International Studies major now at SU

SALISBURY, MD -----In this shrinking world where the actions of a nation as far away as Afghanistan can change the lives of millions of Americans, the study of international relations and knowledge about other nations and languages is vital. To create better-informed citizens of the global community and to prepare students for professions crossing national boundaries, Salisbury University has initiated a new interdisciplinary major in international studies.

Part of the way the major prepares students to live and work in an international environment is by requiring them to directly experience other parts of the world by studying or living abroad. Students must also show proficiency in a foreign language. These requirements reflect a growing trend toward international involvement on the SU campus.

After satisfying core requirements, students may choose one of three concentrations: international relations, global cultural studies or international political economy.

The concentration in international relations focuses on contemporary world politics and foreign policy. Students develop skills vital for positions in foreign service, federal departments related to international affairs, and military or intelligence agencies that monitor international issues.

The concentration in global cultural studies uses the humanities and social sciences to understand cultural differences. The track prepares students for work in journalism, transnational organizations, international assistance programs and federal departments focusing on international issues.

The third concentration is in international political economy. Economic studies in a global environment becomes a foundation for careers with multinational business, or transnational interest groups, international organizations, including those in development, and federal agencies focusing on international economic policy.

To provide a broad view of the global scene, class work will span 11 disciplines in three of the University's four schools. Students can choose from courses offered in anthropology, communication arts, English, history, conflict and dispute resolution, economics, geography, modern foreign languages, philosophy, sociology and political science.

The coordinator of the new undergraduate major is Dr. Greg Cashman, a professor of political science and author of the book What Causes War? Working with him as an advisor to students in the program is another member of the Political Science Department, Dr. Leonard Robinson, a Middle East expert who has written on the domestic and foreign politics of the Middle East. Reflecting the times, the two professors are offering a new course this semester titled Political Violence and Terrorism.

For more information call 410-548-2546.