Majors and Minors

Requirements for Major

A minimum of eight units as follows:

1. Three international studies core courses consisting of International Studies 130 and two additional courses, one of which must be at the 200-level or higher. The two additional international studies core courses must be taken in two different departments. A current list of pre-approved IS core courses is available on the International Studies Program Web site or from the International Studies Program Committee chair.

2. Elective courses constituting a curricular focus. Electives must be taken in at least two different departments. A list of sample elective courses is available on the International Studies Program Web site or from the International Studies Program Committee chair. The number of courses that a student takes depends on the track chosen and the number of units elected for the capstone project. Students may choose from the following options:

Area Studies--At least three units of course work in one of the following areas: Europe, Africa, Asia or Latin America. Depending on course availability, students may pursue other area studies tracks with the prior approval of the International Studies Program Committee. Modern language competence must be in a language related to the area studies focus. The semester abroad must be in a location related to the area studies focus.

Transnational Studies--At least four units of course work on a specific transnational topic. Pre-approved tracks include international environmental studies and international gender studies. Depending on course availability, students may pursue other transnational studies tracks with the prior approval of the International Studies Program Committee.

3. International Studies 370: Building on International and Intercultural Experiences.

Additional Major Requirements

• Course work must include at least two courses taken at the 300-level or higher. No more than three units of 100-level work may be counted toward the major.
• Up to three units of course work may be taken abroad.
• Proof of modern language competence equivalent to two years of college-level language study is required.
• At least one semester abroad must be completed in an off-campus study program approved for Albion College credit. In special circumstances, students may petition the International Studies Program Committee to fulfill this requirement through U.S.-based off-campus study programs with significant international content.

Requirements for Minor in Area Studies

• Five units as follows: International Studies 130, plus four courses on a specified geographical region (Europe, Africa, Asia or Latin America).  Depending on course availability, students may pursue other area studies tracks with the prior approval of the International Studies Program Committee. Area studies courses shall be distributed across at least two departments, with at least three courses at the 200-level or higher.
• All courses must be taken for a numerical grade, except those offered only on a credit/no credit basis.
• No more than two transfer credits will be accepted.
• Cognate requirements: Knowledge of a second language, equivalent to at least two years of college-level study (students may fulfill through course work or placement test). The language must be a language of the region under study.

Requirements for Minor in Transnational Studies

• Five units as follows: International Studies 130, plus four international studies core courses, of which three must be at the 200-level or above. These must also be distributed across at least two departments.
• All courses must be taken for a numerical grade, except those offered only on a credit/no credit basis.
• No more than two transfer credits will be accepted.
• Cognate requirements: Knowledge of a second language, equivalent to at least two years of college-level study (students may fulfill through course work or placement test).