International Affairs

Chair Ruth Melkonian-Hoover, Paul Brink, Michael Jacobs, Douglas Puffert, Stephen Smith.

MISSION: The international affairs major is an interdisciplinary program stressing integrated knowledge of economics and political science as applied to the international arena. The major is jointly administered by the Department of Economics and Business and the Department of Political Science. The program prepares students for a variety of international career and graduate school options by stressing a high level of language preparation, theoretical training in international political economy and a required international internship or field experience. Like the other majors offered by its sponsoring departments, international affairs has a strong liberal arts character, intentionally sharpening students’ powers of analysis, writing and speaking. Furthermore, issues of Christian stewardship, justice and leadership are an integral part of the program. These features help equip students for lives marked by Christian character and service.

Honors in International Affairs

In exceptional cases international affairs majors may earn honors in international affairs by researching and writing an honors thesis during the senior year. Under the direction of a faculty advisor, candidates will develop a thesis proposal in the spring prior to the senior year and, with approval of the Economics and Business and Political Science Departments, register for and complete 8 credits of independent research in the senior year (registered as INA 471 - Research I , INA 472 - Research II ). For honors the thesis must be of high quality and sufficient scope and must be defended orally before program faculty toward the end of spring term in senior year. The minimum GPA for honors candidates is 3.5 in the major and 3.0 overall; candidates must have completed their international field experience prior to senior year; depending on the topic, substantial cognate coursework may be required junior and senior years. An honors thesis should be considered by students intending to complete advanced degrees in economics, political science or international affairs. See program faculty for details.

Programs

Major

International Affairs (B.A.)

Courses

International Affairs