International Affairs
Faculty
Dr. Susan Farnsworth, Professor of History (program chair)
Dr. James Stocker, Assistant Professor of International Affairs
Faculty representing diverse disciplines in the College of Arts and Sciences collaborate with and contribute to the International Affairs Program.
Description
Trinity’s 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 engagement in contemporary global issues.
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 opportunities to move beyond the traditional curriculum and 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 familiarity with the disciplinary 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;
- Advancement to the level of 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, The Global Economy, Conflict Management and Diplomacy, and Global Migration. International Affairs majors are also required to attain the equivalent of a minimum proficiency level of three college semesters in a second language, along with at least one other course that advances multi-cultural understanding.
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 AffairsIntroduces 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.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Civic Knowledge
TWO political science courses:
POLS 231 Introduction to Comparative PoliticsOffers 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 RelationsOffers an introduction to the theories, actors, arenas, and techniques of international politics. The course examines case studies on issues of current international importance. Formerly PSC 312 Introduction to International Relations.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area V
ONE economics course selected from:
ECON 252 Comparative Capitalist SystemsExamines a variety of capitalist models, and the alternative ways in which societies have tried to resolve the contradictions within capitalism. Topics include isolating the defining institutions of capitalism, the role that they play in influencing the behavior of economic actors, the role of history and culture in shaping economic behavior, the role of government and government policy in alternative economic systems, and the fundamental arguments for and against capitalism.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ECON 100
ECON 253 Issues in Economic DevelopmentExamines 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 TradeExamines the economic theory of international trade. Topics include theories on why countries engage in trade; tools of trade policy; reasons for trade restrictions; economic effects of regional trading blocs, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement and the European Community. Formerly ECO 270 International Economics.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ECON 101 and ECON 102 or permission of the instructor
FLC Area V
ECON 353 International FinanceExamines the economic theory of global financial macroeconomics. The course describes and analyzes the determinants of exchange rates, trade balances, and capital flows. The role of policy in affecting output levels, price levels, and interest rates in different countries is examined in detail. Past and present international monetary arrangements are examined. Formerly ECO 371 International Finance.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ECON 101 and ECON 102 or permission of the instructor
TWO contemporary history courses selected from:
HIS 255 Contemporary History of the Third WorldLooks 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 1988Studies World War II, the Cold War, McCarthyism, the Civil Rights movement, the Great Society, Vietnam, and Reaganism.
3 credits
HIS 358 The Modern Middle EastSurveys the Middle Eastern world from the 18th to the 21st century. Topics include the Islamic heritage, imperialism and the growth of nationalism, the struggle for independence, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the tension between tradition and modernity.
3 credits
HIS 360 Ethics & Power: Contemporary Diplomatic History of the USExamines key moments in contemporary US history when previous generations had to address complex international challenges and establish an effective integration of realist and idealist perspectives. The course considers the various factors that affected the incorporation of ethical traditions into policy and analyzes their domestic and international consequences. Knowledge of these historic patterns, in turn, provides a basis for a critical appraisal of current, pressing issues on the international agenda in which ethical considerations figure prominently.
3 credits
Cross-referenced with ICAE 360
HIS 369 VietnamExamines the forces contributing to the impact of Vietnam on contemporary world history. Topics include the development of Vietnamese national identity, the role of France in Indochina, the phases of United States involvement in the region, and the postwar character of the Vietnamese state.
3 credits
HIS 485 Age of Dictators: Europe 1914-1945Examines the transformation of the European order as a result of World War I and the peace of 1919; analyzes the rise of the dictatorships, the leadership of Mussolini, Hitler, Lenin and Stalin; and investigates the outbreak of World War II.
3 credits
ONE sociology course selected from:
SOCY 103 Introduction to Cultural AnthropologyStudies 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 IssuesSurveys the global problems of hunger, overpopulation, energy, pollution, war, and extremism (slavery, apartheid, relocation, genocide), and how they are built into society. Formerly SOC 254 Global Social Issues.
