International Affairs

Faculty

Susan Farnsworth, Professor of History (Program Chair)
Robert Maguire, Associate Professor of International Affairs
Members of the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Professional Studies collaborate in the International Affairs Program.

Description

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, geography, history, political science, and sociology, all of whom have strong interest and involvement in international issues. The major and minor combine work in the classroom with an approach that moves beyond the traditional curriculum and classroom to make optimal use of the University'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 program 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 the equivalent of 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 general education 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. An 18 credit minor in International Affairs is also offered.

Major Requirements

Required Courses (27 credits)

ONE introductory course in international affairs:

INAF 201 Introduction to International Affairs

Introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of international affairs through a format that both imparts knowledge on compelling contemporary issues, and assists students to acquire and improve research, writing, and presentation skills that contribute to successful, upper-level coursework. Formerly INS 201 Introduction to International Affairs.

TWO political science courses:

POLS 231 Introduction to Comparative Politics

Offers an introduction to the major concepts and analytical frameworks of the sub-field. While it is designed as the appropriate first course in comparative politics, its theoretical focus makes it appropriate for more advanced students as well. Formerly PSC 200 Introduction to Comparative Politics.

3 credits

General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area

FLC Area V


POLS 241 Introduction to International Relations

ONE economics course selected from:

ECON 253 Issues in Economic Development

Examines economic problems of developing countries, with an emphasis on the role of policy. Compares economic performance across both developing and developed countries. Formerly ECO 280 Issues in Economic Development.

3 credits

Prerequisites: ECON 101 and ECON 102 or permission of the instructor

FLC Area V


ECON 351 International Trade
ECON 353 International Finance

TWO contemporary history courses selected from:

HIS 255 Contemporary History of the Third World

Looks at the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. After first examining the factors that created the global imperial order at the end of the 19th century, the course traces the rise of nationalism, the impact of the world wars, the process of decolonization, and the challenge of nation building in an age of global politics.

3 credits


HIS 342 U.S. History from 1946 through 1988
HIS 358 The Modern Middle East
HIS 360 Ethics & Power: Contemporary Diplomatic History of the US
HIS 369 Vietnam
HIS 485 Age of Dictators: Europe 1914-1945

ONE sociology course selected from:

SOCY 103 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

Studies the nature of culture, sub-culture, cultural change, and cross-cultural comparisons. Formerly SOC 280 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology.

3 credits


SOCY 131 Global Social Issues
SOCY 231 International Migration

ONE geography course selected from:

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.


INAF 252 Geography of Africa and Asia

ONE Senior Seminar:

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, 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

Prereq INAF 201 and senior status

Students who plan to major in international affairs are strongly recommended to take INAF 201 Introduction to International Affairs

Introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of international affairs through a format that both imparts knowledge on compelling contemporary issues, and assists students to acquire and improve research, writing, and presentation skills that contribute to successful, upper-level coursework. Formerly INS 201 Introduction to International Affairs.

as early as possible in their undergraduate careers.

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 program chair.

Co-Requisites

Students planning to major in international affairs should take ECON 101 Introduction to Microeconomics

Introduces principles of microeconomics and their applications. Topics include supply and demand, operation of markets, consumer and enterprise behavior, competition and monopoly, and microeconomic policy. Formerly ECO 122 Principles of Economics I.

3 credits

Prerequisites: ECON 100 and Either MATH 105, MATH 109, or Math 123

FLC Area V

Core Area II: Understanding Self, Society, and Nature

as a part of their general education 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.

Areas of Concentration

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

I. Area and Cultural Studies
In the Area Studies concentration, students select a combination of courses within which they can develop their knowledge of a specific global region. These courses may be directly focused on a global region or provide the opportunity through course assignments for a student to focus her attention on her region of interest. International Affairs majors have pursued Area and Cultural Studies concentrations that explore the contemporary experiences of Latin America and the Caribbean, The Middle East, The Developing World, and Africa.

Students interested in designing an Area Studies concentration work closely with the program chair and faculty to choose a balanced and diverse range of courses. For example, students choosing the Latin America/Caribbean track might enroll in INAF 311 Current Issues in the Americas , INAF 411, , POLS 335, INT 373A Culture and Society in Latin America and INT 373B Culture and Society in the Caribbean . They might then complete the concentration through INAF 491 Internship working in an organization concerned with Latin American issues.


II. International Relations

The International Relations concentration 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; students are strongly encouraged to include INAF 491 Internship

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.

.

III. International Business and Economics

The International Business and Economics concentration 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. The required courses for this concentration are listed below; several require the completion of ECON 102 Introduction to Macroeconomics

Introduces principles of macroeconomics and their applications. Topics include national income, unemployment, inflation, and economic growth. The role of policy in affecting macroeconomic outcomes is examined in detail. Formerly ECO 121 Principles of Economics II.

3 credits

Prerequisites: ECON 101

FLC Area V

Core Area II: Understanding Self, Society, and Nature

as a prerequisite.

BADM 211 Business Mathematics

Explores quantitative concepts, ratios, and analysis commonly used in the various functional areas of business, including human resources, finance, accounting, and marketing. Topics include discounts, markup/markdown, interest, payroll, and commissions, and ratios for performance analysis. Formerly BUA 228 Business Mathematics.

3 credits


BADM 307 International Business
BADM 328 Business, Government, and Society
ECON 351 International Trade
ECON 353 International Finance

Students also select one additional approved course and are strongly encouraged to include INAF 491 Internship

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.

