International Studies
College: College of Social Sciences & Professional Studies
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee serves as the executive decision-making body for the Center for International Studies, which offers all academic programs under International Studies. Chaired by the director, the Steering Committee includes faculty members from various colleges. Although membership may change (always check with the professor or the Office), it is currently composed of:
•Prof. Simon Adetona Akindes (Director, Politics, Philosophy and Law)
•Prof. Sahar Bahmani (Business)
•Dr. Madhumita Banerjee (Sociology)
•Dr. Elizabeth Brownson (History)
•Prof. Seif Dana (Sociology)
•Dr. Kathleen Gillogly (Anthropology, Geography)
•Dr. Michael Hansen (Politics, Philosophy and Law)
•Elaine Isaacson Philippa (International Student Services/Study Abroad
Curriculum
The International Studies Program offers a reflective and critical approach to understanding international issues and global processes. We provide students with enriching learning experiences that range from student-centered teaching, study abroad, internships and other high impact practices such as capstone projects, service learning, e-portfolios, collaborative projects.
Career Paths
Led by the Center for International Studies Steering Committee, the International Studies Program provides an excellent preparation for students interested in a wide variety of professional careers and positions in private businesses, government agencies, higher education, non-governmental organizations, international foundations, or any institution that operates nationally or/and outside the USA.
Program Overview
The International Studies Program combines courses from various departments to create a broad and rich interdisciplinary program, with a flexible curriculum that emphasizes the knowledge, analytical and critical skills, dispositions, and cultural competencies needed to understand and navigate our contemporary changing world. The program offers a major and a minor in international studies, and a Global Skills certificate. Students can choose their paths within the options available. In collaboration with their advisors, they may also tailor a path of study that suits their own particular interests or career goals. For such a personal design, early decisions and actions are recommended.
We encourage students to pursue a double major and we support them. This is entirely feasible without adding to costs and time. Early decision and consultation with all advisors are vital to embark upon this path
Preparation for Graduate and Professional Programs
The International Studies major provides excellent preparation for individuals interested in international careers, law, business, foreign service, non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, foundations and many more. It also prepares students to work abroad, and for graduate studies in fields such as international relations, development studies, area/regional studies, public policy, international education, journalism or intercultural communication, and many other fields of study and practice.
Internships and Research Fellowships
International Studies arranges for internships and service learning opportunities in both domestic and international contexts. Summer research fellowships may be available through the program on a competitive basis. The program has also developed internships to prepare students for professional careers in international education through administrative experience in study abroad and international student services.
Study Abroad
The International Studies Program recognizes that studying, working, traveling and doing an internship abroad are excellent complements to the major, minor or our Global Skills certificate. Such experiences can be rewarding and life-changing experiences. Incorporating study abroad into a student's college experience enhances the value of any academic program and the value of the graduate on the job market. UW-Parkside faculty-led programs, UW-System study abroad programs, and affiliated study abroad programs, once approved, can count toward elective credits in the international studies major. Study abroad programs are coordinated and arranged by the International Student Services directed by Laine Philippa. They can be week-, semester-, or year-long programs. We encourage students to reach out to the Chair of the Center for International Studies to explore the possibility of crediting work and long stays abroad.
Program Level Outcomes
Learning Goals:
Students will be able to:
- Explain the world beyond their borders through interdisciplinary frameworks; (KNOWLEDGE)
- Articulate how interconnected the world is; (KNOWLEDGE)
- Demonstrate skills necessary to navigate cultural and national differences from various perspectives; (SKILLS)
- Demonstrate dispositions of understanding, solidarity, mutuality and empathy towards people whose experiences and lives are different from theirs. (ATTITUDES)
Courses in International Studies
INTS 100 | Introduction to International Studies | 3 cr
Examines the international impact on the state, community and individual levels of human experience. Includes developing practical orientations toward the international experience, such as language and cultural appreciation, social and political tolerance, and environmental adaptation.