3 credits
FLC Area V
SOCY 231 International MigrationSurveys 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.
ONE geography course selected from:
INAF 251 Geography of the Americas and EuropeIntroduces 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 AsiaIntroduces the physical and human geography of the world's regions with an emphasis on Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific realm. Particular attention is given to geographical interdependencies and a region's economic, political, and cultural development. Formerly INS 388 World Geography II.
ONE Senior Seminar:
INAF 499 Senior Seminar in International AffairsExplores 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 AffairsIntroduces 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.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Civic Knowledge as early as possible in their undergraduate careers.
Second Language Requirement
Trinity’s International Affairs major recognizes the importance of the ability to communicate effectively in more than one language. All majors must demonstrate a competency in a second language equivalent to at least the third semester in a second language. Ideally, students will be able to continue their language studies and progress through the fourth semester of intermediate study. The completion of four semesters in a second language is one option for meeting the second language requirement. Alternatively, students may follow the third semester of second language study with the completion of another course that deepens their knowledge of the importance of language and culture. For example, after completing the 201 course in a second language, students then could take a course such as COM 225 Intercultural CommunicationApplies basic principles of intercultural communication to the analysis of specific situations involving cultural differences. Emphasis is on the influence of culture on the communication process, including differences in values, assumptions, and communication. Models of intercultural communication analysis are developed and applied to issues dealing with relations between a dominant society and subcultures, social change, and international relations.
3 credits
Core Area I: Skills for Work and Life, Intercultural Communication, or another literature, cultural studies, or history course dealing with the regions in which this language is prominent. Students should plan their approach to the satisfaction of this requirement in close consultation with the program chair and program faculty. In short, the second language requirement represents 12 credits of study, completed through one of two possible pathways. 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 100 Principles of EconomicsIntroduces the basic principles of economics to students with no prior economic training and provides foundational skills for Economics 101 and Economics 102.
3 credits
General Education Requirement: Knowledge and Inquiry
Prerequisites: successful completion of MATH 101S is highly recommended 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. The Global Economy
IV. Conflict Management and Diplomacy
V. Global Migration
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 Spanish or French Speaking Worlds, The Middle East, Europe, The Developing World. The exact composition of the Area Studies concentration can be shaped to each major’s particular emphases. Courses in support of the designated Area Studies concentration can be drawn from all areas of the curriculum.
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.
II. International Relations
The International Relations concentration combines the complementary methodological and interpretive perspectives of the social sciences in the analysis of current international issues. Students in the area of concentration distribute their courses to include one approved course in economics, one approved course in political science and four other courses drawn from across the social science disciplines. Students are strongly encouraged to include INAF 491 InternshipProvides 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. as part of this concentration. Students should work closely with the program chair and faculty in developing a balanced and diverse range of courses in the completion of this concentration.
III. The Global Economy
The Global Economy concentration develops a basic understanding of current issues and trends in the globalizing world economy, drawing from principles of economics as well as fundamental business concepts that govern international commercial and financial transactions. Students should choose at least one course in Business Administration and at least one course in Economics from the list below, with the remaining concentration courses chosen to reflect particular student interests and goals. All ECON courses require completion of ECON 100 Principles of EconomicsIntroduces the basic principles of economics to students with no prior economic training and provides foundational skills for Economics 101 and Economics 102.
3 credits
General Education Requirement: Knowledge and Inquiry
Prerequisites: successful completion of MATH 101S is highly recommended as a pre-requisite.
Approved courses in BADM
BADM 210 Is Globalization Good?This course takes a systems approach to understanding and analyzing the complex forces that result in globalization. Students will explore competing definitions/concepts that are used to support as well as critique the consequences of increased global forces in economic, cultural and social terms. The material for this course will be drawn from current topical readings as well as analytic journals. (Note: Although the implications for global business will be discussed, this is not the primary focus of the course discussion. This course will be open to all students who have completed degree hours for sophomore status.)
