International Studies

International Studies: Major

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

Simulation Challenges Students to Explore Complexities of U.S.-Mexico Border Issue

Fifteen Holy Cross students — from a range of class years and disciplines — spent a recent Saturday taking on a current hot-button topic: the U.S.-Mexico border issue...

Holy Cross campus scenic. Photo by Avanell Brock
Holy Cross Ranks Among Top Undergraduate Fulbright Scholarship Producers
According to The Chronicle of Higher Education, the College of the Holy Cross ranks once again as one of the top undergraduate producers of Fulbright students during the 2019-2020 academic year. This year, Holy Cross students are spanning the globe, …
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Holy Cross Economics Course Explores the Intricacies of Inequality

“What is your opportunity cost of buying an iPhone?” Kolleen Rask, professor of economics, asks her class. “You wouldn’t be able to buy other products, right?”

In the case of this conversation, the term “opportunity cost” denotes...