International Affairs

Faculty
Description
Major Requirements
Areas of Concentration
Minor Requirements
Program Policies
Course Descriptions

Faculty

Robert Maguire, Assistant Professor of International Affairs (Program Director)
Susan Farnsworth, Professor of History (Undergraduate Coordinator)
Diverse members of the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education, and the School of Professional Studies collaborate in the International Affairs Program

Description

Situated in the College of Arts and Sciences, Trinity's Undergraduate Program in International Affairs offers an interdisciplinary major and minor to undergraduate students. Students enrolled in the International Affairs Program gain knowledge and analytical skills that will enable them to respond to urgent, worldwide needs for informed citizen awareness and active citizen involvement in global affairs. 

The Program in International Affairs involves faculty from such disciplines as business, communication, economics, gender studies, geography, history, political science, and sociology, all of which have strong interest and involvement in international issues. Drawing upon a diverse group of faculty members as well as human and institutional resources located in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, Trinity's Undergraduate Program in International Affairs combines work in the classroom with an approach that moves beyond the traditional curriculum and classroom to make optimal use of the college's location in one of the world's leading international cities. 

Concrete knowledge of international topics, with particular emphasis on their economic, geographic, historical, political, and sociological components, is essential to fostering students' effective global awareness and involvement. In this regard, Trinity's undergraduate major in International Affairs seeks to instill within each student the following learning outcomes:

• An understanding of the nature of international affairs, fostering, where possible, an emphasis on the relationship between international issues and issues of gender;
• Acquisition of knowledge and methods required for critical assessment of global events, processes, trends and issues;
• An understanding of the interrelationship of disciplines and the interdisciplinary approach;
• Acquisition of competency in one of five areas of concentration within the major;
• Acquisition of an intermediate written and oral competency in a second language;
• An ability to collect, compile, analyze, and corroborate factual data through effective independent research and organization of research findings;
• An ability to communicate effectively in written and oral presentations;
• An opportunity to exercise leadership and collaborative skills in and beyond the classroom;
• The orientation of student learning toward career options and/or the pursuit of graduate or professional study upon completion of the program.

Students seeking an undergraduate degree in International Affairs are required to complete 27 core credits along with 18 credits in one of five interdisciplinary areas of concentration. The areas of concentration are: Area and Cultural Studies, International Relations, International Business and Economics, Conflict Management and Diplomacy, and Global Migration - Immigrant Communities. International Affairs majors are also required to attain a minimum proficiency level of four college semesters in a second language.

Students are strongly encouraged to elect internationally oriented courses offered as part of the Foundation for Leadership Curriculum and to take advantage of courses scheduled on a cyclical basis by academic programs participating in the major. All international affairs majors are strongly encouraged to elect a three-credit internship and to consider study abroad opportunities.

The major in International Affairs is offered to students in the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Professional Studies. An 18 credit minor in International Affairs is also offered.

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Major Requirements

Required Courses (27 credits)

ONE introductory course in international affairs:

INAF 201 Introduction to International Affairs

TWO political science courses:

POLS 231 Introduction to Comparative Politics
POLS 241 Introduction to International Relations

ONE economics course selected from:

ECON 253 Issues in Economic Development
ECON 351 International Trade
ECON 353 International Finance

TWO contemporary history courses selected from:

HIS 255 Contemporary History of the Third World
HIS 342 United States History from 1945 to 1988
HIS 485 Age of Dictators in Europe

ONE sociology course selected from:

SOCY 103 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
SOCY 131 Global Social Issues
SOCY 231 Introduction to International Migration

ONE geography course selected from:

INAF 251 Geography of the Americas and Europe
INAF 252 Geography of Africa and Asia

ONE Senior Seminar:

INAF 499 Senior Seminar in International Affairs

Students who plan to major in international affairs are strongly recommended to take INAF 201 as early as possible in their undergraduate careers. Enrollment in INAF 201 is required prior to registration in any INAF course numbered 400 or higher.