3 credits
BADM 236 Theories of LeadershipThis course will survey significant leadership theories, discuss current leadership issues (ethics, motivation, conflict) and relate theory to practice through case discussion.
3 credits
Prerequisites: BADM 101 or BADM 110, or EXSC 321 (exercise science students only) or by Permission of Instructor
BADM 307 International BusinessThis course examines the interdependence of the economic, political, environmental, social, and cultural issues facing multinational organizations. Students gain an understanding of international trade, cross-cultural management issues, strategic planning, internation al marketing, and financial markets. Trade blocs such as NAFTA and the European Union are examined to assess their impact on U.S. organizations and the economy. Formerly BUA 337 International Business Management.
3 credits
BADM 320 International Management Global LeadershipThis course provides a foundation to understand and analyze the central management issues of 21st century global business organizations. These include social responsibility, ethical dilemmas, multiculturalism in the workplace as well as strategic positioning.
3 credits
Prerequisites: BADM 110, BADM 226; or BADM 236
BADM 328 Business, Government, and SocietyThis course provides an introductory examination primarily of macroeconomic theory and policy. Its purpose is to assist non-economists in dealing with real world economic issues. The course deals with such topics as eco nomic growth, money and taxes, the balance of payments, exchange rates, international trade, business cycles, and financial markets.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ECON 101 and ECON 102
BADM 330 Sustainability, Innovation & EntrepreneurshipThis course will address the concepts and skill associated with the emerging concern of managing sustainable ("green") businesses. Topics addressed include, the use of innovation to promote sustainability, entrepreneurial business models for sustainability, and overviews of the various areas in which business can be sustainable (products, energy, health, etc…). This course is intended to encourage creative thinking. Students will be actively engaged in interactive problem solving, simulation, group work and individual assessments.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PHIL 253 or BADM 210 or BADM 236 or Permission of Instructor
BADM 350 Understanding Global InstitutionsThe purpose of this course is to provide a foundation to both understand and analyze the key global institutional structures that shape our daily behavior(s). To do this, we will "unpack" ideas such as markets/ consumption/ organizational behavior as well system, structure and recent thinking about sustainability. Our discussions will be multi-disciplinary, drawing on economics, sociology, political science and organizational science. We will move from the events of everyday living to the "big picture" thinking of global institutions.
3 credits
Prerequisites: BADM 210; BADM 307; BADM 320 or POI.
Approved courses in ECON
ECON 221 Environmental EconomicsAnalyzes the theoretical principles of environmental economics. Topics include the valuation of and the demand for environmental goods, the basic theory of markets and market failure in the presence of externalities, and private and government solutions to market failure. Formerly ECO 235.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ECON 101 and ECON 102 or permission of the instructor
FLC Area V
ECON 223 Women in the EconomyApplies the theory of the household and investment in human resources to female labor force participation, marriage, family formation, sex discrimination, women's education choices, and government policies affecting the economic status of women. Formerly ECO 375 Women in the Economy.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ECON 101 and ECON 102 or permission of the instructor
FLC Area V
ECON 252 Comparative Capitalist SystemsExamines a variety of capitalist models, and the alternative ways in which societies have tried to resolve the contradictions within capitalism. Topics include isolating the defining institutions of capitalism, the role that they play in influencing the behavior of economic actors, the role of history and culture in shaping economic behavior, the role of government and government policy in alternative economic systems, and the fundamental arguments for and against capitalism.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ECON 100
ECON 253 Issues in Economic DevelopmentExamines 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 TradeExamines the economic theory of international trade. Topics include theories on why countries engage in trade; tools of trade policy; reasons for trade restrictions; economic effects of regional trading blocs, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement and the European Community. Formerly ECO 270 International Economics.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ECON 101 and ECON 102 or permission of the instructor
FLC Area V
ECON 353 International FinanceExamines the economic theory of global financial macroeconomics. The course describes and analyzes the determinants of exchange rates, trade balances, and capital flows. The role of policy in affecting output levels, price levels, and interest rates in different countries is examined in detail. Past and present international monetary arrangements are examined. Formerly ECO 371 International Finance.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ECON 101 and ECON 102 or permission of the instructor
Additional economics and business courses may be approved for the concentration in consultation with the INAF, BADM and ECON program chairs.
