Liberal Arts and Sciences
LAS Program Advisor: Barbara Hancin-Bhatt
Program Office: Room 1 YMCA Building, 1001 South Wright, Urbana,
Multidisciplinary Major in International Studies
E-mail: intstudies@illinois.edu
This major develops knowledge sets and skills for the analysis and solution of contemporary world problems. The requirements of the major enrich, complement, and coordinate departmental offerings with the goal of providing a knowledge of diverse cultures and an understanding of global processes which are critical for students preparing for careers or further study in a variety of fields including international affairs, public policy, government service, business, law, finance, and communications. The International Studies major draws upon the resources of faculty and departments across the University and may be particularly attractive for students planning to combine a specific disciplinary interest with a career in the international arena.
The major will provide each student with a focused multidisciplinary base of course work relating to a specific geographic area and advanced language training needed for the area. The major in International Studies focuses on global themes, the study of one world area in some depth including language and culture of the area, study abroad in the area, and expertise in one technical field. Students take courses in a number of departments and work with an adviser to construct the major curriculum most appropriate to individual interests and career plans.
The LAS International Studies Minor complements any major on campus.
Multidisciplinary Major in International Studies
| Hours | Requirements |
|---|---|
| 12-13 | Global Studies. Four courses must be selected from the approved course list; they must include at least one course each from four of the following six departments: Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, and Sociology. |
| 6 | Language. Select courses from the approved course list in a language other than your primary language. These various courses represent the 5th and 6th level of study, and will satisfy the Language requirement for the major. |
| 9 | Area Studies. 200 to 400-level courses which complement the Language requirement must be selected from the approved course list and include work in at least two disciplinary departments. Choose a geopolitical area in consultation with the curriculum advisor, such as Africa, Latin America, or the Middle East. |
| 12 | Study Abroad. Students will study a variety subjects which could include language and culture courses in a region in which their areas studies course work and secondary language training will be utilized; up to 6 of these 12 hours may be used to fulfill other requirements of the major. Any additional study abroad coursework beyond the required 12 hours can be applied to other requirements for the major or degree. |
| 16-21 | Professional, Technical or Scientific Core. Students may opt to do a minor selected in consultation with the curriculum adviser OR twenty (20) hours of topical studies courses combined into an intellectually or professionally coherent study that is approved by the curriculum adviser. No more than one-half of the course work should be at an elementary level and at least 6 hours of 300-or 400-level courses are required. |
The curriculum, administered by the LAS Student Academic Affairs Office, will require 120 hours of course work for graduation. The minimum required major and supporting courses equate to 49-55 hours including a minimum of 12 hours of 300- and 400-level courses.
A Major Plan of Study Form must be completed and submitted to the LAS Student Affairs Office before the end of the fifth semester (60-75 hours). Please see your advisor.
LAS International Studies Minor
The LAS International Studies Minor provides an opportunity for multidisciplinary study of global themes, investigation of one world area, and language study. In consultation with an adviser, students will select 21 hours of courses from a variety of departments to form a coherent program of study that will be suited to individual interest, employment, and/or educational aspirations. The minor is administered by the LAS Student Academic Affairs Office. The LAS International Studies Minor complements any major.
E-mail: intstudies@illinois.edu
| Hours | Requirements |
|---|---|
| 9 - 10 | Global Studies. Three courses must be selected from the approved course list; they must include no more than one course each from the following departments: Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, and Sociology. |
| 3 | Language. Select courses from the approved course list in a language other than your primary language. These various courses represent the 5th level of study, and will satisfy the Language requirement for the minor. |
| 9 | Area Studies. 200- through 400-level courses which complement the Language requirement must be selected from the approved course list and include work in at least two disciplinary departments. Choose a geopolitical area in consultation with the curriculum advisor, such as Africa, Latin America, or the Middle East. |
| 21 | Total Required Hours |
A minimum of 6 hours of 300- and 400-level course work must be completed.