Required Language Courses (12 credits or equivalent)

Students must demonstrate a minimum proficiency level of four college semesters in a second language. This proficiency may be demonstrated through course work, approved language tests, or other means approved by the Undergraduate Coordinator.

Co-Requisites

Students planning to major in international affairs should take ECON 101 as a part of their Core or FLC requirements; it is a prerequisite for any economics course chosen to fulfill the INAF major economics requirement.

Area of Concentration (18 credits)

Majors must complete one of the areas of concentration listed below. Courses counted toward an area of concentration must constitute 18 credits in addition to those counted toward the required courses for the major; no course may be counted toward the fulfillment of both required major courses and an area of concentration. 

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Areas of Concentration

I. Area and Cultural Studies
II. International Relations
III. International Business and Economics
IV. Conflict Management and Diplomacy
V. Global Migration - Immigrant Communities

I. Area and Cultural Studies

Allows a student to focus attention on a specific global region and to apply insights and skills cultivated in the core of the major in the development of an informed understanding of that region. Special emphasis is usually placed on one of two world regions: Latin America/Caribbean and Africa.  INAF majors who wish to focus on another world region, however, should consult with the Program Chair and Undergraduate Coordinator early in their career at Trinity in order to develop a personalized course of study for that region.  Area study students are strongly encouraged to conduct research in the language in which they are developing fluency and to consider study abroad opportunities.

A. Latin America/Caribbean Track: Students choosing to place special emphasis on Latin America and the Caribbean are required to take the three courses listed below, and select three other courses from among those approved for the track. Participation in INAF 411 Model Assembly of the Organization of American States is strongly recommended.

INAF 311 Current Issues in the Americas
INT   373 Contemporary Latin America
INT   374 Culture and Society in the Caribbean

B. Africa Track: Students choosing to place special emphasis on Africa are required to take the three courses listed below, and select three other courses from among those approved for the track. Participation in INAF 421 Model Assembly of the African Union is strongly recommended.

HIS    356 Modern Africa
INAF  321 Current Issues in Africa
POLS 337 Comparative Politics: Africa

II. International Relations

Combines the complementary methodological and interpretative perspectives of the social sciences in the analysis of current international issues. Students in the area of concentration distribute their courses to include two approved courses in economics, two approved courses in political science, and two approved courses from another discipline or disciplines. Course selections that correspond to student interests and needs will be planned individually in consultation with the Undergraduate Coordinator. 

III. International Business and Economics

Develops a basic understanding of current issues and trends in economic globalization, drawing from principles of economics as well as fundamental business concepts that govern international commercial and financial transactions. Students are required to complete ECON 102 Introduction to Macroeconomics prior to enrolling in the four courses listed below. 

BADM 213 Quantitative Methods of Business
BADM 307 International Business
BADM 333 International Marketing
ECON 353 International Finance

Students also select one additional approved course related to topics in international business and economics. The elective course for this concentration will be planned individually in consultation with the Undergraduate Coordinator.

IV. Conflict Management and Diplomacy

Examines the theories and techniques that have been developed to understand international conflicts and to promote their resolution. All students in this area of concentration are required to take POLS 443 Seminar on Conflict Theory and Management. The remaining 15 credits can be distributed in various patterns, including at least three disciplines, depending on student interest and with the approval of the Undergraduate Coordinator. 

Students may choose to enroll in either of the major's two, six-credit international diplomacy modules consisting of a contemporary multilateral issues course (INAF 311 or INAF 321) followed by participation in the Model OAS or the Model AU. Students may also choose to enroll in regionally oriented courses offered by the economics, history, international affairs, and political science programs. Students electing this area of concentration are encouraged to participate in the activities of the Capital Area Association of Peace Studies. 

