Untitled Document Commonly Asked Questions About the IS Major 1. The recommended first course is the Introduction to International Studies. This course provides an introduction to a global community in transition in the post-Cold War world and to the interdisciplinary approach which characterizes the IS major. This course studies how individuals acquire their cultural, national and state identifications and how these varied identifications complicate coping with a variety of global challenges arising from increasing interdependence and, through case studies and simulations, challenges students to adopt different perspectives and experience the possible cooperation or conflict which results.
Most students also continue with language study.
You choose your courses and an appropriate language based on your own interests and experiences to this point in your academic career. You may be drawn to a particular region or language or concern about some international issue or you may be more interested in a general approach. In either case read the catalog descriptions, think about what you want to know more about and then consult with your advisor or foreign language department about alternatives. As you choose courses, you should be aware that a number of the IS requirements can double count toward fulfilling BW College core requirements. INT 100 will count toward the International Studies portion of the core, as will other internationally-oriented requirements.