International Studies Concentration

ISC Committee Members:

Zeinab Abul-Magd, Chair, Associate Professor of History
Charmaine Chua, Assistant Professor of Politics
Arlene Forman, Associate Professor of Russian & East European Studies
Sheila Jager, Professor of East Asian Studies
David Kelley, Associate Professor of History and East Asian Studies
Kristina Mani, Associate Professor of Politics
Viplav Saini, Associate Professor of Economics
Eve Sandberg, Professor of Politics

The International Studies Concentration is designed to prepare students for careers and pursuits spanning national boundaries. It is grounded in the social sciences (though cross-cultural breadth may be derived from humanities courses) and focused on contemporary issues in order to develop an understanding of the current dominant modes of international interactions, and the global nature and consequences of those interactions.

The International Studies Concentration complements the major by including curricular elements that help develop a student’s ability to analyze global issues, to understand the dynamics of cross-cultural communication, and to appreciate the characteristics of regions outside the United States. Students may choose from more than 100 courses across the curriculum dealing with factors shaping global affairs.

The International Studies Concentration consists of four components:

One core course in Politics.
An Economics core.
The fourth semester (or equivalent) of one appropriate modern foreign language course or certification by the Chair of the appropriate language department.
A minimum of five additional courses from the International Studies Concentration course list - these courses deal with non-U.S. regions or countries in the contemporary period and non-Western regions in the historical period.

With the help of an International Studies Concentration advisor, the student will develop a program of courses from the list. These will include at least three social science courses in addition to the two core courses and one of these will be taken at the 300/400 level.

Study abroad is strongly encouraged. At least four out of the eight (core and additional) courses must be completed at Oberlin College or in Oberlin programs.

Any student regardless of major or minor can pursue an International Studies Concentration. The International Studies Concentration does not substitute for a major or minor. Its completion will be noted on the student’s final transcript along with majors, minors, and honors. Students wishing to pursue this concentration should consult with a member of the International Studies Concentration Committee.

Courses in which a student has earned a letter grade lower than a C- or P cannot be used to fulfill the requirements of the concentration.

Further information about the International Studies Concentration requirements, the committee, declaration form, and course list, consult with a member of the International Studies Concentration Committee.