IA Academic Path
Find your path through international affairs
The international affairs major at Skidmore gives you multiple ways to understand global issues. You’ll study political, economic, cultural, and physical perspectives, then build on that foundation through electives, world language study, and study abroad.
International affairs major at a glance
13 courses | Minimum 33 credit hours
- Three core courses: IA 101 + IA 351C or D + IA 376
- Four perspectives: Political + economic + cultural + physical
- Three additional courses: Build greater breadth and depth across the knowledge clusters
- World language: 206 level or above + LAC 220 or LAC 340
- Study abroad: One semester, with an approved alternative available in exceptional circumstances
- Interdisciplinary and advanced study: Courses across at least four areas + additional 300-level coursework
Start with the international affairs core
Four international affairs courses anchor the major and take you from an interdisciplinary introduction to advanced study.
- IA 101, Introduction to International Affairs
- IA 201C/D, Research Methods
- IA 351C/D, Special Topics in International Affairs
- IA 376, Senior Seminar
Your first step is IA 101, a gateway course co-taught by faculty from two different disciplines. You’ll encounter global issues from multiple academic perspectives and begin building the interdisciplinary approach you'll use throughout the major.
IA 101 also fulfills Â鶹ŮÀÉ's Global Cultural Perspectives requirement.
Build a foundation across four areas
International issues rarely fit within one academic discipline. You'll choose one foundation course from each of four areas.
The political world
Choose one:
- PL 103, Introduction to Comparative and International Politics
- HI 110H, The British Empire: An Introduction
- IA 253, Foundational Topics in International Affairs: The Political World
- PL 201, Principles of International Politics
The economic world
Choose one:
- EC 103, Introduction to Macroeconomics
- EC 286, Economics of Development
- IA 254, Foundational Topics in International Affairs: The Economic World
The cultural world
Choose one:
- AN 101, Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
- IA 215, Excavating Culture
- IA 255, Foundational Topics in International Affairs: The Cultural World
- RE 103, Understanding Religions
IA 215 also fulfills Â鶹ŮÀÉ's Bridge Experience requirement.
The physical world
Choose one:
- ES 100, Environmental Concerns in Perspective
- IA 256, Foundational Topics in International Affairs: The Physical World
These foundation courses prepare you for more advanced coursework and study abroad.
Shape the major around your interests
After exploring all four perspectives, you'll take at least three additional courses from the international affairs knowledge clusters.
Electives offered through international affairs and other departments and programs give you opportunities to develop greater knowledge of a region, such as Latin America, East Asia, or the Middle East, or investigate issues such as global health, environmental sustainability, or human rights.
Add a language and international experience
World language study and study abroad are integral parts of the international affairs major.
You'll complete:
- one world language course at the 206 level or above
- LAC 220 or LAC 340
- one semester of study abroad
In exceptional circumstances, the program director may approve an alternative to the study abroad requirement.
Because LAC courses in some languages aren't offered every semester, plan your language sequence early with your advisor and appropriate world language faculty.
Explore study abroad opportunities
Bring it all together
As you build your path, your coursework must also meet the major's requirements for interdisciplinary breadth and advanced study:
- Complete courses from at least four disciplines beyond the international affairs core.
- In addition to IA 376 and one IA 351, complete at least two courses at the 300 level.
- Up to three courses may overlap with an approved second major.
- Up to two courses may overlap with an approved minor or regional concentration.
Your advisor can help you plan these requirements alongside your academic interests, language study, study abroad, and other majors or minors.
Plan your international affairs major
Your path will depend on the regions, questions, and perspectives you want to explore. Work with your international affairs advisor to plan your courses, world language study, study abroad experience, and connections with another major, minor, or regional concentration.