International Studies
International relations and the politics that provoke violence
Introduction
Today, what happens globally can affect us locally: An international conflict that we may have once considered as happening on "the other side of the world" more often than not has implications in our own country. Understanding conflicts past and present, by studying the political, economic and social questions around them, helps us better gauge the impacts of international events and what they mean to us and to society.
International Studies (IS) explores the relationships between nations and political groups, with a focus on how power defines international relationships. Through film, literature, political policy and theoretical analysis, students explore conflict and political violence, the psychology that supports the uses of violence and terrorism, and the psychodynamics and ethical patterns behind genocide and mass murder. They also examine post-conflict approaches used to achieve peace and international cooperation.
Students consider questions such as:
- What are the group psychological factors that push nations to commit genocide?
- When are international interventions justified?
- How can countries heal after war and genocide?
IS offers an engaging and immersive opportunity for students to learn about important global issues with others from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds. All majors are welcome. Discussions are relevant to anyone interested in global justice, human rights, human dignity and equality.
Colloquium and Lecture Topics
- Impact of war on moral boundaries
- Role of violence in destroying communities
- Religious, ideological and state-supported terrorism
- Mass murder and the ‘ethical’ values standing behind genocidal practices
In other classes [our discussions] never dive as deep as we do in IS. We talk about morality, genocides, conflict, peace... I look forward to the discussions each week because I get to learn something new about a topic.
Other Learning Opportunities
IS grounds its exploration of historical and contemporary global relations with a film series (and supplemental small-group discussions) during the program's first semester. The IS experience is further shaped by interaction with global scholars from on and off campus, with activities as:
- Visits to embassies in Washington, DC, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the State Department and international organizations;
- Opportunities to participate in events such as the Washington Model of the Organization of American States (or Model OAS) and Harvard Model United Nations;
- Virtual visits to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, and the U.S. Institute for Peace; and
- Expert briefings and panel sessions on an array of topics, such as post-genocide Cambodia, international religious freedom and post–9/11 perspectives.
Students will further be able to work on simulations on key topic areas with the university's International Communication & Negotiation Simulations Project (ICONS).
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 |
| Introduction to Political Ethics | 3 credits | |
| 3–4 courses toward degree and major requirements | 9–12 credits | |
| Sophomore Fall | International Ethics, Conflict and Immigration | 3 credits |
| 3–4 courses toward degree and major requirements | 9–12 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
International Studies News
New Minor Expands STS Concepts Beyond Scholars
The Science, Technology and Society (STS) Scholars program has long pushed students to consider the ethical, social and political implications of science, research and technology. It’s the kind of thinking that isn’t readily incorporated into most STEM curricula, despite the high likelihood that these students will one day design or introduce innovations that could significantly impact society. Thanks to a new minor, however, more University of Maryland students will soon be exposed to STS teachings.
In-Person Service Day Relaunches With Enthusiasm
Kids bent over boxes of school supplies. Tubs of tomatoes, picked fresh off the vine. College students clad in waders, waist-deep in pond water. These were just a few of the scenes witnessed during College Park Scholars’ annual Service Day, which took place on Friday, Aug. 27, this year.
Longtime International Studies Director Concludes Scholars Tenure
A renowned scholar of political psychology, political violence and genocide, James Glass oversaw the International Studies Scholars program for 15 years. Dr.
Scholars Alumni Named to Prestigious Maryland Medallion Society
Several Scholars alumni were named to the Maryland Medallion Society during the 40th Annual University of Maryland Student Leadership Awards this month. The Medallion Society is a prestigious group consisting of 20 of the brightest student leaders at the university:
Scholars-helmed Teams Win $8,000 in Awards at 2021 Do Good Challenge
An entirely virtual environment for this year’s University of Maryland Do Good Challenge did not stop teams led by Scholars alums from earning significant monetary awards for their initiatives. The annual event features student teams that are working to make a difference competing for funding support. Of this year’s six finalist teams, three were helmed by those with ties to Scholars:
Scholars Citation Class of 2020 Recognized at Virtual Awards Ceremony
When the Scholars Citation Class of 2020 arrived at the University of Maryland in fall 2018, they were wide-eyed freshmen who took part in the usual rites of passage in Scholars: Service Day, excursions related to the annual theme, a kickball tournament the spring of their freshman year. And, while the 984 students’ second year in Scholars fell during the program’s 25th anniversary, “that year turned out to be anything but ordinary,” observes Scholars Executive Director Marilee Lindemann.