V. Global Migration - Immigrant Communities

Examines migration and immigrant communities with particular emphases on global trends in the post-Cold War period, issues of immigrant identity, and transnational relationships between emigrant and immigrant communities. Students selecting this concentration are required to take INAF 500 The Feminization of Migration following the completion of one political science course in comparative politics and one sociology course not already taken to fulfill the major's core requirements, selected from among SOCY 103 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, SOCY 131 Global Social Issues, and SOCY 231 Introduction to International Migration.  Students are also required to choose three additional courses from among those approved for the area of concentration.

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Minor Requirements

Required Courses (21 credits)

ONE introductory course in international affairs:

INAF 201 Introduction to International Affairs

TWO political science courses:

POLS 231 Introduction to Comparative Politics
POLS 241 Introduction to International Relations

ONE economics course selected from:

ECON 253 Issues in Economic Development
ECON 351 International Trade
ECON 353 International Finance

ONE history course selected from:

HIS 255 Contemporary History of the Third World
HIS 342 Contemporary History of the United States
HIS 485 Age of Dictators in Europe

ONE sociology course selected from:

SOCY 103 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
SOCY 131 Global Social Issues
SOCY 231 Introduction to International Migration

ONE geography course selected from:

INAF 251 Geography of the Americas and Europe
INAF 252 Geography of Africa and Asia

Students choosing to minor in international affairs are required to plan their program with the advice of the Undergraduate Coordinator. 

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Program Policies

Advanced Placement Policy:
As an interdisciplinary program, the International Affairs Program follows the policies of its disciplinary components on issues applicable to this major. Please refer to the statements of the appropriate program for policies on credits earned through advanced placement examinations.

Certificate Programs:
Undergraduate students who major or minor in International Affairs may also elect to pursue one of Trinity's graduate-level certificate programs provided they fulfill the requirements of the certificate and 15 credits at the 500-level or higher in addition to credits earned in the major or minor. Thus, students who count 500-level courses toward their major will be required to take additional 500-level courses as electives to satisfy the requirements of a 15-credit certificate.

CLEP Policy:
The International Affairs Program follows the program policies of its component disciplines for credits earned through CLEP examinations.

Grades in Major Courses:
Students are required to have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in the courses required in the major for graduation.

Pass/No Pass:
Courses fulfilling the major requirement may not be taken pass/no pass.

Senior Assessment:
All majors in their senior year must complete an independent research paper examining an issue in contemporary international affairs under the direction of the Undergraduate Coordinator. Seniors present and assess their research findings in an oral discussion with the Undergraduate Coordinator and a second member of the international affairs faculty. 

TELL Policy:
The International Affairs Program follows the program policies of its component disciplines for TELL credits applicable towards the major.

Transfer Credits:
Because it is an interdisciplinary program, the International Affairs Program follows the transfer policies of the contributing disciplines in determining the applicability of transfer credit to the requirements of the major. At least 12 credits in the major must be taken at Trinity, including INAF 499 Senior Seminar in International Affairs.

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Course Descriptions

INAF 251 Geography of the Americas and Europe
Introduces the physical and human geography of the world's regions with emphasis on the Western Hemisphere, Europe and Russia. Particular attention is given to geographical interdependencies and a region's economic, political, and cultural development. Formerly INS 386 World Geography I.
3 credits
FLC – fulfills global elective requirement

INAF 252 Geography of Africa and Asia
Introduces the physical and human geography of the world's regions with an emphasis on Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific realm. Particular attention is given to geographical interdependencies and a region's economic, political, and cultural development. Formerly INS 388 World Geography II.
3 credits
FLC – fulfills global elective requirement

INAF 311 Current Issues in the Americas
Examines contemporary political, economic, environmental and social issues that concern governments and citizens in North, South and Central America and the Caribbean. Focuses on strengthening and promotion of democracy, human rights, gender equality, combating illegal drugs, the environment and sustainable development, international trade, and hemispheric security. This course is a prerequisite for students planning to participate in INAF 411 Model Assembly of the Organization of American States. Formerly INS 301 The Western Hemisphere: Contemporary Multilateral Issues.
3 credits
FLC – fulfills global elective requirement

