International Studies Major & Minor
Majors in International Studies must complete 42 credit hours, 33 of which must be fulfilled at the 300-level or above.
Introduction (A.)—6 credit hours
IS101 Introduction to International Studies or SW270-IS Understanding Global Issues and one of the following courses:
- PO102 Introduction to Peace Studies
- PO141 Introduction to International Politics
- PO151 Introduction to Comparative Politics
- SW205-GE Cultural Geography: Regions of the World
- SW215-AN Being Human: Anthropological Approaches to Life & Meaning
- SW220-EC The Economy and Society
- TI250-RL Religions of the World
International Arrangements and Interactions (B.)—6 credit hours
IS390 United Nations and Other International Organizations and an additional B course. An example list of B courses can be found here. Offerings vary by semester; a course cannot count towards both B and D.
Research Methods (C.)—3 credit hours
One of the following research methods courses:
- AN352 Ethnography
- HST301 Historiography
- PO201 Research and Analysis
- RL381 Theory and Method in the Study of Religion
- SO393 Research Methods Seminar
International Relations and Diplomacy (D.)—3 credit hours
One D course. An example list of D courses can be found here. Offerings vary by semester; a course cannot count for both B and D.
Capstone Course (E.)—3 credit hours
To be taken in the junior or senior year. Prerequisites: IS101/SW270-IS and at least one 300-level course.
- IS410 The Global Society
International Studies Area Courses—18 credit hours
18 hrs from two of the following areas (9 hours in each area-two disciplines must be represented). Offerings vary by semester. Example courses for each of the areas can be found here.
- Africa and the Middle East
- Asia
- Europe
- Latin America
- Foreign Languages: Nine hours at the 300/400 level in one modern foreign language. Classes in French, German, Spanish, and Chinese are offered at Butler University. Classes in other languages such as Arabic, Italian and Japanese can be taken at other universities in the area.
Elective—3 credit hours
One elective. Offerings vary by semester.
Special International Studies Courses
Recommended, but not required. May include:
- IS 401, 402, and 403- Independent Study in International Studies (1,2, or 3 hours)
- IS 404, and 405- Internship in International Studies (3 or 6 hours)
- IS 470-Selected Topics in International Studies (3 hrs); Prerequisite: consent of instructor
- IS 499- Honors Thesis (3 hrs)
Study Abroad
Highly Recommended
Experience abroad is strongly encourages or all International Studies students. This may be in the form of attendance at a foreign college or university, an international internship, independent travel connected with an approved independent stud project, or participation in approved foreign study tour. Credits from those experiences abroad usually count toward fulfilling the requirements of the major or minor.
Model United Nations, Model Arab League and Model European Union
Highly Recommended
International Studies majors can participate in the Model United Nations, Model Arab League, and the Model European Union. These three events play a very important role in the formation of students interested in international issues, because they learn the rules of negotiation and diplomacy as well as the workings of the United Nations, Arab League, and the European Union. The cost for participating in these events (registration, airfare, and lodging) is covered by the International Studies budget.
Minors in International Studies must complete 18 credit hours, 12 of which must be fulfilled at the 300 level or above. At least three disciplines must be represented. No more than 9 hours from one discipline.
Introduction—3 credit hours
SW270-IS Understanding Global Issues
International Arrangements and Interactions (B.), Research Methods (C.), or International Relations & Diplomacy (D.)—at least 6 credit hours
With a combined degree in International Studies and Religious Studies (ISRS), students learn about the economic, political, and cultural systems that drive our world. However, whereas in the regular International Studies major religion is but one of many aspects of culture explored, in the combined ISRS degree religion takes center stage. The combined degree is therefore particularly appropriate for those interested in global religious diversity and in how religion affects global politics, trade, and international relations. It focuses on key issues in the interaction of peoples and governments around the world (e.g., religious freedom and the rise of religious nationalisms) while considering diverse religious approaches to climate change (and other ecological issues), human rights, diversity, war, immigration, etc. Note that the academic study of religion—a key element in most human cultures—is not only for the religious. Understanding religious human traditions is of great value in and of itself, and particularly in the context of international relations.
With this broad range of knowledge and skills, our graduates will find professional success in government, international organizations, journalism, international consulting, international business, education, community development, and human rights work with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), particularly those demanding specialized knowledge about religion and global religious diversity. The degree can also be your foundation for graduate studies in law; religious studies, international relations; social sciences such as anthropology, history, political science, and sociology; public policy and public administration; and more.
Requirements – 45 credit hours
Introductory Courses (6 credit hours; both of the following required):
- SW270-IS, Understanding Global Issues (3)
- TI250-RL, Religions of the World (3)
Lived Religion (3 credit hours; one of the following required):
- AN368, Coming of Age in the Middle East (3)
- AN380/HST305, Special Topics: Witchcraft, Shamanism, and the Paranormal (3)
- AN380, The Super Natural & the Sacred (3)
Religious Traditions (6 credit hours; two of the following required):
- RL341, Islam, Gender, and Sexuality (3)
- RL347, History of Christianity (3)
- RL353, Buddhism: Past and Present (3)
- RL354, Islam: Religion, Culture, Society (3)
- RL377, Hinduism: Past and Present
- RL373, Mysticism (3)
Religion & Politics (3 credit hours; one of the following required):
- RL335, Bible, Politics, and Society (3)
- RL363, Religion,Politics, and Conflict in South Asia (3)
- RL377, Hinduism, Gender and the Goddess (3)
- RL382, Liberation Theologies (3)
- IS370, North Africa and the Middle East in Film (3)
- IS370, Islam and Human Rights (3)
IS390, United Nations (3 credit hours)
Capstones/Upper-Level (6 credit hours; both of the following required):
- RL381, Theory and Method in the Study of Religion (3)
- IS410/RL310, Global Studies/Religion and Globalization (3)
Additional courses from among those that count for any IS requirement (12 credit hours)
Additional Religious Studies Electives (6 credit hours)
Students must also complete one of the following (may double count for other requirements):
- RL499 or IS499, Honors thesis in Religious Studies or International Studies
- RL401, RL402, RL403, IS401, IS402, or IS403, Independent Study
- Field school/study abroad
- RL405, RL406, RL411, RL412, IS404, or IS405, Internship
NOTE: The information found on this website with respect to major/minor/program requirements is primarily directed at providing prospective students a general roadmap of the curriculum. Current Butler students are expected to review their degree audit report at my.butler.edu and speak with their advisor regularly for detailed information regarding their specific degree requirements and their progress toward degree completion.