International Affairs (B.A.)

Faculty

Dr. James Stocker, Assistant Professor of International Affairs (program chair)
Dr. Susan Farnsworth, Professor of History
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 an area 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 an area of concentration. 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 Core Courses

The core courses for the major total 27 credits.

Introduction to International Affairs (required):

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

Students who plan to major in international affairs are strongly recommended to take INAF 201 as early as possible in their undergraduate careers.

World Geography (one required):

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.

Global Economy (one required):

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 101 and ECON 102 or permission of the instructor.
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
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 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 350 HON: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 Permission of the Instructor.
INAF 385 Politics and Policy in International TradeThis course examines American trade policy formulation, the state of play of trade agreements, the domestic politics of trade, and debates over global competitiveness. Students will get exposure to trade advocacy, trade promotion and facilitation, and trade missions from a nuts and bolts perspective. This course also introduces students to the economics and economic models of trade. It describes the day to day mechanices of global commerce and trade. Particular attention is paid to the WTO, WCO and WIPO along with other international intergovernmental organizations.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ECON 100 and INAF 201 recommended

Students planning to major in international affairs should take ECON 100 as a part of their general education requirements; it is a prerequisite for any economics course chosen to fulfill the INAF major economics requirement.

Political Science (both required):

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

History (two required):

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 314 Modern Latin AmericaThis course traces the modern history of Latin America, focusing on the 19th and 20th centuries. Issues to be considered include Latin America in the global economy, relations between Latin America and the U.S., dictatorships and democracies in the twentieth century, Indigenous cultures, national revolutions in Mexico, Cuba, and Central America, and Latin American identity. Cross-listed with INAF 314.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
HIS 317 The Cold War and Its LegaciesExamines the Cold War, the world order that it created, and its enduring effects on contemporary international issues, with particular emphases on its social, political, and economic contexts. Among questions to be addressed are: What events and ideas provoked the Cold War? How did the Cold War shape international political and economic institutions? How did advances in science and technology helpfuel a global arms race? How did the Cold War condition society and culture? What traces of the Cold War continue to influence world politics in the early 21st century? Formerly SCC 317 - The Cold War and Its Legacies.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
HIS 342 The United States Since 1945Studies the end of World War II and the development of nuclear weapons, the Cold War, McCarthyism, the Civil Rights movement, the Great Society, Vietnam, the Reagan years, US global leadership in the post Cold War era. Formerly HIS 342 - US History from 1946-1988.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
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

Sociology (one required):

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
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry
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.

Prerequisite: SOCY 100.

Senior Seminar (required):

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

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.

Area of Concentration

International affairs majors must complete an additional 18 credits in an area of concentration determined in cooperation with their adviser and the international affairs program chair. Courses counted toward an area of concentration must be 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. This area of concentration should include courses that relate to a region of the world (such as Latin American, African, or Asian studies) or a thematic topic (such as US Foreign Policy, Global Social Issues, International Development, or Conflict Resolution). These courses may not count in fulfillment of other course requirements for the major. It is recommended that three of these credits be earned through a professional internship or other experiential learning opportunity, such as study abroad. Students may take some of these credits through other institutions in the Consortium.

Minor Requirements

The international affairs minor requires 18 credits.

Introduction to International Affairs (required):

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

World Geography (one required):

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.

Global Economy (one required):

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 101 and ECON 102 or permission of the instructor.
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
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 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 350 HON: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 Permission of the Instructor.
INAF 385 Politics and Policy in International TradeThis course examines American trade policy formulation, the state of play of trade agreements, the domestic politics of trade, and debates over global competitiveness. Students will get exposure to trade advocacy, trade promotion and facilitation, and trade missions from a nuts and bolts perspective. This course also introduces students to the economics and economic models of trade. It describes the day to day mechanices of global commerce and trade. Particular attention is paid to the WTO, WCO and WIPO along with other international intergovernmental organizations.
3 credits
Prerequisites: ECON 100 and INAF 201 recommended

Political Science (both required):

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

History (one required):

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 314 Modern Latin AmericaThis course traces the modern history of Latin America, focusing on the 19th and 20th centuries. Issues to be considered include Latin America in the global economy, relations between Latin America and the U.S., dictatorships and democracies in the twentieth century, Indigenous cultures, national revolutions in Mexico, Cuba, and Central America, and Latin American identity. Cross-listed with INAF 314.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
HIS 317 The Cold War and Its LegaciesExamines the Cold War, the world order that it created, and its enduring effects on contemporary international issues, with particular emphases on its social, political, and economic contexts. Among questions to be addressed are: What events and ideas provoked the Cold War? How did the Cold War shape international political and economic institutions? How did advances in science and technology helpfuel a global arms race? How did the Cold War condition society and culture? What traces of the Cold War continue to influence world politics in the early 21st century? Formerly SCC 317 - The Cold War and Its Legacies.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
HIS 342 The United States Since 1945Studies the end of World War II and the development of nuclear weapons, the Cold War, McCarthyism, the Civil Rights movement, the Great Society, Vietnam, the Reagan years, US global leadership in the post Cold War era. Formerly HIS 342 - US History from 1946-1988.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
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

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.

Course Descriptions