, Internship in International Affairs.

IV. Conflict Management and Diplomacy

The Conflict Management and Diplomacy concentration 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

Provides a multidisciplinary examination of theories about conflict, including the causes and arenas of conflict and proposed methods for regulating it. Includes seminar discussions, guest lecturers, and experimental learning situations. Formerly PSC 461 Seminar on Conflict Theory and Management.

4 credits

. The remaining 15 credits can be distributed in various patterns, including at least three disciplines chosen with the advice of the program chair and faculty; INAF 491 Internship is strongly recommended.

Students electing this concentration may choose to enroll in regionally-oriented courses offered by the Economics, History, International Affairs, and Political Science programs; they also are encouraged to participate in the activities of the Capital Area Association of Peace Studies.

V. Global Migration and Immigrant Communities

The Global Migration and Immigrant Communities concentration examines global migration and immigrant communities with particular emphasis on current trends related to women and children; human smuggling and trafficking; immigrant identity; transnational relationships between emigrant and immigrant communities. Students selecting this concentration area are required to take SOCY 231 International Migration

Surveys key issues in international migration. Provides basic information about issues such as the intersection and implications of international migration and race/ethnicity within the destination, the brain drain, the socioeconomic adaptation of immigrants, transnationalism, the economic and cultural impacts of international migration, and the trafficking and exploitation of women and children, among others. Formerly SOC 259 International Migration.

either as an INAF core requirement or as an elective course. Students are also required to enroll in at least three of the courses identified below and to select one or two additional approved courses related to the area of concentration topic, including INAF 491 Internship .

INAF 300 Feminization of International Migration

Explores the significant effect of globalization on the migration phenomenon since the end of the Cold War, with particular emphasis on trends as they affect women. Topics include trafficking of women vs. migrant smuggling, the impact of migrant remittances on family structure, the vulnerability of refugee women and children, and government responses to these shifts in migration trends. 3 CREDITS


INAF 372 International Migration and Hum Traff
INAF 373 Transnational Immigrant Communities
INAF 471 Intl Criminal Networks & Human Traffick
INAF 481 U.S. Human Trafficking Law

Minor Requirements

Required Courses (18 credits)

ONE introductory course in international affairs:

INAF 201 Introduction to International Affairs

Introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of international affairs through a format that both imparts knowledge on compelling contemporary issues, and assists students to acquire and improve research, writing, and presentation skills that contribute to successful, upper-level coursework. Formerly INS 201 Introduction to International Affairs.

TWO political science courses:

POLS 231 Introduction to Comparative Politics

Offers an introduction to the major concepts and analytical frameworks of the sub-field. While it is designed as the appropriate first course in comparative politics, its theoretical focus makes it appropriate for more advanced students as well. Formerly PSC 200 Introduction to Comparative Politics.

3 credits

General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area

FLC Area V


POLS 241 Introduction to International Relations

ONE economics course selected from:

ECON 253 Issues in Economic Development

Examines economic problems of developing countries, with an emphasis on the role of policy. Compares economic performance across both developing and developed countries. Formerly ECO 280 Issues in Economic Development.

3 credits

Prerequisites: ECON 101 and ECON 102 or permission of the instructor

FLC Area V


ECON 351 International Trade
ECON 353 International Finance

ONE history course selected from:

HIS 255 Contemporary History of the Third World

Looks at the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. After first examining the factors that created the global imperial order at the end of the 19th century, the course traces the rise of nationalism, the impact of the world wars, the process of decolonization, and the challenge of nation building in an age of global politics.

3 credits


HIS 342 U.S. History from 1946 through 1988
HIS 358 The Modern Middle East
HIS 360 Ethics & Power: Contemporary Diplomatic History of the US
HIS 369 Vietnam
HIS 485 Age of Dictators: Europe 1914-1945

ONE geography course selected from:

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.


INAF 252 Geography of Africa and Asia

Students choosing to minor in international affairs are urged to plan their program with the advice of the Program Chair.

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.

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 Program Chair. Seniors present and assess their research findings in an oral discussion with the Program Chair 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

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, 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

Prereq INAF 201 and senior status

.

Course Descriptions

 INAF 201 Introduction to International Affairs INAF 251 Geography of the Americas and Europe INAF 252 Geography of Africa and Asia INAF 300 Feminization of International Migration INAF 311 Current Issues in the Americas INAF 321 Contemporary Issues in Africa INAF 363 U.S. Intelligence and World Affairs INAF 371 International Terrorism INAF 372 International Migration and Hum Traff INAF 373 Transnational Immigrant Communities INAF 381 Contemporary Topics in International Affairs INAF 382 Oil and International Affairs INAF 383 Poverty & Humanitarianism INAF 471 Intl Criminal Networks & Human Traffick INAF 481 U.S. Human Trafficking Law INAF 491 Internship INAF 497 Directed Reading International Affairs INAF 498 Independent Study INAF 499 Senior Seminar in International Affairs INAF 500 The Feminization of International Migration INAF 501 Trafficking into the US: Prevention, Protection & Prosecutn INAF 503 Transnational Immigrant Communities INAF 591 Internship INAF 598 Independent Study INAF 599 Certificate Capstone

Trinity reserves the right to change, without prior notice, any policy or procedure, tuition or fee, curricular requirements, or any other information found on this web site or in its printed materials.

Questions may be directed to Virginia Broaddus, Ph.D., Provost at BroaddusV@trinitydc.edu