SFA College of Liberal Arts: International Studies

The world has become a "Global Village."  Opportunities are global, but so are the problems.  We live in a time of dramatic -- and unprecedented -- change, when the peoples of the world are increasingly connected through communications and information technologies, political institutions, financial structures, business practices, and cultural exchange.  The second major and minor in International Studies are designed to help students understand these complex changes.  To help create educated citizens who understand foreign cultures and are prepared to face the global problems of tomorrow -- these are the main goals of the International Studies program at SFA.   

Whether they choose International Studies as a second major or as a minor, students will explore global issues from a variety of perspectives within the university.  In addition to four required classes -- Cultural Anthropology, World Regional Geography, International Politics, and Macroeconomics -- students will choose electives from a wide variety of disciplines, according to their own interests. 

For a deeper awareness of the cultural, social, political, and economic forces at play in the world today, and for a learning experience that will last a lifetime, consider the International Studies program!

Required Courses:

 Electives:

 In addition to the four required courses, students who pursue a second major in International Studies will choose four elective courses, and students who seek a minor will choose two elective courses.  The list of possible electives includes:

General Restrictions and Requirements for the IS Second Major:

1.  Students may only choose two courses from any single discipline as electives.
2.  Students may apply only two courses from their First Major to meet the IS requirements.
3.  Three of the four elective courses must be upper-level courses.
4.  Students must have competence in a foreign language through the fourth semester. 

General Restrictions and Requirements for the IS Minor:

1.  Students may apply only two courses from their First Major to meet the IS requirements.
2.  Both electives must be upper-level courses.
3.  Students must have competence in a foreign language through the second semester.*

*These two lists of restrictions are not complete.

Why should I care about International Studies?

International Studies will help you learn more about the world by crossing the traditional disciplines of the university.  If you want to learn more about other cultures and peoples, and to gain a deeper understanding of the forces at play in an increasingly interdependent world, the International Studies program is for you!  

Can only students with certain majors enter the International Studies program?

No, any SFA student can choose a second major or minor in International Studies.  Even if your first major does not require a second major or minor, you can still join the International Studies program, if you wish.

Will having an International Studies second major or minor change my general education requirements?

No, your general education requirements will remain the same.  However, from time to time, you might be able to fulfill more than one requirement with the same course.  For example, depending on your first major, one course  might fulfill a general education requirement and count toward the International Studies program, or count for your first major and for the I. S. program. 

What can I do with an International Studies second major or minor?

International Studies is a liberal arts program that lays a foundation for many kinds of advanced study and careers.  Above all, it is aimed at cr eating habits of the mind and qualities appropriate to a lifetime of curiosity and learning, and not for any particular type of career.  Of course, some students in the International Studies program will go on to work in international careers, such as those in business, communications, and foreign service, and they should benefit from the preparation they receive from the I. S. second major or minor at Stephen F. Austin.

For More Information:

Dr. Michael Tkacik
Asst. Professor, Political Science
138 Liberal Arts North
mtkacik@sfasu.edu
SFA Box 13045

Other Contacts:

Dr. Robert Allen
Asst. Professor, History
357 Liberal Arts North
rballen@sfasu.edu
SFA Box 13013

Elizabeth Rhodes, MFA
Professor, Kinesiology and Health Sciences
erhodes@sfasu.edu
SFA Box 13015

Dr. Kevin West
Asst. Professor, English
westkr@sfasu.edu
SFA Box 13007