BA in International Comparative Studies

ICS majors share a common foundation of class experiences and knowledge in critical transnationalism derived from their participation in the interdisciplinary core courses, ICS 195, Comparative Approaches to Global Issues, and ICS 489S, Capstone Global Studies Seminar. Seniors who produce outstanding research in the Capstone Seminar are awarded the ICS Capstone Research Prize. ICS also has a strong Distinction/Honors program whose students have produced a range of exemplary work. A faculty committee determines an annual undergraduate winner of the Distinguished Thesis Award. Interdisciplinary region coursework and study away experiences offer ICS majors knowledge in the culture(s), history, politics, and language relevant to one geographic area of the world or region concentration. ICS majors take four foreign language co-requisite courses in a language used in their focus region to deepen their historical, political, and cultural understanding. ICS majors deepen their knowledge of transnational and global dynamics through global coursework offered by faculty members in many departments and programs. Mission Statement International Comparative Studies (ICS) is an interdisciplinary program whose mission is to prepare lifelong learners who can live, work, and thoughtfully engage with people and problems in a complex, diverse, and interconnected world. Learning Objectives 1. Gain area knowledge: ICS majors gain knowledge in the culture(s), history, politics, and language relevant to one geographic region of the world through cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary coursework, research, and study-away opportunities. 2. Gain knowledge of global and transnational dynamics: ICS majors gain knowledge of global and transnational dynamics through cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary coursework, research, and study-away opportunities. 3. Gain awareness of the ways disciplines construct knowledge: ICS majors become alert to the ways questions can be formulated and addressed using a variety of disciplinary approaches through core courses, advising, and research mentoring. 4. Gain knowledge through step-wise curricular choices: Aided by advising, ICS majors build step-wise curricular paths to gain knowledge and skill depth over the course of their ICS careers. 5. Integrate academic experiences through capstone: ICS majors integrate coursework, study away, and other relevant experiences during the senior year through the capstone experience. 6. Gain writing, analysis, and research skills: ICS majors gain skills in writing, analysis, information literacy and research, especially through the gateway and capstone courses.