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 strongly urged to take POLS 443 Seminar on Conflict Theory and ManagementProvides 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 and should be drawn from at least three of the core INAF disciplines. Students selecting this concentration should work closely with the program chair and faculty. INAF 491 InternshipProvides 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. is strongly recommended. Majors in this concentration are also encouraged to participate in the activities of the Capital Area Association of Peace Studies.
Students electing this concentration may choose to enroll in regionally-oriented courses offered by the Economics, History, International Affairs, and Political Science programs; they can then focus their course projects on conflict management.
V. Global Migration
The Global Migration concentration examines global migration 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 MigrationSurveys 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.. Other courses in International Affairs, History, Language and Culture, Political Science and Sociology can be chosen to support this concentration. Students are urged to work closely with the program chair to design their concentration.
Minor Requirements
Required Courses (18 credits)
ONE introductory course in international affairs:
INAF 201 Introduction to International AffairsIntroduces 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.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Civic Knowledge
TWO political science courses:
POLS 231 Introduction to Comparative PoliticsOffers 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 RelationsOffers an introduction to the theories, actors, arenas, and techniques of international politics. The course examines case studies on issues of current international importance. Formerly PSC 312 Introduction to International Relations.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area V
ONE economics course selected from:
ECON 253 Issues in Economic DevelopmentExamines 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 TradeExamines the economic theory of international trade. Topics include theories on why countries engage in trade; tools of trade policy; reasons for trade restrictions; economic effects of regional trading blocs, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement and the European Community. Formerly ECO 270 International Economics.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ECON 101 and ECON 102 or permission of the instructor
FLC Area V
ECON 353 International FinanceExamines the economic theory of global financial macroeconomics. The course describes and analyzes the determinants of exchange rates, trade balances, and capital flows. The role of policy in affecting output levels, price levels, and interest rates in different countries is examined in detail. Past and present international monetary arrangements are examined. Formerly ECO 371 International Finance.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ECON 101 and ECON 102 or permission of the instructor
ONE history course selected from:
HIS 255 Contemporary History of the Third WorldLooks 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 1988Studies World War II, the Cold War, McCarthyism, the Civil Rights movement, the Great Society, Vietnam, and Reaganism.
3 credits
HIS 358 The Modern Middle EastSurveys the Middle Eastern world from the 18th to the 21st century. Topics include the Islamic heritage, imperialism and the growth of nationalism, the struggle for independence, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the tension between tradition and modernity.
3 credits
HIS 360 Ethics & Power: Contemporary Diplomatic History of the USExamines key moments in contemporary US history when previous generations had to address complex international challenges and establish an effective integration of realist and idealist perspectives. The course considers the various factors that affected the incorporation of ethical traditions into policy and analyzes their domestic and international consequences. Knowledge of these historic patterns, in turn, provides a basis for a critical appraisal of current, pressing issues on the international agenda in which ethical considerations figure prominently.
3 credits
Cross-referenced with ICAE 360
HIS 369 VietnamExamines the forces contributing to the impact of Vietnam on contemporary world history. Topics include the development of Vietnamese national identity, the role of France in Indochina, the phases of United States involvement in the region, and the postwar character of the Vietnamese state.
3 credits
HIS 485 Age of Dictators: Europe 1914-1945Examines the transformation of the European order as a result of World War I and the peace of 1919; analyzes the rise of the dictatorships, the leadership of Mussolini, Hitler, Lenin and Stalin; and investigates the outbreak of World War II.
