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International Studies

Investing in global citizenship for a more just world

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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!

White female college student with brown hair, wearing a blazer
Caroline Thorne '24

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 COURSES CREDITS
Semester 1 CPSN 100: Colloquium I 1 credit
Semester 2 CPSN 101: Colloquium II (DVCC) 1 credit
GVPT 200: International Political Relations (DSHS, DVUP; or
GVPT 241: The Study of Political Philosophy: Ancient and Modern (DSSP)
3 credits
3 credits
Semester 3 CPSN 200: Colloquium III 1 credit
IS Sophomore Supporting Course 3 credits
Semester 4 CPSN 230: Internship; or
CPSN 240: Service-Learning; or
CPSN 250: Research; or
CPSP 359S: Discovery Research (DSSP); or
CPSP300: Intergroup Dialogue Facilitation (DSSP); or
Study Abroad
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits

Office Address

1117 Cumberland Hall

Office Phone

301-405-9304

Faculty

Portrait of Stacy J. Kosko

Stacy J. Kosko

Program Director, International Studies
Portrait of Sarah Kilmer

Sarah Kilmer

Associate Director, International Studies
Portrait of Karim Makkawy

Karim Makkawy

Graduate Assistant, International Studies
Portrait of Trevor Norton

Trevor Norton

Graduate Assistant, International Studies

News and Notes, Etc.


International Studies News

Showing 13 - 18 of 25
  • 4 Scholars Alums Among Senior Marshals at Winter Commencement

    The University of Maryland recently announcement its roster of senior marshals for Winter Commencement, taking place Dec. 20. Among the 32 graduating seniors are four College Park Scholars alumni:

  • 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. James Glass, director of the International Studies (IS) Scholars program for the past 15 years, has stepped down from his post, effective June 30. He was the longest-serving director in IS history.

  • 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:

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