International Studies

Students may earn a bachelor of arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in International Studies. Students also may minor in International Studies. The program allows undergraduate students to pursue an interdisciplinary understanding of modern world affairs. The purpose of the International Studies program is to provide students with a greater knowledge of and appreciation for the diverse cultural, economic and political systems in the global community. It is designed to enhance and enrich a major in any department or program offered at UNC Asheville by emphasizing a global perspective. The interdisciplinary nature of the International Studies minor underscores the importance of a liberal arts education.

Program of Study

The concentration in International Studies affords students an opportunity to gain an interdisciplinary understanding of some of the most important trends and forces which cut across national borders and regional boundaries. In addition to classroom work, students must engage in participatory activities and are strongly urged to study abroad. Required courses for the major—22 hours, including: HIST 152; POLS 380; 3 hours chosen from ANTH 100, POLS 281, ECON 250; 3 hours from INTS 361 and 362; INTS 495; 3 hours from INTS 499; 6 hours of modern foreign language at or above the 200-level.  Students also must focus on a specific area of international affairs by completing 21 additional hours, as described in the current catalog.

International Experience

This represents a critical component of international studies. Thus students must select one of the following options for 6 credit hours:

6 hours earned in a UNCA-approved study abroad experience. These credits must be earned in courses appropriate to the theme of International Studies and must be approved by the INTS director.

Minor in International Studies

The minor in International Studies allows students to pursue a self-designed interdisciplinary and comparative study of world affairs. The minor gives students an opportunity to enhance and enrich their major field of study by incorporating a global and interdisciplinary perspective into their intellectual repertoire. Students majoring in any discipline may choose a minor in International Studies with the consent of the director of International Studies. Students and faculty advisors determine a concentration suited to their intellectual and career objectives, and courses may include modern foreign languages, humanities, the arts, and the natural and social sciences with substantial modern international content. See the current catalog for details. A study abroad experience is recommended, but not required. If a student chooses a study abroad program, it must be incorporated into the approved study plan prior to the student’s participation so that appropriate overseas study credits may be applied.

Requirements

Students seeking a minor in International Studies must take 21 semester hours, including an introductory course they choose from anthropology, history or political science; a senior capstone course; and at least 6 hours of modern foreign languages courses beyond the 100 level. Courses must be taken from at least four departments, and no more than 6 hours from the student’s major may be applied toward the minor. Courses in a student’s study program must have significant international content relating to the modern era. The director of International Studies and the student’s academic advisor determine suitable courses.

Study Abroad

UNC Asheville conducts summer programs in Oxford and Cambridge (England), France, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Spain and Ecuador, and the university has exchange programs with University College (Chester, England) and the Universidad del Azuay in Cuenca, Ecuador. A semester program is offered in both Granada and Santander, Spain. The university participates in the statewide UNC Exchange Program (UNCEP), which opens up study in Australia, Germany, Finland, Israel, Mexico, Denmark/Sweden, Brazil and South Africa. Many other study abroad locations, from Poland to Costa Rica, are offered through the N.C. Consortium for Study Abroad. These programs often are available for the same cost as UNC Asheville tuition and fees. Federal and some state financial aid can be applied to study abroad costs, and scholarships may be sought. Students may receive full credit for courses taken abroad.

Faculty

The faculty teach courses from a range of disciplines in International Studies. They are engaged in scholarship and research in their own fields and are committed to increasing international awareness.

Post-Graduate Opportunities

The International Studies Program is of value to students seeking careers in a number of fields, such as government, business, environmental studies, law, journalism, public service and teaching. It provides an excellent background for those interested in working for government agencies, non-governmental organizations such as the United Nations, and private voluntary and humanitarian organizations. And it is excellent preparation for professional schools and graduate work.

More Information

International Studies Program
UNC Asheville, CPO #1940
One University Heights
Asheville, NC 28804
828.251.6974