Prerequisites: None.
Meets: Social & Behavioral Science: INTS
INTS 103 | History and Cultures of Modern Asia | 3 cr
Examines the social, cultural, historical, religious, economic, and political aspects of life in modern Asia, including China, India, Japan, Southeast Asia, and their neighboring countries. Cross-listed with: HIST 103.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall.
INTS 110 | Introduction to American Culture | 3 cr
Explores cultural and communication patterns in American society, for international students who speak English as a second language.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Occasionally.
INTS 210 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 cr
Introduces cross-cultural analysis of social structures and cultural systems, as well as changes due to economic, political and cultural globalization. Cross-listed with: ANTH 200.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall.
Meets: Social & Behavioral Science: INTS
INTS 228 | Peoples of Southeast Asia | 3 cr
Introduces the peoples and culture of Southeast Asia, including the mainland and islands; focuses on cultures, history, socioeconomic conditions, and the everyday life of people. Cross-listed with: ANTH 228.
Offered: Spring.
Meets: Social & Behavioral Science: INTS
INTS 290 | Special Topics in International Studies | 1-3 cr
Subject matter is topical. Subject varies; see current course schedule.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
INTS 307 | Practicum: Global Skills in Culture and Language | 2 cr
Introduces students to a diversity of cultures and knowledge systems, focusing on cultural sensitivity needed to communicate, travel, and work across the world. Incorporates critical reflections on cross-cultural practices and practical solutions to global challenges.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Yearly.
INTS 308 | Practicum: Global Skills in Political and Economic Systems | 2 cr
Examines the practical impact of political and economic systems and institutions on the wealth and poverty of nations, as well as power and structural shifts. Includes economic development, international business, foreign investment and trade, debt and democracy.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Yearly.
INTS 390 | Special Topics in International Studies | 1-3 cr
Selected topics in international studies are examined. Subject varies; see current course schedule.
Prerequisites: Consent of Instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
INTS 400 | Non UW-P Study Abroad | 0 cr
This course allows students to retain their good standing at UW-Parkside while they participate in non-UW-P academic study abroad programs. Graded Credit/No Credit.
Prerequisites: Enrollment in approved Study Abroad program; consent of International Studies Director.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
INTS 401 | Exchange Agreement Study Abroad | 0 cr
Provides a placeholder allowing students to retain their good standing at UW-Parkside while participation in an exchange agreement study abroad program. Graded Credit/No Credit.
Prerequisites: Enrollment in approved semester exchange agreement program; consent of Director.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
INTS 405 | Internship in International Education Services | 1-3 cr
The internship will provide an opportunity for students to apply their international education knowledge in an experiential learning environment to gain experience in the professional world in two areas of international education: International student Services and Study Abroad. Intended for students seeking an international experience in Higher Education or in other international education organizations. Consent of instructor and program director.
Prerequisites: Junior, major/minor in International Studies.
Offered: Spring.
INTS 490 | Special Topics in International Studies | 1-4 cr
Selected topics in international studies are examined. Subject varies; see current course schedule.
Prerequisites: Instructor consent.
Offered: Occasionally.
INTS 494 | Internship in International Studies | 1-3 cr
Enables a student's paid or unpaid employment in an international context to count towards their academic program, and gives the an opportunity to reflect on the connection between their academic learning and the workplace. Does not provide credit specifically toward the international studies major, but does count for credit toward overall degree requirements.
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing; consent of program director.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
INTS 495 | Senior Seminar in International Studies | 3 cr
The senior seminar is the capstone course in the major and is required of all majors and minors. Students are expected to integrate the material studied in the major, and especially in their selected option. Students carry out an independent research project leading to a formal research paper and presentation.
Prerequisites: Completion of major or minor requirements or consent of instructor and program director.
Offered: Yearly.
INTS 499 | Independent Study | 1-4 cr
Available to qualified students under supervision of instructor. Topic must be mutually agreed upon between professor and student.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and program director.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.