3 credits
ONE geography course selected from:
INAF 251 Geography of the Americas and EuropeIntroduces 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 AsiaIntroduces the physical and human geography of the world's regions with an emphasis on Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific realm. Particular attention is given to geographical interdependencies and a region's economic, political, and cultural development. Formerly INS 388 World Geography II.
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 AffairsExplores 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
[catalog-courses]
INAF 201 Introduction to International AffairsIntroduces 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.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Civic Knowledge
INAF 251 Geography of the Americas and EuropeIntroduces 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 AsiaIntroduces the physical and human geography of the world's regions with an emphasis on Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific realm. Particular attention is given to geographical interdependencies and a region's economic, political, and cultural development. Formerly INS 388 World Geography II.
INAF 300 Feminization of International MigrationExplores 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 310 Current Issues in AsiaExamines contemporary political, economic, cultural, and strategic issues that engage the governments and citizens of East and South Asia. Focuses especially on the emerging great powers, China and India, and their priorities for their domestic, regional, and global agendas.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
INAF 311 Current Issues in the AmericasExamines contemporary political, economic, environmental and social issues that concern governments and citizens in North, South and Central America and the Caribbean. Focuses on strengthening and promotion of democracy, human rights, gender equality, combating illegal drugs, the environment and sustainable development, international trade, and hemispheric security. This course is a prerequisite for students planning to participate in INAF 411 Model Assembly of the Organization of American States. Formerly INS 301 The Western Hemisphere: Contemporary Multilateral Issues.
INAF 313 Current Issues in HaitiThs course surveys current issues in Haiti using a multidisciplinary approach that includes history, geography, international relations, culture and anthropology, and social and economic development. An emphasis placed on how Haiti and its international partners are addressing issues of poverty alleviation and economic development that are common in developing countries worldwide. Special attention is also placed on development challenges in the aftermath of a severe natural disaster.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Sophomore level or higher
INAF 321 Contemporary Issues in AfricaExamines contemporary political, economic, environmental and social issues that concern governments and citizens in the African continent. Focuses on issues of democracy, governance and human rights, international cooperation, economic development, and so
INAF 363 U.S. Intelligence and World AffairsExplores the structure and function of diverse intelligence agencies of the United States government, including the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the National Security Agency (NSA), in respect to current world affairs.
INAF 371 International TerrorismExamines international terrorism in the context of the larger international system. Students study the roots of terrorism and its contemporary organization and expression in order to answer the questions, 'what is terrorism, who are the terrorists, and wh
INAF 372 International Migration and Hum TraffIdentifies regions and countries that are key source areas for migration and human trafficking. Examines demographic characteristics as well as conditions that stimulate migration. Emphasis is placed on geographic, historic, economic and cultural characteristics as they influence migration trends and decisions, and the scale of emigration, using case studies from Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and the Americas. 3 CREDITS
INAF 381 Contemporary Topics in International AffairsExamines special topics in international affairs. Topics change each semester. Formerly INS 385 Contemporary Topics in International Studies.
INAF 382 Oil and International AffairsExamines diverse issues related to oil and international affairs, including historical, geographical, and geopolitical trends. Explores US policy developments and US demands for fossil fuel as linked to global supplies. Case studies illustrate evolving demand/supply issues. Surveys options and alternatives to meeting energy needs.
3 credits
INAF 383 Poverty & HumanitarianismThis course examines contemporary issues of poverty and humanitarianism worldwide, with particular emphasis on the UN Millennium Development Goals, and on humanitarian actors and their actions to alleviate poverty and human suffering. Linkages between poverty and humanitarian intervention are explored as students engage in critical and proactive thinking, particularly in regards to sustained problem solving.
Prerequisites: None
Credits: 3
INAF 491 InternshipProvides 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.
INAF 497 Directed Reading International AffairsAllows students to construct an individualized course of study on a topic of special interest, under the direction of a faculty member.
