International Studies (INTL)

INTL 120. Crossing the Danube - Hungarian Study Abroad Trip. 3 Units.

Shaped by centuries of imperial rule, nation-building, world wars, and a socialist past, Hungary offers a layered portrait of grandeur, progressivism, and tradition. It also holds a distinctive place in global literary and cinematic imagination, where real and invented features intersect to create a setting that feels both familiar and mystical. When Jonathan Harker, in Dracula (1897), crosses the Danube--dividing the capital into Buda and Pest--he writes: "The impression I had was that we were leaving the West and entering the East." His words foreshadow how Budapest appears in art and film: as a threshold between worlds. In this study abroad course, we will "cross the Danube" both literally and figuratively, revisiting this sense of threshold. We'll explore Budapest's architectural landmarks--including the Buda Castle District, St. Stephen's Basilica, the Dohány Street Synagogue, and a traditional Turkish bath--while considering how cultural representations compare to lived realities (can we find The Grand Budapest Hotel?). We will also experience a lovasíjászat (horseback archery) demonstration, take part in a hands-on culinary workshop tracing the evolution of Hungarian national dishes, and participate in an ethnomusicology workshop exploring the folk traditions that inspired composers such as Béla Bartók. Offered as ENGL 120, HSTY 120, HUMN 120, INTL 120, MUHI 120, and WLIT 120. Counts as a Local & Global Engagement course. Counts as a Understanding Global Perspectives course.

INTL 390. Global Citizenship. 3 Units.

Global citizenship is often described as a duality between an awareness of the interconnectedness among people on a global scale and a responsibility to a global society. This course delves into the meaning and practice of global citizenship in a multi-faceted and connected world. Using this global citizenship framework, we will discuss how global citizenship impacts you, your local community, your host country, and the broader world, including the inherent inequities in common dialogues around global citizenship. We will broadly explore global citizenship's cultural, economic, political, environmental, and ethical aspects, how social media and constant news impact cultural competency, and how a global perspective engages local communities. You will also have the opportunity to explore your own cultural competency by completing the Intercultural Development Inventory, using this tool to explore yourself and the methodology used in measuring cultural competency. The course will culminate with our critically analyzing, through writing and presenting, an aspect of or perspective on cultural competency or global citizenship. Counts as a Understanding Global Perspectives course.

INTL 396. International Independent Study. 1 - 3 Units.

Study of a topic within the scope of international studies. The student must complete a prospectus form, approved and signed by the supervising faculty member, no later than the second week of classes. The prospectus must outline the goals of the project and the research methodology to be used and is part of the basis for grading. Open to juniors and seniors majoring in international studies.

INTL 398. International Studies Senior Research Project. 3 Units.

Individual work with a faculty tutor leading to the writing of a major research paper. Open only to seniors majoring in international studies.

INTL 399. International Studies Colloquium. 3 Units.

This course offers seniors the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the complexity and dynamics of the human world as a result of majoring in International Studies. Students analyze topics relevant to the foreign geographic areas and broad themes they have chosen for their major foci. To do so, they draw on their international experiences, knowledge acquired through foreign languages, and prior coursework for the major. Students share their conclusions in the seminar itself and in a public presentation. Counts as a SAGES Senior Capstone course.