The International Studies major focuses on important contemporary themes relating to the transnational relationships among states and peoples.
The major is inherently interdisciplinary, as it applies historical, political, and sociological lenses to analyze global topics and phenomena. Students majoring in International Studies should expect to complete coursework in some combination of Anthropology, Economics, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Religious Studies, and Sociology, as well as demonstrating competence in a foreign language.
Students pursuing an International Studies major are challenged to develop critical thinking and writing skills, to master an additional language, and to engage important questions of our day from the perspectives of multiple disciplines.
Program Highlights
The major is rigorously structured to ensure breadth as well as depth. Students majoring in International Studies:
- Complete coursework across a range of disciplines: anthropology, economics, history, political science, religious studies, and sociology.
- Achieve proficiency in a second language. Holy Cross offers Arabic, Chinese Studies, French and Francophone Studies, German Studies, Italian Studies, Russian Studies, and Spanish.
- Declare a regional focus for the major: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, or Russia and Eastern Europe* (*contingent on the availability of faculty courses).
- Declare a thematic focus for the major: International Political Economy & Development Studies, Conflict & Conflict Resolution, Global Governance & International Law.
- Pursue study abroad in their second language in their region.
International Studies News
I’ve always felt that learning and achieving fluency in Arabic is a great way to create exciting professional and post-graduate opportunities. By truly immersing myself in the language and the culture, I hope to do just that...
Parlez vous Français? Stephen Silvestri ’19, a Chinese and international studies double major with a minor in French, not only speaks the language, but has fervently advocated for the French language and Francophone culture throughout his time ...
The U.K. has always been on the top of my list of travel destinations and definitely one I would want to spend a long time in. Study abroad is just the perfect opportunity for me to experience the culture, history, weather and food...