International Studies Major - University of Wisconsin-Madison

International Studies Major
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON

Home

About Us

International Studies Major: Curriculum Transition

Background

Welcome! Here's your one-stop-shop for finding out about the International Studies Program's new 2009 curriculum, why it changed, who it affects, what to expect, and what to do next.

The International Studies Program undergoes a curriculum evaluation every five years. The IS Steering Committee took a close look at the curriculum structure and course lists, evaluated students at all levels of the program, conducted focus groups with upperclass students, and examined enrollment and major declaration trends. The Steering Committee came up with the following immediate goals in revising the Major:

Permit students to declare the Major earlier
Simplify the curriculum for students and advisors
Change IS 301 into a 100-level course and increase enrollment numbers
Streamline and update course lists

The Committee also came up with long-term goals, including:

An evaluation of Honors in the Major and Distinction in the Major
The development of an International Human Rights Option and an International Human Rights Certificate

The Committee designed a new curriculum that will go into effect in fall 2009. Long-term goals are currently in the research phase.

What is different?

The new 2009 curriculum has a number of changes. Overall, the program is more streamlined and focused within each Option, and curriculum is three credits shorter overall (prerequistes included). The academic rigor of the IS Major has been maintained. Students and advisors across campus should have an easier time interpreting the requirements.

Here is a brief explanation of the curriculum changes. View our curriculum comparison (pdf) sheet, which presents a side-by-side comparison of the current and new curricula.

Prerequisites

IS 101: Introduction to International Studies replaces Poli Sci 103: Introduction to International Relations.

The area studies/history course is now a core course in the major, and the pre-requisites are 3 credits shorter in total.

Major Requirements

The major requires a total of 35 credits rather than 36.

IS 301: Introduction to International Studies will no longer be offered or be a part of the core requirements.

Core course work now includes one area studies/history course and two track core courses from the student's Option.

The number of Issues courses has been raised from 4 courses to 15 credits.

The number of Electives in the major has been reduced by approximately one course or 3 credits.

A maximum of four courses may be taken in any one department. Cross-listed courses count against this rule.

Course lists have been revised and updated.