Academics

Sections

• Overview
• Prospective Students
• Global Studies Major
  • Foundations
  • Language and Culture Studies
  • Thematic Areas
• Global Studies Minor
  • Global Studies Core
  • Language Requirement
  • Thematic Areas
• International Studies Major
  • Foundations
  • Language and Culture Studies
  • Professional, Technical or Scientific Core
• International Studies Minor
  • Global Studies
  • Language and Culture Studies
• Advising Information
  • Planning Your Schedule
  • Forms
  • Study Abroad
  • Frequently Asked Questions
• Courses
• Distinction Project
  • Students
  • Faculty

Giving to Global Studies

International Studies Major

Only students who entered the University of Illinois prior to Fall 2009 have the option of pursuing the International Studies Major. Other students should see the Global Studies Major.

The International Studies major, administered by the LAS Central Student Office, requires 120 hours of course work for graduation. The minimum required major and supporting courses equate to 49-55 hours including a minimum of 12 hours of 300- and 400-level courses. Download the major and minor overview.

Requirements

Global Studies (12-13 hours)

Four courses must be selected from the approved course list in consultation with the International Studies advisor; they must include no more than one course each from the following departments: Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, and Sociology.

Language and Culture Studies (27 hours)

This requirement has three components as follows:

• Language Studies (6 hours)
  Select from the approved course list in a language other than the student’s primary language. This requirement is in addition to and may utilize courses in the same rubric used to fulfill the LAS College language requirement of four semesters or equivalent of college course work in a single language (16-20 hrs) or four years of a single language in high school. (Placement exams may be utilized for students presenting four years of high school study.)
• Area Studies (9 hours)
  200- through 400-level courses that build your knowledge of the region of your interest and complement the chosen foreign language. Must include work in at least two disciplinary departments. Select one area from the following: Africa, East and South Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Russia and Eastern Europe. (Note: Only one area may be chosen, and it must correspond geographically with the I.S language. For instance, students of Spanish can choose either Europe or Latin America).
• Study Abroad (12 hours)
  International Studies majors must complete a semester-long study abroad program in the language and area of their major focus. Students will study a variety of subjects which could include language and culture courses in a region in which their area studies coursework and secondary language training will be utilized; up to 6 hours may be used to fulfill other requirement of the major.

Professional, Technical, or Scientific Core Studies (16-21 hours)

Students may opt to do a minor selected in consultation with the curriculum advisor or twenty (20) hours of topical studies courses combined into an intellectually or professionally coherent study that is approved by the curriculum advisor. No more than one-half of the coursework should be at an elementary level and at least 6 hours of advanced level courses are required.

A Major Plan of Study Form must be completed and submitted to an International/Global Studies advisor before the end of the fifth semester (60-75 hours).