International Studies and Political Science, B.A.

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International Studies Curriculum Requirements

See the synopsis of the International Studies curriculum below.

Institute Core Curriculum: Note that ERH 101 and ERH 102 must be passed with a grade of C or better. The fourth class math requirement may be filled by other math courses with the approval of the head of the International Studies Department.

International Studies Core Curriculum: IS majors must complete the following courses with a grade of C or better: HI 205 -HI 206 , IS 201 , IS 210 , IS 220 , IS 230 , IS 301 , IS 310 , IS 320 , IS 340 , IS 401W , and EC 306 . Political Science electives should be filled with any IS course or SS course offered in the Department of International Studies and Political Science.

Economics electives may be filled from the following courses: EC 300 , EC 307 , EC 330 , EC 401 , EC 404 , EC 408 , EC 410 , EC 414 , EC 452 and BU 306 .

English (EN) and Writing (WR) electives should be filled with any literature course at VMI, as well as ERH 223 , ERH 222 , WR 340 , WR 345 .

The science elective may be filled from the following courses: AT 201 , AT 204 , BI 215 , BI 311 , BI 312 , EL 201, EL 402, GE 201, GE 202, GE 204, PY 201, PY 202.

The minimum foreign language requirement for majors is one foreign language through the 300 levels, or two foreign languages, each through the 200 level.

Minors in other disciplines and double majors are permitted. Consult with the Head of the International Studies Department.

Synopsis of the B.A. Curriculum in International Studies and Political Science

Fourth (Freshman) Class

First Semester

Chemistry, Biology or Physics Credit Hours: 3
Chemistry, Biology or Physics Lab Credit Hours: 1
ERH 101 - Writing and Rhetoric I Credit Hours: 3 *
HI 103 - World History I Credit Hours: 3
MA 105 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics I Credit Hours: 3
Foreign Language Credit Hours: 3
PE 105 - Wellness Concepts Credit Hours: 0.5
or
PE 102 - Boxing Credit Hours: 0.5
AS, MS, or NS Credit Hours: 1

Total Semester Hrs: 17.5

Second Semester

Chemistry, Biology or Physics Credit Hours: 3
Chemistry, Biology or Physics Lab Credit Hours: 1
ERH 102 - Writing and Rhetoric II Credit Hours: 3 *
HI 104 - World History II Credit Hours: 3
MA 106 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics II Credit Hours: 3
Foreign Language Credit Hours: 3
PE 105 - Wellness Concepts Credit Hours: 0.5
or
PE 102 - Boxing Credit Hours: 0.5
AS, MS, or NS Credit Hours: 1

Total Semester Hrs: 17.5

Third (Sophomore) Class

First Semester

EC 201 - Principles of Microeconomics Credit Hours: 3
English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies (ERH) Elective Credit Hours: 3
HI 205 - History of the United States I Credit Hours: 3 *
IS 201 - Introduction to International Studies and Political Science Credit Hours: 3 *
Foreign Language Credit Hours: 3
PE 101 - Basic Swimming and Survival Credit Hours: 0.5
or
PE 300 - Principles of Physical Conditioning Credit Hours: 1
AS, MS, or NS Credit Hours: 1

Total Semester Hrs: 16.5 - 17

Second Semester

EC 202 - Principles of Macroeconomics Credit Hours: 3
HI 206 - History of the United States II Credit Hours: 3 *
IS 220 - International Politics Credit Hours: 3 or
IS 230 - Comparative Politics Credit Hours: 3
Foreign Language 3 Semester Hrs. Credit
Elective 3 Semester Hrs. Credit
PE 101 - Basic Swimming and Survival Credit Hours: 0.5
or
PE 300 - Principles of Physical Conditioning Credit Hours: 1
AS, MS, or NS Credit Hours: 1

Total Semester Hrs: 16.5 - 17

Second (Junior) Class

First Semester

EC 306 - International Economics Credit Hours: 3 *
IS 301 - Techniques of Computer Analysis Credit Hours: 3 **
ERH 103 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking Credit Hours: 1
Foreign Language Credit Hours: 3
PS 344 - Leadership in Organizations Credit Hours: 3
AS, MS, or NS Credit Hours: 2

Total Semester Hrs: 15

Second Semester

IS 210 - American Government Credit Hours: 3 *
Science Elective Credit Hours: 3
English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies (ERH) Elective Credit Hours: 3
IS 320 - National Security Policy Credit Hours: 3 *
Foreign Language Credit Hours: 3
Physical Education Elective Credit Hours: 0.5
AS, MS, or NS Credit Hours: 2

Total Semester Hrs: 17.5

First (Senior) Class

First Semester

IS 310 - American Foreign Policy Credit Hours: 3 *
Electives (IS) Credit Hours: 6
Elective Credit Hours: 6 +
Physical Education Elective Credit Hours: 0.5
AS, MS, or NS Credit Hours: 2

Total Semester Hrs: 17.5

Second Semester

IS 340 - Political Theory Credit Hours: 3
IS 401W - International Studies Seminar Credit Hours: 3
Elective (EC) Credit Hours: 3
Elective Credit Hours: 6 +
Physical Education Elective Credit Hours: 0.5
AS, MS, or NS Credit Hours: 2

Total Semester Hrs: 17.5

Total Hours: minimum 136

*Minimum Grade of “C” Required
*Must be attempted in the 3^rd class year or in 2^nd class year if transferring from another department. Open only to IS majors.
**Open only to IS majors who have completed IS 201 with a grade of 75 or higher.
+Within the electives courses, cadets must take 6 credits within the civilization and cultures designation.

Concentration:

The following concentration is available to cadets who major in International Studies and Political Science :

Interdisciplinary Studies in Latin America Concentration