International Studies Courses

Brian Ellison, Director, Martin School of International Studies (338 Admin. Bldg. 83844-3177; phone 208/885-6527).

IS 195 International Studies Freshman Seminar (3 cr)

Introductory course recommended of all International Studies majors in their freshman year. Focuses on introducing interdisciplinary training in global, regional, and issue emphases through oral and written presentations. (Spring only)

IS 200 (s) Seminar (cr arr)

IS 203 (s) Workshop (cr arr)

IS 204 (s) Special Topics (cr arr)

IS 210 Researching International Issues (3 cr)

This course permits students to further hone their disciplinary knowledge through a combination of directed study and roundtable discussions.

Prereq: IS 195

IS 299 (s) Directed Study (cr arr)

IS 310 The United Nations (3 cr)

Overview of principle UN agencies and current UN activities; emphasis on written and oral presentations through resolution and position paper writing, negotiations, and small group discussions. (Fall only)

IS 320 Model United Nations (2 cr)

Advanced preparation for IS 310 members selected to attend the National MUN Conference in New York; emphasis on a particular country and region through study of political, social, and economic indicators, policy goals, and bloc negotiations. (Spring only)

Prereq: IS 310

IS 321 UN and Related Agencies (1 cr)

Companion course to IS 320, this course permits students to further hone their knowledge of a particular UN or related agency through a combination of directed study and roundtable discussions.

Coreq: IS 320

IS 322 International Environmental Organizations (3 cr)

Overview of principle international environmental agencies and their current activities, with an emphasis on the UN Environment Programme and the organizations which oversee major environmental treaties.

IS 323 International Monetary and Trade Organizations (3 cr)

Explores the interaction of countries and international economic/financial institutions, with focus on the political questions that arise from said interaction and organizational policies, the effect of and the conditions for cooperation in international trade and finance, and related legal questions from the treaties that govern this type of cooperation. Recommended Preparation: Econ 201 and PolS 237 or IS 310.

IS 325 The Contemporary Muslim World (3 cr)

Focus on the states in the Organization of the Islamic Conference, with an emphasis on framing the region, social and popular questions, economic issues, and the global stage.

IS 326 Africa Today (3 cr)

Focus on the states in Africa, with an emphasis on politics, economy and development, culture and society, and current issues.

IS 327 The Francophone World (3 cr, max 6)

Focus on important issues in Francophone history, colonization, culture, and international relations. Special attention will be paid to the role of the Organization of the Francophone World (OIF) in linking contemporary relations between member states.

IS 328 Canada Today (3 cr)

Focus on the contemporary Canada, with an emphasis on politics, economy and development, environmental issues, culture and society, and current issues.

IS 350 Sport and International Affairs (3 cr)

Exploration of the relationship between sports and politics, nationalism, economics, society and culture as they play out in the international arena.

IS 370 African Community, Culture, and Music (1-3 cr)

Focus on regional and/or national communities and cultures in Africa with an emphasis on musical traditions. Experience based including preparation in the US, field work in one or more African countries, and substantive evaluation after return.

IS 400 (s) Seminar (cr arr)

IS 403 (s) Workshop (cr arr)

IS 404 (s) Special Topics (cr arr)

IS 410 NGOs in the International System (3 cr)

A comparative analysis of nongovernmental organization types, functions, strategies, funding mechanisms, accountability, challenges, and collaborations with other international organizations.

IS 440 (s) International Organizations and International Law (3 cr)

Same as PolS 440.

IS 485 (s) Martin Scholars (3 cr)

The Martin Scholars program considers a topic related to international conflict and the resolution thereof in a broad context, with specific topics mutually selected by a designated faculty member and the director of the Martin Institute. It serves a small group of students each fall term, with additional work carried out over the course of the ensuing spring term while the Martin Scholars produce masters-level research on that year’s specific topics.

Prereq: Departmental Permission

IS 495 International Studies Senior Seminar (3 cr)

Capstone course required of all International Studies majors in their senior year. Focuses on incorporating interdisciplinary training in global, regional, and issue emphases through oral and written presentations. (Spring only)

Prereq: Senior standing, International Studies major or Permission

IS 497 Practicum in Instruction (2 cr)

Tutoring and/or instructional services performed by advanced students under faculty supervision. (Spring only)

Prereq: IS 310, IS 320, and Permission

IS 499 (s) Directed Study (cr arr)