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 by researching and writing an honors thesis over the course of 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 Political Science Department, register for and complete 8 credits of independent research in the senior year (registered as POL 471 , POL 472 Research I, II). For honors, the thesis must be of high quality and sufficient scope, and must be defended orally before department faculty toward the end of spring term in senior year. The minimum GPA for honors candidates is 3.50; 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 international affairs. See department faculty for details.

Programs

Major

International Affairs (B.A.)