Knowledge & Skills Gained

Applying What You Learn

In his message to the students in the College of Arts & Sciences, Dean Boocker explains the importance of "making knowledge matter."  We believe that means helping you develop useful, real-world skills alongside the sense of fulfillment and enrichment that studying International Studies can provide.  

We also believe in making you aware of the knowledge and skills you're developing along the way, so that you can captialize on your strengths in the marketplace, in graduate school and in life.

Knowledge & Skills Gained as an International Studies Major:

Knowledge: 

• Multidisciplinary understanding of global processes and relationships 

• Theoretical and factual knowledge of particular regions of the world

• Understanding of human cultural and political variability in the global community, and an appreciation of others’ viewpoints and culture-specific attitudes, ideals and practices

• Intellectual framework for vigorous participation in civil society and public debate over the nature of the “good society”

Skills:

• Study the equivalent of at least three years of one university-level foreign language or two years each of two foreign languages 

• Develop cultural awareness and sensitivity

• Improve written and oral communication skills 

• Consider a variety of perspectives and interpretations of current world events