Home > Administrative Offices > International Programs > Minor in International Studies

MINOR IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES (INTL)

Program Director:           Dr. Ivan Nikolov, Center for International Programs, 204 Georgia Avenue; Tel.: 229-333-7410; e-mail: inikolov@valdosta.edu

Program Coordinator:         Dr. Charles Johnson. Department of History. 214 Ashley Hall. e-mail: ctjohnso@valdosta.edu

The Center for International Programs offers a multidisciplinary minor in International Studies, which is designed to meet three objectives: (1) provide students with a fundamental understanding of international studies as an academic field and the dynamics involved in international issues and concerns;  (2) provide students with a substantial exposure to a specific world region, transnational problem, or disciplinary specialty that is international in scope, and (3) to offer opportunities for undergraduate research,  service learning, and community engagement in the international dimension.

Selected Educational Outcomes

1. To clearly describe the parameters of international studies as a field of inquiry and practice, both in historic perspective and current usage;

2. To evaluate career possibilities that are international in nature as well as the most suitable educational paths to those careers;

3. To appreciate the complexities of cultural differences and the impact of these differences on cross-cultural understanding;

4. To apply the tools of research to a major international and inter-disciplinary problem, issue, or phenomenon;

5. To express thorough knowledge of a particular international problem, world region, or international dimension within an academic discipline.

The program is a blend of traditional class room learning, one-on-one work with a faculty member and a mandatory overseas study experience. The minor in International Studies consists of (1) a core component that is required of all students taking the minor and (2) a minor concentration tailored to individual student interests and backgrounds. Students must have and maintain an overall GPA of 2.75 to be admitted into and remain in the minor.

Minor in International studies...................................................18 hours

Core Requirements

Hours

INTL 2090 Introduction to International/Intercultural Studies

3

INTL 4800 Senior Capstone Project

3

INTL 3500 Study Abroad or appropriate courses taken abroad

3-6

Minor Concentration

6-9

Must include at least 6 hours of upper-division course-work. The concentration consists of up to three courses related to a particular world region of interest, an international problem or issue, or on a comparative application of a particular discipline. Student’s selection of courses must be approved by the advisor within their majors, the Director of International Programs and/or by the Coordinator of the Minor in International Studies. Courses within the concentration may be distributed as follows:

  1. Existing courses within the curriculum that address the above minor concentration requirements.
  2. Completion of a fourth semester language course at the intermediate or upper level appropriate to the focus of the student’s concentration.
  3. Special topics courses compatible with the student’s concentration.
  4. The Model United Nations or a similar course (INTL 3170), if the focus of the course is appropriate to the student’s concentration.

Core Courses

INTL 2090: An overview of international studies as a field of inquiry and practice. An examination of the primary approaches to international study, the development of cross-cultural perspectives in the study of international problems, and an appreciation of the complexities of cross-cultural communication are emphasized.

INTL 4800: Development, assembly, and presentation of an extended research project geared along the lines of the student’s minor emphasis. This is done in conjunction with a faculty supervisor in that field.

Study Abroad: All students in the minor must engage in a study abroad experience relevant to their particular area of emphasis. This requirement can be fulfilled in a number of ways including participation in summer study programs, as well as semester and yearlong overseas study experiences. For more information contact the CIP Study Abroad Coordinator at dstarlin@valdosta.edu or 229-333-7410.

Upper Division Courses

Please review the list of relevant upper division course offerings by college: Classes Towards Minor in International Studies . These classes are accepted towards the International Studies Minor concentration requirements.

Advisory Committee

All inquiries regarding the minor should be directed to Dr. Charles Johnson or Dr. Ivan Nikolov.  The Minor is assisted by an advisory board made up of experienced faculty in the field of international studies. Students may wish to consult with these faculty members in their respective colleges regarding overseas study opportunities and completion of a Senior Capstone Project (INTL 4800).

International Studies Minor Advisory Committee

Ivan Nikolov - Ex Officio Chair, CIP

Charles Johnson - Program Committee Chair and Coordinator, History
Michael Baun, Political Science Ken Kirk , Arts
Robert Bauer, Psychology Michael Noll, Geography
Shany Gray, C&J Fred Ware, Management