INAF 321 Contemporary Issues in Africa
Examines contemporary political, economic, environmental and social issues that concern governments and citizens in the African continent. Focuses on issues of democracy, governance and human rights, international cooperation, economic development, and social issues including HIV/AIDS. This course is a prerequisite for students planning to participate in the Model Assembly of the African Union. Formerly INS 351 Africa: Contemporary Multilateral Issues.
3 credits
FLC – fulfills global elective requirement

INAF 361 Ethics and International Affairs
Examines major ethical, legal, and moral questions that arise in the analysis of international affairs. Particular attention is given to issues related to conflict, the pursuit and use of information, and the conduct of foreign policy. Formerly INS 387 Ethics and International Affairs.
3 credits
FLC – fulfills global elective requirement

INAF 363 U.S. Intelligence and World Affairs
Explores the structure and function of diverse intelligence agencies of the United States government, including the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the National Security Agency (NSA), in respect to current world affairs.
3 credits
FLC – fulfills global elective requirement

INAF 371 International Terrorism
Examines international terrorism in the context of the larger international system. Students study the roots of terrorism and its contemporary organization and expression in order to answer the questions, "what is terrorism, who are the terrorists, and why have they chosen terrorist strategies to achieve their goals?" The course also examines terrorism and the behavior of terrorists in the context of contemporary international power relations. Formerly INS 302 International Terrorism.
3 credits
FLC – fulfills global elective requirement

INAF 381 Contemporary Topics in International Affairs
Examines special topics in international affairs. Topics change each semester. Formerly INS 385 Contemporary Topics in International Studies.
3 credits
FLC – fulfills global elective requirement

INAF 411 Model Assembly of the Organization of American States
Prepares students for participation in the Organization of American States Model Assembly, a simulation of the proceedings and deliberations of the actual OAS General Assembly. Students learn about the structure and function of the OAS and about diplomatic rules of procedure, while also practicing research, writing and debating skills required for participation in the model assembly. Formerly INS 405 Model Assembly of the Organization of American States.
3 credits
FLC Seminar II
Prerequisites: INAF 201 and INAF 311

INAF 421 Model Assembly of the African Union
Prepares students for participation in the Model Assembly of the African Union, a simulation of the proceedings and deliberations of the actual AU General Assembly. Students learn about the structure and function of the AU and about diplomatic rules of procedure, while also practicing research, writing and debating skills required for participation in the model assembly. Formerly INS 406 Model Assembly of the African Union.
3 credits
Prerequisites: INAF 201 and INAF 321

INAF 491 Internship in International Affairs
Provides students with the opportunity to pursue an internship in the field of international affairs under the direction of a faculty member. Formerly INS 384 Internship in International Studies.
3 credits
Prerequisites: INAF 201, junior or senior standing, and permission of instructor

INAF 498 Independent Study
Allows students to construct an individualized course of study under the direction of a faculty member, Formerly INS 399 Independent Study.
3 credits
Prerequisites: INAF 201, junior or senior standing, and permission of instructor

INAF 499 Senior Seminar in International Affairs
Explores contemporary global issues through a wide range of sources and disciplinary perspectives. Topics include changing patterns in international relations, trends in the international economy, environmental and social justice concerns, and regional prospects. Formerly INS 481 Senior Seminar: International Studies.
3 credits
Prerequisites: INAF 201 and senior standing

INAF 500 The Feminization of International Migration
Examines trends since the end of the Cold War, focusing on the significant effect of globalization on the migration phenomenon. Among topics investigated are trafficking of women vs. migrant smuggling, the impact of migrant remittances on family structure, the vulnerability of refugee women and children, and government response to these shifts in migration trends. Students will better understand how migration affects their everyday life. Formerly INS 500.
3 credits
Prerequisite: SOCY 231 and completion of language requirement

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