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International Studies (B.A.)

International Studies is an interdisciplinary major for students interested in global political, social, cultural, historical, and economic affairs.

Purpose and Learning Goals:

  • The undergraduate major in International Studies is designed for students who seek practical skills complemented by a theoretical understanding of international affairs, global politics, and cross-cultural and transnational economic relations.
  • The program prepares students with a multi-faceted curriculum that highlights information gathering and application in today’s rapidly changing global environment.
  • In accord with the liberal arts emphasis on civic and cultural literacy, students reflect on the global political, social, cultural, and economic dimensions of international affairs.
  • Students examine legal and ethical frameworks that inform how the world is constructed.
  • The undergraduate curriculum is also shaped by the Barry University mission, so that students learn how international concerns can be channeled for collaborative service projects and to pursue social justice.

Bachelor of Arts (120 credits)

Distribution/General Education Requirements

Core Courses (27 credits)

ECO-201PRINCIPLES OF MACROECONOMICS

3
ECO-202PRINCIPLES OF MICROECONOMICS

3
POS-209COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

3
POS-325INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

3
POS-390ASIAN POLITICS

3
-
Or
POS-396LATIN AMERICAN POLITICS

3
HIS-102WESTERN CIVILIZATION II

3
-
 
HIS-404AMERICAN DIPLOMATIC II 1890 TO PRESENT

3
-
Or
POS-404AMERICAN DIPLOMATIC II 1890 TO PRESENT

3
-
 
GEO-301WORLD ENVIRONMENTS, PEOPLE AND PLACES

3
-
 
HIS-487SENIOR SEMINAR

3
-
Or
POS-487SENIOR SEMINAR

3

Foreign language component (6 credit hours):

  • 6 credit hours of a foreign language (6 credits required for the major in addition to the 3 hours for General Education equals a total of 9 credits in foreign language).
  • This requirement is reduced from 9 total credits to 3 if a student completes a minor or double major in the same foreign language used to satisfy the 3 hour Gen Ed requirement.

Elective coursework in the major (12 credit hours):

Students may use courses from a list of electives to satisfy the 12 credit hour requirement. They are encouraged to focus on one or more of the following concentration areas, depending on their career goals: 1) Commerce & Development, 2)International Organizations, 3) Conflict, 4) Latin America, 5) World History, and 6) Global Cultures. The advisor’s approval is needed when choosing an elective within the major.

The single major includes 45 credits. For students who declare a minor or a second major in a foreign language, the foreign language requirement is waived and the major consists of 39 credits.

The minimum grade of C is required in all major courses. Students must earn a C or higher in course prerequisites prior to taking the course.