International 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)