International & Area Studies

About the International & Area Studies Program

In response to the unique challenges of global interdependence, the International Studies program offers several AOC options. The International & Area Studies (IAS) concentration is designed to meet the need for a new generation trained to enter the international arena with a comprehensive view of the international system and an in-depth understanding of a major region or issue in world affairs.

The IAS area of concentration offers three tracks to both meet a range of student interests and provide solid training for future study or work in the area. The “area studies” track combines fundamental courses on the international political and economic systems with the student’s choice of specialization in a regional area; the “systemic track” focuses on a deeper understanding of the international political and economic systems; and the “issue” track is designed for students with a specific interest in a major international issue that affects more than one region, e.g. global health issues or peace and conflict.

In addition to these three tracks in the IAS AOC, we offer separate AOCs in Caribbean and Latin American Studies, East Asian Studies, and European Studies. These AOCs are designed for students with intensive interests in one of these regions and less of a focus on the international system. Students are free to concentrate in other regional areas either under the IAS area studies track or as an individually designed major.

International & Area Studies, Asian Studies, Caribbean and Latin American Studies, East Asian Studies, and European Studies are also very appropriate joint AOCs for students combining them with disciplinary AOCs, so we offer a reduced set of requirements for those options.

With approximately 100 funding opportunities directly related to International & Area Studies currently available to our students, there are plenty of chances for extended research and study abroad within our program! See the CEO’s Scholarship-Fellowship Database for more information.

On the third Wednesday of every month, the IAS Program hosts its Global Wednesday Talk (GWT) series from 4-5 pm. From individual speakers to small panels, speakers from on and off campus alike come to present on a range of topics related to the international sphere. GWTs provide a space for direct audience engagement and post-talk discussion. For details on topics and location, learn more here.

For the latest from the IAS program, check out our Youtube channel and follow us on Twitter @NCFIAS!

“I dream of developing a career in international development, foreign service or global journalism. As the nerve center for the European Union, NATO and transatlantic diplomacy, Belgium will offer me the opportunity to be immersed in a diverse international community central to my goals. As a first-generation, low-income student, I am so excited to have an opportunity to see more of the world and chase my dreams.”

Jacob Wentz
Graduate 2020
Awarded Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award

Recent courses

Advanced Spanish: Latin American Perspectives The Age of Openness: China Before Mao (1912-49) Beyond the Dream: Latinx History in Critical Perspective China, Africa and Globalization Chinese Economy Chinese History Since 1800 Conservation and Indigenous Knowledge Contemporary French History Empire, Power and Culture: The Mongols Food, Fuel, Fiber and Finance: A History of Global Capitalism Geography of Globalization International Law and Politics Introduction to International Business

Islamic Movements, Past and Present Latin America Social Theory Medieval Cities Modernism in the Visual Arts: 1900-1940 Money, Banking and Financial Markets Music of the African Disapora in Latin America Race and Ethnicity in Global Perspective Remembering What Has Never Existed: Contemporary Latin American Short Fiction The Retreat of the Elephant: Environmental History in East Asian Art and Archaeology Shining Jewels: Buddhist Art and Practice in East Asia Translation Workshop: From Spanish to English World Economic History

Potential Career Pathways

• International Business
• International Relations
• Global Public Health
• Social Services
• Nonprofits & NGOs
• Foreign Service
• Education
• Communications
• Law
• Travel and Tourism