Prerequisite: Permissio of Instructor
2 credits
INAF 498 Independent StudyAllows students to construct an individualized course of study under the direction of a faculty member, Formerly INS 399 Independent Study.
INAF 499 Senior Seminar in International AffairsExplores 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
POLS 231 Introduction to Comparative PoliticsOffers 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 RelationsOffers an introduction to the theories, actors, arenas, and techniques of international politics. The course examines case studies on issues of current international importance. Formerly PSC 312 Introduction to International Relations.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area V
POLS 443 Seminar on Conflict Theory and ManagementProvides 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
ECON 221 Environmental EconomicsAnalyzes the theoretical principles of environmental economics. Topics include the valuation of and the demand for environmental goods, the basic theory of markets and market failure in the presence of externalities, and private and government solutions to market failure. Formerly ECO 235.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ECON 101 and ECON 102 or permission of the instructor
FLC Area V
ECON 223 Women in the EconomyApplies the theory of the household and investment in human resources to female labor force participation, marriage, family formation, sex discrimination, women's education choices, and government policies affecting the economic status of women. Formerly ECO 375 Women in the Economy.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ECON 101 and ECON 102 or permission of the instructor
FLC Area V
ECON 252 Comparative Capitalist SystemsExamines a variety of capitalist models, and the alternative ways in which societies have tried to resolve the contradictions within capitalism. Topics include isolating the defining institutions of capitalism, the role that they play in influencing the behavior of economic actors, the role of history and culture in shaping economic behavior, the role of government and government policy in alternative economic systems, and the fundamental arguments for and against capitalism.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ECON 100
ECON 253 Issues in Economic DevelopmentExamines 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 TradeExamines the economic theory of international trade. Topics include theories on why countries engage in trade; tools of trade policy; reasons for trade restrictions; economic effects of regional trading blocs, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement and the European Community. Formerly ECO 270 International Economics.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ECON 101 and ECON 102 or permission of the instructor
FLC Area V
ECON 353 International FinanceExamines the economic theory of global financial macroeconomics. The course describes and analyzes the determinants of exchange rates, trade balances, and capital flows. The role of policy in affecting output levels, price levels, and interest rates in different countries is examined in detail. Past and present international monetary arrangements are examined. Formerly ECO 371 International Finance.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ECON 101 and ECON 102 or permission of the instructor
HIS 255 Contemporary History of the Third WorldLooks 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 1988Studies World War II, the Cold War, McCarthyism, the Civil Rights movement, the Great Society, Vietnam, and Reaganism.
3 credits
HIS 358 The Modern Middle EastSurveys the Middle Eastern world from the 18th to the 21st century. Topics include the Islamic heritage, imperialism and the growth of nationalism, the struggle for independence, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the tension between tradition and modernity.
3 credits
HIS 369 VietnamExamines the forces contributing to the impact of Vietnam on contemporary world history. Topics include the development of Vietnamese national identity, the role of France in Indochina, the phases of United States involvement in the region, and the postwar character of the Vietnamese state.
3 credits
HIS 485 Age of Dictators: Europe 1914-1945Examines the transformation of the European order as a result of World War I and the peace of 1919; analyzes the rise of the dictatorships, the leadership of Mussolini, Hitler, Lenin and Stalin; and investigates the outbreak of World War II.
3 credits
SOCY 103 Introduction to Cultural AnthropologyStudies 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 IssuesSurveys the global problems of hunger, overpopulation, energy, pollution, war, and extremism (slavery, apartheid, relocation, genocide), and how they are built into society. Formerly SOC 254 Global Social Issues.
3 credits
FLC Area V
SOCY 231 International MigrationSurveys 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.
SOCY 333 Women and Third World DevelopmentExamines insights that the feminist perspective brings to the issues of development, challenging the assumption that "integrating women into development" will solve problems caused by plans and policies that neglect women. This course is meant to be a guide to recent thinking and literature about women and development, and to the feminist critique of these. The course focuses on multinationals, rural development, and food production, including appropriate technology and income generation, health, migration, education, and communication. Formerly SOC 310 Women and Third World Development.
