrait of Trevor Norton](/sites/default/files/styles/optimized/public/people/C7F61D9A-9AB3-4525-8D3A-C21C96ECA67C.jpeg?itok=ViH2UvMy)
Social Media Etc.
The Diamondback: First-ever Refugee Day creates community for refugees, May 2022
International Studies News
Scholars Recognized at 2017 University Awards
Scholars students took home several top awards at the 36th University Student Leadership Awards on Sunday, May 7. University Awards recognized Maryland Medallion Society members and Byrd/Elkins Finalists who have contributed significantly to the general advancement of this university’s interests and displayed outstanding involvement and leadership in campus activities. These students are the university’s top 20 senior students; two Scholars alumni were recognized by the Maryland Medallion Society: