New International Studies Major at LVC
International Studies is a new interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with an international perspective on economic, cultural, and political issues as well as with the historical knowledge necessary to understand global events and enhance global awareness and citizenship. The program will draw from Political Science, Art and Art History, History, Religion and Philosophy, Economics, Sociology, English, and Foreign Languages, with the goal of developing the skills necessary for a career in international public service, the private sector, or eventually academia.
With a major in International Studies, students will study the relationships among nation-states, international organizations and institutions, non-governmental organizations, and citizens throughout the world. Students will be exposed to global issues, such as war, poverty, disease, diplomacy, democracy, trade, economics, and globalization. Students will be integrating diverse points of view in an effort to work together for a better world. Topics of study might include the balance of power, fair distribution of wealth, art history and appreciation, North-South relations, the UN, diplomacy and security studies, and the gap between rich and poor.
Students will have the option of two concentrations in this new major: International Affairs and Comparative Culture. The International Affairs track is a more traditional concentration based on a core emphasis on institutions, politics, history, and economics. The Comparative Culture track is somewhat more unique and could serve as an attractive feature for students because of its humanities core of art, English, philosophy, religion, and sociology.
In addition to the two concentrations, the International Studies Major is designed to provide students with the choice of developing their research skills or participating in an internship program. The Research Track will allow students to hone their skills at collecting, analyzing and interpreting information in collaboration with a professor on a research project. The Internship Track includes at least 6 credits in an LVC approved internship program. Internship possibilities might include the Washington Center Program, the Philadelphia Center Program, or study abroad internship opportunities through the College.
This new LVC major will help students to expand their international learning experiences by enabling them to pursue a global college education. By connecting the international content within our academic curriculum to study abroad, undergraduate research, and internships, the proposal is grounded on providing experiential learning opportunities for students.
Dr. Chris Dolan (Department of Political Science) and Dr. Rick Chamberlin (Department of Foreign Languages) will serve as the primary advisors for the new major.