International Studies

Interdisciplinary Major and Minor

Director: Renato Corbetta

Faculty: Corbetta, Sharlach (Political Science and Public Administration); Kiper, Kyle, Verbeek (Anthropology); Liu, Van Sant, Ward, Wiesen (History); Biga (Sociology); Cummings (Art and Art History); Danielou (World Languages and Literatures)

The International Studies Program promotes a holistic appreciation of the different values and structures that characterize the world’s diverse societies, as well as an understanding of the institutions that produce economic, social, cultural, and political interdependence among nations.

A major or minor in international studies provides students with the background necessary to pursue a variety of public and private-sector careers. Employment opportunities are as numerous and varied as the interests and abilities of individual students. Majors may find employment in diplomatic or foreign service; international business, law, or labor relations; international development, social service, the travel industry, or health agencies and cultural organizations. Many of our students pursue graduate work in the fields of international relations, international development, peace studies, conflict resolution studies, public health, or law. We encourage all International Studies majors to study abroad, minor in a foreign language, and hope that they will pursue internship opportunities as well. The minor complements any major area by providing students with an international focus in their field.

The program is administered by the College of Arts and Sciences. In addition, courses taught in other schools and professional programs at UAB may be relevant to the curriculum developed by a student in pursuit of his or her specific career goals.

International Studies is an interdisciplinary major. Courses eligible to apply to this major may vary with the emphasis that a student chooses. See your advisor for identifying an appropriate curriculum in your area of interest.

Grade and Level Requirement

A grade of C or better is required in all International Studies courses. Students must demonstrate second-year proficiency in a foreign language. Students must ensure that at least 9 hours are (a) taken in an approved geographic concentration. or (b) follow an approved global theme. Geographic areas currently include Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. At least 15 credits must be taken at the 300 level or above, including 9 hours at 400 level. Students must fulfill an international experience. This requirement may be satisfied by one of the following: participation in a study abroad program; participation in a course with a substantial international, applied component to it; or participation in an internship with an international organization or company or an entity offering an international component.

Additional Requirements

General Electives

Students must take general electives to reach the 120 semester hour requirement.

Proposed Program of Study for a Major in International Studies

 A minor is required for the International Studies major.  All core courses must be from the approved list for Core Area I-IV.  The number of minor courses and general electives may vary.

Grade & Residency Requirement

A C or better is required in all International Studies courses applied to the minor. At least half of the minor must be completed at UAB or through BACHE.

Honors Program in International Studies

Purpose

The ITS Honors Program is designed for qualified, self-motivated international studies majors. Through special course distribution and credit hours requirements, as well as a directed honors thesis, students are prepared for in-depth ITS research and related graduate or professional opportunities.

Eligibility

Students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. 3.0 cumulative GPA at UAB, 3.3 GPA in ITS (and maintenance of these minima).
2. Junior standing.
3. Declaration of ITS as student’s major.
4. Letter of Intent to the Director. The Director approves admission into the program in consultation with the ITS faculty.

Requirements

Students are required to successfully complete the following:

1. Completion of ITS 470 or ITS 471 Seminar in International Studies (3 credits).
2. Enrollment in ITS 497 Honors Research in International Studies (3 credits) after completion of the Seminar.
3. Following completion of ITS 497, preparation of an advanced research project which will lead to the development of a substantial research paper and, in some cases, a senior thesis under faculty supervision (all faculty affiliated with ITS are eligible to supervise the paper).
4. Defense of paper/thesis in colloquium, composed of ITS faculty and other ITS 497 students
5. Participation in SIR, the international studies honor society.

Benefits

Honors students will benefit from one-on-one mentoring with faculty in the program, which will lead to a more thorough understanding of the field and practice of international studies. This is particularly useful as students choose career goals, such as graduate school, international public service, the U.S. Foreign Service, or other opportunities. Additionally, students who complete the program will receive a certificate at the annual UAB Honors Convocation and will graduate “With Honors in International Studies.”

Contact

For more information and/or admission to the International Studies Honors Program, contact the ITS Director, 560 Heritage Hall, UAB,  Birmingham, AL 35294-1152; Telephone (205) 934-5643.