The International Studies Program gives students many chances to learn more about their areas of interest from both a specific focus and a worldwide view.
A student talking to Dr. Blake Scott during the Majors-Minors Fair about the International Studies Program.
Courses
The International Studies Program has a regular rotation of new topics in Special Topics, Cross-Regional Studies, and Capstone courses. Students also have the opportunity to explore topics of interest through in-depth research in Independent Study and Bachelor's Essay courses. All International Studies students are also required to study abroad as part of their studies.
Special Topics courses are special classes that cover new and unique topics or specific subjects that aren't part of the regular International Studies classes. These classes are available for beginners and more advanced students.
Previous Special Topics Courses have included:
Memory and Reconciliation in Latin America and Easter Europe
Humanitarian and Development Aid - A Critical Examination
War and Culture
The UN, the International System and Development: A Practitioner's View
Cross-Regional Studies courses look at topics that connect what we know about particular places, countries, or regions with the bigger ideas that tie them all together.
Previous Cross-Regional Topics have included:
Transnational Migration
Religion and Law in the Global Context
Revolution and Utopia
International Development
World Systems and Globalization
Global Governance in Transition Again? The Rise of the Rest
War: Regional, Political, Economic and Cultural Perspectives
Deconstructing Tourism: History, Culture, and the Question of Sustainability
Global Environmental Challenges: Past, Present, Future
The International Studies Capstone is a course where students from different areas of focus come together to learn about and study a big international event, issue, or thing. They use what they have learned in their different concentration courses to understand it better and share their insights.
The Bachelor's Essay (INTL 499A and 499B) is a challenging research and writing class that takes two semesters, and is for accomplished and motivated upper-level students in the major. Students need to find an International Studies faculty member to guide and oversee their project.
Past Bachelor's Essay topics have included:
A Study of the Impact of Transitional Justice Methods Enacted by the ICTY
International Responses to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
“Exploring Barriers to Reproductive Healthcare for Hispanic Women in South Carolina”
"The toxic 'Miracle Crop': The Socio-environmental Impact of the Transgenic Soybean in Argentina"
Analyzing Social and Political Conditions that Perpetuate the Health Risks for Sex Workers Across
Assessing Political Violence's Disproportionate Impact on Nutrition Among African American Women
Impact of COVID-19 on Elections
Human Rights Violations in Russia and International Response
Cultivating Health: Examining the Past, Present, and Future of Herbal Remedies
Fair Trade: Is it a Help or Hinderance to the Development of Female Artisans?
Terrorism in Transnational Context
Recovering from Trauma: Reclaiming Spaces of State-Sponsored Terrorism in Argentina
Deconstructing the Memorialization of Nagasaki's Hidden Christians
Female Leaders in Latin America: Analyzing MDG Outcomes
Studying Abroad means you can take classes to finish your degree while living in another country with different cultures, politics, and social norms than what you know from your home.
Your growing knowledge about global problems can be useful, not just in your studies at the College of Charleston, but also as you become leaders among your peers.
Every International Studies student must spend one semester or summer in a study or internship abroad program which should meet these conditions:
