International Studies (B.A.)

Program Requirements (13 hours)

• ANTH 210 - Cultural Anthropology (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
• GEOG 210 - World Regional Geography (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
• HIST 112 - World Civilizations II (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
• INTS 400 - Research & Writing in INTS
• POLS 141 - Governments of the World (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]

Additional Requirements

International Experience: study or travel abroad in consultation with program director.

Program Electives (24 hours or 18 hours for double major)

• ANTH 455 - Cross-Cultural Approaches to the Study of Women
• ANTH 460 - World Ethnography
• ANTH 465 - Medical Anthropology
• ARTH 212 - History of World Art II (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
• ARTH 306 - Twentieth-Century Art History
• ENGL 212 - World Literature II (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
• ENGL 222 - British Literature II (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
• HIST 343 - Race, Imperialism, and Empire
• HIST 418 - History of Latin America (C)
• HIST 434 - Modern Ireland
• HIST 444 - History of Modern Russia (C)
• HSAD 407 - Global Health Care Systems
• INTS XXX (any INTS course) 3 cr
• MCOM 413 - International Media
• MUS 240 - Music Cultures of the World (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
• POLS 250 - Introduction to International Relations (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
• POLS 441 - Genocide in the Modern Era
• POLS 446 - Politics of India and Pakistan
• POLS 447 - Latin American Politics (C)
• POLS 449 - Middle Eastern Politics (C)
• POLS 451 - Advanced Problems in International Relations
• POLS 454 - International Law and Organizations (C)
• POLS 455 - International Human Rights
• REL 250 - World Religions (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
• SPCM 470 - Intercultural Communication (C)
• THEA 305 - World Cinema: Film and Culture
• Approved elective courses 3cr

Required modern foreign language Courses (20-22 Hours):

Completed through a major or a minor in a single modern foreign language or 14 hours in one modern foreign language and 8 hours in a second modern foreign language.

Double Major (51 hours)

Students who choose to receive a double major may reduce the number of International Studies electives by six credit hours. With the exception of courses in a modern foreign language, requirements may not apply to more than one major, i.e. double-counting of a course is not permitted.

Four-Year Program Guides and Costs

USD encourages students to take 15 credits per semester or 30 credits within the year in order to graduate in 4 years. To help students complete their academic degree program in four years, we provide a sample academic plan. Please work with your academic advisor to confirm your plan. 

• International Studies, B.A. 4-year plan guide  

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will comprehensively explore issues, ideas, artifacts and events before accepting or formulating an opinion or conclusion, and combine or synthesize existing ideas, images or expertise in original ways reflecting a high degree of innovation, divergent thinking, and risk taking.
2. Students will be able to demonstrate the cultivation of knowledge, skills, values and motivation that will enable them to make a difference in the civic life of communities and promote the quality of life in a community and engage in activities of personal and public concern that are both individually life enriching and socially beneficial to the community
3. Students will be able to demonstrate cognitive, effective, and behavioral skills that support effective and appropriate interaction in a variety of cultural contexts.
4. Students will be able to systematically explore issues, objects or works through the collection and analysis of evidence that results in informed conclusions or judgments, and break down complex topics or issues into parts to gain a better understanding of them.
5. Students will connect ideas and experiences in order to synthesize and transfer learning to new, complex situations within and beyond the campus. 
6. Understand the history, structure, and operation of the international system.
7. Understand similarities and differences between types of governments of the world, including arguments for and against each type.
8. Understand the major theories of international relations, and knowledge the theorists associated with each theory
9. Proficiency in a modern foreign language and culture of a non-English-speaking country or region of the world.
10. Synthesize and integrate concepts and theories to analyze and understand novel problems.
11. Systematically explore issues, objects or works through the organized, methodical collection and analysis of evidence.
12. Find, understand, and evaluate primary and secondary sources of information.
13. Evaluate competing arguments using empirical and logical methods.
14. Apply findings to new questions, evidence or situations.
15. Formulate and construct logical and coherent arguments about international and global issues, processes, and policies.
16. Compose written arguments that are coherent and logical; that develop a clear thesis; and that support the thesis with evidence.
17. Present ideas and research findings orally, including taking a position for or against political issues and positions.
18. Participate in cross-cultural experiences and activities at some point during their studies.
19. Demonstrate continuing engagement with international and global affairs.
20. Students will demonstrate the ability to evaluate their own value systems, ethics, and morals within the context of international and global affairs, and their professions.
21. Demonstrate cognitive, affective and behavioral skills and characteristics that support effective and appropriate interaction in a variety of cultural contexts.
22. Students will have a resume or curriculum vitae that effectively communicates their education, experience and qualifications.
23. Students will seek career and/or graduate school guidance from their academic counselors.
24. Students will seek career and/or graduate school guidance from the Academic and Career Planning Center.

State Authorization - It Matters Where You Live

If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference the State Authorization webpage.

State Authorization