3 credits
COM 225 Intercultural CommunicationApplies basic principles of intercultural communication to the analysis of specific situations involving cultural differences. Emphasis is on the influence of culture on the communication process, including differences in values, assumptions, and communication. Models of intercultural communication analysis are developed and applied to issues dealing with relations between a dominant society and subcultures, social change, and international relations.
3 credits
Core Area I: Skills for Work and Life
COM 335 International CommunicationStudies information flows across the boundaries of nation-states and the impact of such information flows on international and national communication policies. In addition, the course examines how international communication affects local governments, religions and cultures.
3 credits
Prerequisite: COM 265
COM 388 Gender and CommunicationExplores theory and methods for examining communication and gender roles. Topics include gendered communication, gender and media, family communication, gendered violence, gender and education, and gender and institutions.
3 credits
FLC Seminar II
Gen Ed Capstone Seminar
Prerequisite: Com 201 or permission of the instructor
BADM 210 Is Globalization Good?This course takes a systems approach to understanding and analyzing the complex forces that result in globalization. Students will explore competing definitions/concepts that are used to support as well as critique the consequences of increased global forces in economic, cultural and social terms. The material for this course will be drawn from current topical readings as well as analytic journals. (Note: Although the implications for global business will be discussed, this is not the primary focus of the course discussion. This course will be open to all students who have completed degree hours for sophomore status.)
3 credits
BADM 236 Theories of LeadershipThis course will survey significant leadership theories, discuss current leadership issues (ethics, motivation, conflict) and relate theory to practice through case discussion.
3 credits
Prerequisites: BADM 101 or BADM 110, or EXSC 321 (exercise science students only) or by Permission of Instructor
BADM 307 International BusinessThis course examines the interdependence of the economic, political, environmental, social, and cultural issues facing multinational organizations. Students gain an understanding of international trade, cross-cultural management issues, strategic planning, internation al marketing, and financial markets. Trade blocs such as NAFTA and the European Union are examined to assess their impact on U.S. organizations and the economy. Formerly BUA 337 International Business Management.
3 credits
BADM 320 International Management Global LeadershipThis course provides a foundation to understand and analyze the central management issues of 21st century global business organizations. These include social responsibility, ethical dilemmas, multiculturalism in the workplace as well as strategic positioning.
3 credits
Prerequisites: BADM 110, BADM 226; or BADM 236
BADM 328 Business, Government, and SocietyThis course provides an introductory examination primarily of macroeconomic theory and policy. Its purpose is to assist non-economists in dealing with real world economic issues. The course deals with such topics as eco nomic growth, money and taxes, the balance of payments, exchange rates, international trade, business cycles, and financial markets.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ECON 101 and ECON 102
BADM 330 Sustainability, Innovation & EntrepreneurshipThis course will address the concepts and skill associated with the emerging concern of managing sustainable ("green") businesses. Topics addressed include, the use of innovation to promote sustainability, entrepreneurial business models for sustainability, and overviews of the various areas in which business can be sustainable (products, energy, health, etc…). This course is intended to encourage creative thinking. Students will be actively engaged in interactive problem solving, simulation, group work and individual assessments.
3 credits
Prerequisites: PHIL 253 or BADM 210 or BADM 236 or Permission of Instructor
BADM 350 Understanding Global InstitutionsThe purpose of this course is to provide a foundation to both understand and analyze the key global institutional structures that shape our daily behavior(s). To do this, we will "unpack" ideas such as markets/ consumption/ organizational behavior as well system, structure and recent thinking about sustainability. Our discussions will be multi-disciplinary, drawing on economics, sociology, political science and organizational science. We will move from the events of everyday living to the "big picture" thinking of global institutions.
3 credits
Prerequisites: BADM 210; BADM 307; BADM 320 or POI.