Program Overview

Bachelor of Arts in International Studies

The Bachelor of Arts with a major in international studies requires a minimum of 120 semester hours, including at least 43 semester hours of work for the major. Students must complete at least 15 semester hours of work at the University of Iowa. They must maintain a grade-point average (GPA) of at least 2.00 in all courses for the major and in all UI courses for the major. Students also must complete the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences GE CLAS Core.

Coursework Requirements

• Foundation courses: 10 hours
• Global perspective courses: 12 hours
• World cultures and societies courses: 12 hours
• Language requirement: 6 hours
• Capstone course: 3 hours
• Total hours: 43

Foundation Courses

Students learn the core, multidisciplinary intellectual and interpersonal international studies skillset, and its applications for travel, employment, and understanding global issues. These courses are:

• IS:2000–Introduction to International Studies
• IS:2009–World Travel for Cross-Cultural Skills for International Business, Education, and Service
• IS:2020–World Events Today
• And one of these one-semester-hour courses:
  • IS:1000–Designing your International Studies Major, or
  • IS:2500–Working Internationally

Global Perspectives Courses

Students learn about global trends, comparisons, and interactions. Students choose 12 semester hours from an approved list of courses from different academic disciplines. 6 semester hours must be numbered 2000 or above.

World Cultures and Societies Courses

Students gain place-based knowledge. Students choose 12 semester hours from an approved list of courses from different academic disciplines. 6 semester hours must be numbered 2000 or above.

Language Requirement

Students must complete a fourth level of a single world language and must complete a minimum of two world language courses beyond that required by the GE CLAS Core program. This additional requirement can be met by:

• Completing two additional courses in a language used to fulfill the GE CLAS Core or
• Completing one additional course in a world language used to fulfill the GE CLAS Core and one 3-semester-hour approved World Language & Cultural Exploration course or
• Completing two courses (or the equivalent) of another world language at any level

Capstone Course

Students apply their knowledge in internationally focused experiences by choosing either IS:3010–Writing and Research for the World or IS:3012–Community Engaged Learning with Refugees and Immigrants.

Optional Concentrations

• Global Business and Communication: This concentration enables students to understand the complex forces which shape global commerce on the macro and micro levels.
• International Human Rights and Public Service: This concentration is designed to provide a combination of philosophical and practical knowledge related to social justice and human rights.
• International Sustainable Development: Students learn about the multiple dimensions to social change and human development in areas of the world categorized as developing societies.

Independent Study in International Studies

The program offers students the opportunity to earn major credit for independent work with a University of Iowa faculty member. Independent projects must be approved by the program prior to student registration.

Criteria for Independent Study

• Students must submit a project proposal and the Independent Study Registration Preapproval Form prior to registration.
• Students must be in academic good standing to register for IS:3990–Independent Study in International Studies.
• If students wish for IS:3990–Independent Study in International Studies to satisfy any part of their international studies major requirements, prior approval must be granted by the academic advisor.
• Students may earn no more than 3 semester hours for each enrollment in IS:3990, with a maximum of 9 semester hours for all registration in IS:3990.

Project Proposal

Students must attach a project proposal to the registration preapproval form. The proposal must be typed and must include:

• A one-page description of the project, including the dates and location of your work, a specific research question, a brief narrative, the final form of the project, and the grading criteria to be used by your faculty supervisor.
• A rationale for the number of semester hours requested for the project.
• A timeline for the project, including a plan for a preliminary literature review, how often and by what method you will consult with your faculty mentor throughout the project, target completion dates for the first and second drafts of your project, if applicable, and a final completion date.
• A reading list, in a recognized bibliography format, including at least ten works consulted in your preliminary planning and identification of a research question.
• If you intend to complete your independent study while off campus, you must include information regarding your overseas contacts and resources, your plan for ongoing communication with your faculty mentor, and an explanation as to what preliminary work you intend to pursue before departure.
• Proof that an application has been submitted to the Human Subjects Office, if necessary.