International Studies Program Overview
- One of the few fully integrated International Studies programs in the state
- A comprehensive interdisciplinary curriculum
- Proficiency-based foreign language training in French, German, Spanish and Chinese
- Intensive summer study abroad with home stays, especially designed for UALR students
- Flexible program design
- Individualized advising and counseling
Curicullum
- Prerequisites
- Internship
- Business Options
- The Minor
- Second Language Skills
- Advising
- Study and Work Abroad
- Senior Project
Prerequisites
Students who plan to major in International Studies will complete the university’s core requirements during their freshman and sophomore years at UALR. They are expected to take a sophomore course in both Macroeconomics and Geography and two consecutive semesters of elementary foreign language (or demonstrate equivalent proficiency) before seeking admission to the Program. The International Studies degree is a major consisting of 54 credits, including 36 upper level hours. A set core of courses, providing the student with foreign language training and exposure to basic global realities, is complemented by an area of concentration that focuses on a particular region or theme. Such an emphasis includes 18 hours of closely related courses, a culture class taught in the chosen foreign language, an Internship and a Senior Project. Seniors ideally will be able to make use of their foreign language skills and specialized knowledge when they complete their Internship and gather data for the Senior Thesis.
Business Options
The student may elect an emphasis in International Business. Additional prerequisites for the Business Track include Microeconomics and Business Law.
Second Language Skills
An overall minimum of 18 foreign language credits (or equivalent proficiency), including six upper level hours, is required for all International Studies majors. Since language is the single most powerful instrument for accessing another culture, a measure of oral fluency and functional skills in reading and writing a foreign language is an integral part of this program. The Area of Concentration consists of 18 hours of closely related courses in various disciplines, such as Political Science, History, Art, Geography, Sociology, Communications, Religion, International Business, etc. Each major’s area of focus closely related courses is individually designed in consultation with the Academic Coordinator, depending on the student’s personal scholastic background and interest.
Internship
All majors are required to complete an Internship with an agency or commercial firm of international scope in order to gain hands-on experience in a setting where global knowledge is crucial. Although the minimum time on the job consists of 90 clock hours, a longer commitment generally proves more valuable for both the intern and their supervisor.
Senior Project
The Senior Project is an independent study project to be completed under the direction of a faculty member knowledgeable in the student’s area of concentration. The student will define a problem in consultation with his/her adviser, work out a research schedule and present the findings in a well organized paper.
The Minor
The 21-hour minor in International Studies is well-suited to add a global dimension to such majors as Communications, Foreign Language, Journalism, Criminal Justice, Sociology/Anthropology, Science, Music and Art. International Studies minors are required to take INTS 2301 “World Cultures” or INTS 2302 “Global Issues,” as well as 4 upper division electives chosen in consultation with the International Studies Coordinator. They also must complete an intermediate Foreign Language course (2311 or above).
Advising
Because the International Studies Program has its own administrator, participants in the Program receive more individual attention that UALR students at large. During the regular academic year the Program Coordinator is readily available for advising and special consultations pertaining to degree plans, foreign language study, options for study and work abroad, internships and senior projects.
Students interested in this degree are urged to contact the Coordinator during their Freshman year to discuss possible degree plans. Since the structure of the International Studies Program is more complex than that of other majors and since certain courses need to be taken in proper sequence, among them Foreign Language, early planning is essential to assure satisfactory progress toward graduation.
Study and Work Abroad
Studying and working in a foreign country is an extremely valuable experience for International Studies majors and is highly recommended. UALR offers reasonably-priced, intensive summer programs in France, Spain, Austria and Guadalajara, Mexico. Students are encouraged to explore other possibilities for study and work abroad in consultation with the Coordinators for International Studies and Programs Abroad. Majors interested in internships abroad are advised that it may take six to nine months to make the appropriate arrangements and that their active participation in this process is indispensible.