Nov 23, 2024  
Undergraduate Bulletin 2023-2024 
    
Undergraduate Bulletin 2023-2024 Archived Bulletin

International Studies, B.A.


Kate McCarthy-Gilmore, Ph.D., Associate Dean

General Education 36-39 credits
Major 30 credits
General Elective 51-54 credits
 
International Studies is an interdisciplinary major at Loras College. Its mission is to develop in its majors an appreciation of the recent history, cultural traditions, and political, economic and social institutions of other 
societies; an in-depth understanding of the nature of conflict and collaboration in the world arena, including global problems and different strategies for solving them; and analytical skills suited for the interdisciplinary study of other societies and international issues. The faculty members teaching in the International Studies program believe that as globalization increasingly affects the life and work of all citizens, knowledge taught and intellectual skills and dispositions cultivated in this program are not only essential for the students who plan to pursue careers in international affairs, but also important for students who will enter other professions.

Student Learning Outcomes - International Studies

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of global issues from disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives
  2. Exhibit comprehension and awareness of contemporary thematic dynamics of different global regions
  3. Display an appreciation and knowledge of diverse worldviews and cultures
  4. Demonstrate intercultural competencies and values
  5. Ability to perform original research based on interdisciplinary methods, theories, and primary sources
  6. Convey complex information and interdisciplinary ideas in written and oral form that are clear, robust, carefully edited, well organized, and stylistically engaging and accessible.

General Education Requirements


   

Requirements for the major in International Studies (B.A.):


An International Studies major shall choose a concentration consisting of three electives and a thesis. Two of these electives shall be courses that give a student solid knowledge of a geographic area (such as Africa, East Asia, Europe, or Latin America), and the third one shall be a global thematic course (such as International Politics, Global Inequality, or International Trade). The thesis shall deal with the chosen geographic area and the theme of the chosen global thematic course. A semester of study abroad may be used to satisfy part of the concentration requirement.

Study abroad


Majors are strongly encouraged to study abroad. With prior approval of the International Studies Committee, courses taken abroad will be eligible for transfer to Loras and credited toward the major if passed with the grade of C or better. For further information, visit the Center for Experiential Learning and the Program Coordinator for the major.