The Internation Studies Minor | Degree Requirements | Course Descriptions
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Degrees Offered
International Studies Program (minor only)

The International Studies Program is a carefully crafted sequence of course work and experiential components. This Program provides students an awareness of the various ways in which human experience worldwide is defined and shaped by factors that supersede one’s own national and cultural boundaries. As such, it rests upon a strong introduction to the study of human society and its various forms throughout the world. An essential element in the understanding of human cultures is a structured approach to language study. As such, a modern language is an essential requirement of the Program. Along with these components, students will have the opportunity to focus on an in-depth study of a specific culture and to explore some of the major issues confronting our global community. To enhance the student’s curriculum, the program additionally provides opportunity for focus on the international dimensions of the student’s major and/or for gaining invaluable experience in serving in another culture. In the course of the Program the student is required to have a “study-abroad” experience.

Program Objectives

1. To provide purposeful, structured, and focused opportunities for the study and engagement of human reality in a global dimension, both within and outside of the classroom.
2. To provide a framework for the study of the underlying similarities as well as the breadth of diversity of human cultures.
3. To appreciate the use and importance of language as the central means by which every society expresses its cultural values and ideas.
4. To understand how one’s own major or career plans fit into the increasingly important international context.
5. To personally experience a culture which is different from one’s own.

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Degree Requirements

The International Studies program is designed to “complement” a student’s chosen major. This program consists of a minimum of 15 to 20 credit hours (depending on one’s language level). To satisfy the language requirement, a student must take two courses in modern language at the elementary level. However, a student who already has competency at the elementary level (e.g., having taken language in high school) may instead choose to do an intermediate level language course (4 credit hours) which would satisfy the program’s language requirement. Students who have an advanced level proficiency and/or are bilingual may waive the language requirement, but must take an additional International Studies course to fulfill the requirements for the minor.

An essential part of the International Studies Program is that the student has a “structured” international experience (e.g., taking at least one of the courses in an international setting).  Each student choosing to minor in the International Studies Program must file a “plan of study” with the Program advisor as soon as possible to ensure proper sequencing and availability of courses.  Each student who successfully completes the International Studies minor will satisfy the “intercultural literacy” requirement for graduation.

The International Studies Program requirements include the following:

IN210 Peoples and Cultures of the World
IN299 Special Topics in Cultural Studies
OR
IN220 International Studies Travel Seminar
IN395 International Studies Major-Specific
OR
IN399 International Studies Issues
OR
FL241 Cross-Cultural Learning Service variable Elementary Modern Language I and II or Intermediate Modern Language I or II

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Course Descriptions

IN210 Peoples and Cultures of the World (3 credits)
Takes an anthropological approach to the study of human culture and its various forms around the world. The major features of culture are presented, including subsistence patterns, organizing devices, patterns for transmission of culture, economics, religion,
political organization, social control, and culture change. The methods of anthropological research and theoretical orientations are also examined. Examples of cultural variation, including traditional as well as modern societies, are discussed.

IN220 International Studies Travel Seminar (3 credits)
Provides the opportunity for the student to travel to another country to study and explore various aspects of that culture. Several topics and issues pertaining to that culture are examined.
Prerequisite: IN210 or permission of instructor

IN299 Special Topics in International Studies (3 credits)
Provides in-depth study of a specific culture or society. This course affords the student an opportunity to focus on unique historical and contemporary social problems and issues, similarities and differences between cultures, and the common stereotypes and stigmas.
Prerequisite: IN210 or permission of instructor

IN395 International Studies Major-Specific (3 credits)
Designated by a department as an important area of knowledge and/or skills in that department’s major that helps prepare its students within an international context.
Prerequisite: IN210 or permission of instructor

IN399 International Studies Issues (3 credits)
A “special issues” course that focuses on specific issues that confront our global community. Topics will vary from course to course.
Prerequisite: 1N210 or permission of instructor

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Faculty

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J. Montiero (Adjunct Professor)

A. Sherring (Adjunt Professor)

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International Studies Program
Eastern Nazarene College | 23 East Elm Avenue
Quincy, Massachusetts 02170