International Studies (IntSt)

(Interdepartmental Undergraduate Major and Minor)
University International Studies Supervisory Committee: Steffen W. Schmidt(LAS), Chair; T. Barta (Engineering),
B. Hand (Education), W. Grundmann (Design), S. Hendrich (FCS), D. Acker (Ag),
K. Platt (Vet Med), H. Van Auken (Business), T. Weber (Faculty Senate), two student members

The international studies program provides opportunities for students to develop skills and understanding about international events, issues, and problems. Each college has specific requirements. Students will be advised by the representative from the college of their primary major on the Supervisory Committee (see above).

International studies students are strongly encouraged to participate in a study abroad program. Planning should occur early in a student’s academic career. Options include participating in one of ISU’s study abroad programs, enrolling in a foreign university with which ISU has an exchange agreement, or participation in programs offered through other institutions. The Study Abroad Resource Center in the International Educational Services (IES) has information on specific offerings as well as materials on financial assistance or see your college international adviser.

A secondary major and a minor in international studies are available for undergraduates. The program requirements are outlined below.The international studies program is designed for students who wish to prepare for work in international careers, such as in foreign service, journalism, advocacy organizations, scientific or research institutions, multinational and international business, development projects, humanitarian agencies, environmental organizations, human rights and women’s groups, think tanks, international agriculture, engineering, and other fields.

Secondary Major

The international studies major may be taken only as a secondary major program (i.e., together with another major) in most colleges except Family and Consumer Sciences where it may also be a primary major.

A student seeking a secondary major in international studies must successfully complete a minimum of 24 credits in courses approved for use in the international studies program, including University Studies 235 and 430. Normally, courses used in the major should be related and follow a theme. The member of the University International Studies Supervisory Committee in the college of the student’s primary major degree program (see above) can provide a list of approved courses.

In addition to the 24 credits in approved courses, a student seeking a secondary major must demonstrate the equivalent of two years of university-level study in one language in addition to English. A student whose language is other than English must pass Engl 105 with a grade of C or better.

Majors participating in a study abroad program, may petition to use up to nine credits of work to meet the 24-credit requirement in international studies courses.

Minor

A student seeking a minor in international studies must successfully complete a minimum of 15 credits in courses approved for use in the international studies program, including University Studies 235 and 430. Normally, courses used for the minor should be related and follow a theme. Interested students should see a representative of the University International Studies Supervisory Committee in the college of their primary major or degree program (see above) for the list of approved courses.

In addition to the 15 credits in approved courses, a student seeking a minor must demonstrate the equivalent of one year of university-level study in one language in addition to English. A student whose language is other than English must pass Engl 105 with a grade of C or better.

Minors who study abroad may petition to use up to four credits of work to meet the 15-credit requirement in international studies courses. Students interested in the minor should consult with the representative of the University International Studies Committee from the college of the student’s primary major or degree program.

International Studies (IntSt)

Procedures for obtaining credit for international study programs vary by program. In some, such as exchange programs, students enroll in the foreign institution and transfer credit back to Iowa State University. In international study programs designed for specific majors, students enroll in specified Iowa State University courses within the appropriate departments. In others, students may obtain Iowa State University credit through enrollment in the international study courses listed below. Information about international study opportunities, requirements, and procedures for obtaining university credit may be obtained from academic advisers, college representatives to the University International Studies Supervisory Committee, or the Study Abroad Resource Center located in the International Educational Services (IES).

Courses Primarily for Undergraduate Students

IntSt 120. Study Abroad Credit (Same as U St 120.)
Cr. var. Prereq: Permission of the program coordinator. ISU offers numerous opportunities for study abroad. Please contact the Study Abroad Resource Center or your academic advisor for current programs.

IntSt 220. Study Abroad Credit (Same as U St 220.)
Cr. var. Prereq: Permission of the program coordinator. ISU offers numerous opportunities for study abroad. Please contact the study abroad center or your academic advisor for current programs.

IntSt 235. Introduction to International Studies.(Same as U St 235.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.SS. Overview of international studies, emphasizing cultural, geographic, economic, and political characteristics of major world areas, and nations.

IntSt 320. Study Abroad Credit (Same as U St 320.)
Cr. var. Prereq: Permission of the program coordinator. ISU offers numerous opportunities for study abroad. Please contact the Study Abroad Resource Center or your academic advisor for current programs.

IntSt 420. Study Abroad Credit (Same as U St 420.)
Cr. var. Prereq: Permission of the program coordinator. ISU offers numerous opportunities for study abroad. Please contact the Study Abroad Resource Center or your academic advisor for current programs.