INTS 499 INTERNATIONAL STUDIES SENIOR ASSIGNMENT
(3 CREDIT HOURS)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The International Studies major draws on almost every department in the College of Arts
and Sciences to provide students with an understanding of the international arena. Because
of the vastness of international topics, students are encouraged to focus on both a thematic
and regional concentration. I n the senior year, students create a capstone project that
integrates these concentrations. For example, a student focusing on the theme Human
Rights and Social Movements and region Latin America might combine the two to focus on
the issue of street children in Brazil.
The Senior Assignment is an independent research project in an area of international
studies under the direction of a selected faculty mentor/supervisor. A research project
contract will be drawn up by the student and the faculty project mentor an will submitted
to the Director of International Studies for approval.
This course is designed to provide a "capstone" or conclusion to the International Studies
Major. Its objective is to provide an opportunity to conduct independent research on an
International Studies theme and area selected by the student so that she or he integrates
the linkages between the specific themes, the area of concentration, and disciplinary foci of
study.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
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To introduce the student to conducting independent, original research
To engage the student in critical analysis and in-depth discussion of an international
studies research topic
To apply concepts you have learned through your international studies major to a
topic of your choosing
To improve the student's analytical and writing skills
To engage in writing a full-length research paper or conducting a full-scale research
project
To understand and to appreciate the steps required in completing a research
exercise
To demonstrate understanding of global affairs and region specific problems and
issues
To present the results of the research project, manifesting the student's confidence
and knowledge of the chosen area of concentration i n international studies
GENERAL:
The research project is normally conducted during the last semester of the major's
graduating year. The research project culminates in a paper that is 20-25 pages long, or for
non-text based projects (a documentary film, a major developmental campaign, for
example), an equivalent effort. The project will also be presented to the public at large,
evaluation of which will also be part of the final grade.
The student is expected to work on the project for an amount of time equivalent to that of a
3 credit hour course. This corresponds to about 48 hours per cred it hour, or 1 44 hours
over the course of the semester. The Capstone student works independently outside of
scheduled class meetings so he/she should plan her/his time accordingly.
While the student works independently on the research project, he/she is also expected to
meet with the faculty mentor/supervisor for a minimum of 15-20 minutes every two weeks
during the semester.