International Studies

Faculty

Yi-Li Wu, program chair and associate professor of history.
B.A., 1986, University of California, Berkeley; M.A., 1992, Ph.D., 1998, Yale University. Appointed to Department of History, 1998.

Midori Yoshii, assistant professor of international studies.
B.A., 1986, M.A., 1988, Tsuda College Tokyo; M.A., 1991, Ph.D., 2003, Boston University. Appointed 2004.

Introduction

International studies is a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary program that encourages students to examine cross-cultural, cross-national or transnational phenomena. It seeks therefore both a depth and breadth of knowledge about the human experience. Its primary justification arises from the belief that the world is increasingly interdependent and that many of the challenges to humanity are global in scope and cannot be usefully studied within the confines of a single discipline.

Students completing the international studies major at Albion College will have acquired a solid grasp of social, political, economic and historical forces at work in the world; competence in a second language equivalent to four semesters of college-level work; a familiarity with methodologies appropriate to the study of international phenomena; and a globally relevant experience through an appropriate off-campus program. For further information, contact Midori Yoshii, adviser.

International Studies Web site

Requirements for Major

• A minimum of eight units as follows:

1. Three foundation courses comprising INTN 130: Introduction to International Studies and two additional courses at the 200-level or higher. Foundation courses must be taken in at least two different departments. A current list of approved courses is available on the international studies Web site or from the International Studies Major Advisory Committee chair.

2. Elective courses constituting a curricular focus. Electives must be taken in at least two different departments. A list of sample elective courses is available on the International Studies Web site or from the International Studies Major Advisory Committee chair. The number of courses that a student takes depends on the track chosen and the number of units elected for the capstone project. Students may choose from the following options:

Area Studies--At least three units of course work in one of the following areas: Europe, Africa, Asia or Latin America. Depending on course availability, students may pursue other area studies tracks with the prior approval of the International Studies Major Advisory Committee. Foreign language competence must be in a language related to the area studies focus. The semester abroad must be in a location related to the area studies focus.

Transnational Studies--At least four units of course work on a specific transnational topic. Pre-approved tracks include international environmental studies and international gender studies. Depending on course availability, students may pursue other transnational studies tracks with the prior approval of the International Studies Major Advisory Committee.

3. INTN 370: Building on International and Intercultural Experiences.

Additional Major Requirements

• Course work must include at least two courses taken at the 300-level or above. No more than two units of 100-level work may be counted toward the major.
• Up to three units of course work may be taken abroad.
• Proof of foreign language competence equivalent to two years of college-level language study is required.
• At least one semester abroad must be completed in an off-campus study program approved for Albion College credit. In special circumstances, students may petition the International Studies Major Advisory Committee to fulfill this requirement through U.S.-based off-campus study programs with significant international content.

Requirements for Minor in Transnational Studies

• Five units as follows: INTN 130, plus four international studies foundation courses at the 200-level or above and distributed across at least two departments.
• All courses must be taken for a numerical grade, except those offered only on a credit/no credit basis.
• No more than two transfer credits will be accepted.
• Cognate requirements: Knowledge of a second language, equivalent to at least two years of college-level study (students may fulfill through course work or placement test).

Requirements for Minor in Area Studies

• Five units as follows: INTN 130, plus four courses on a specified geographical region (Europe, Africa, Asia or Latin America).  Depending on course availability, students may pursue other area studies tracks with the prior approval of the International Studies Major Advisory Committee. Area studies courses shall be distributed across at least two departments, with at least three courses at the 200-level or above.
• All courses must be taken for a numerical grade, except those offered only on a credit/no credit basis.
• No more than two transfer credits will be accepted.
• Cognate requirements: Knowledge of a second language, equivalent to at least two years of college-level study (students may fulfill through course work or placement test). The language must be a language of the region under study.

Foundation Courses

130 Introduction to International Studies (1) Fall, Spring
Introduces concepts of international studies with historical examples. Students are required to observe and analyze developments within a certain region, area, country or organization throughout the semester. Yoshii.

Area Studies

289 Selected Topics (1)
An examination of subjects or areas not included in other courses. May be taken more than once for credit. Yoshii.

300 Power and Culture in the Asia-Pacific Region (1) Spring
Introduces the diversity and development of the Asia-Pacific region that includes countries with traditions of Confucianism, Marxist-Leninist ideology, Western liberalism and Islam. Begins with a historical survey of the political, economic and social development of the region, followed by students' discussions of the prospect of the Asia-Pacific region growing into something similar to the European Community. Special attention is paid to the role of the U.S., an Asia-Pacific country, in this region. Yoshii.

370 Building on International and Intercultural Experiences (1) Fall
Designed for students (including international students at Albion College) who wish to integrate their experiences studying, working or living abroad with a deepened analytical understanding of international and intercultural issues. Students familiarize themselves with the most current scholarship on international studies. Through independent research, they advance their understanding of a particular international issue of their choice and hone their abilities to articulate this issue to an audience. Yoshii.