International Studies

Degree:Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Major:International Studies
Minors:International Studies
Spanish
Certificates:French Language and Culture
Japanese Language and Culture
Department:Reubin O'D. Askew Department of Government
Building 50, Room 120
850-474-2929
http://uwf.edu/govt
College:Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
CIP Code:45.0901
Semester Hours Required For Degree: 120

The B.A. in International Studies is an interdisciplinary program that brings together courses from various academic disciplines in the social sciences, humanities, and business. The program has the aim of training students to approach global issues from a variety of perspectives preparing them to be global citizens and workers in an interconnected world. Upon graduation, International Studies majors may pursue opportunities in government, military, business, policy analysis, foundations, the media, humanitarian agencies, and organizations with a presence abroad. International Studies students choose from three different concentration tracks of study: diplomacy and international affairs, security studies, or international business and economics.

Program Requirements

In addition to general University requirements, students seeking the B.A. in International Studies must meet the requirements listed below.

Consult with your academic advisor for courses which may satisfy both the General Education and common prerequisites.

General Education

In addition to the General Education requirements listed on this page, students must satisfy all additional University requirements, including the College-Level Communication and Computation, Multicultural, and Foreign Language requirements. With appropriate planning and coordination with an academic advisor, students may satisfy some of the general University requirements through the General Education curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the State University Requirements section of this catalog.

General Education Curriculum:

Multicultural Requirement

Civic Literacy Requirement

The 2017 Florida Legislature amended Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, to require students initially entering a State University System (SUS) and/or Florida College System (FCS) institution in 2018-2019 and thereafter to demonstrate competency in civic literacy. The 2021 Legislature further amended Florida Statutes, requiring students to complete both a civic literacy course and an exam. As a result, there are three cohorts of students currently matriculating at Florida public institutions subject to varying requirements. As demonstrated in the table below, the exact civic literacy requirements are based on the academic term in which a student first enrolled in a Florida public institution.

Students Included in Cohort Civic Literacy Competency Requirement
Cohort 1: Students first entering the SUS or FCS prior to fall 2018 None
Cohort 2: Students first entering the SUS or FCS in fall 2018 – summer A 2021 Complete a course or exam (course options AMH 2020, POS 2041 )
Cohort 3: Students first entering the SUS or FCS in summer B 2021 (on or after July 1, 2021) and thereafter Complete both a course and exam (course options AMH 2020, POS 2041)

Additionally, the 2021 Legislature made two additional exceptions: approving the use of accelerated mechanisms for meeting the course competency requirement and exempting high school students who pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam in high school from the postsecondary exam requirement. These two changes are in effect for Cohort 3.

There are multiple ways to satisfy this requirement. Students should work with their academic advisor to determine which option is best for their degree requirements/degree plan. 

Additional information can be found on our Civic Literacy website, SUS regulation BOG 8.006 and Florida Statute s.1007.25(4,a-b).

Mathematics Pathway

Students are advised to complete the following courses to fulfill the mathematics pathway that aligns with the mathematics skills needed for success in their program and their career goals. Students should refer to their academic advisor for questions about the math pathway for their program. For information about this requirement, refer to the catalog page for Mathematics PathwaysThese courses may also fulfill requirements for General Education and Common Prerequisites. 

In consultation with their advisor, students will choose one of the following pathways depending on their career goals.
Statistical Reasoning
STA 2023Elements of Statistics3
MGF 1130Mathematical Thinking3
Mathematical Thinking in Context
MGF 1130Mathematical Thinking3
MGF 1131Mathematics in Context3

Common Prerequisites

State-mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.

There are no specified Common Prerequisite courses mandated by the state for the International Studies program. All Florida College System students are encouraged to complete the Associate degree. Students should consult with an academic advisor in their major degree area at the intended transfer institution. 

Lower Division Electives

Students must complete sufficient 1000/2000 level electives to complete at least 60 semester hours in the lower division. Current UWF students may use elective courses at any level (1000-4000) to meet this elective requirement. It is recommended that the following electives be taken at the lower division because they are required for the degree.24
Recommended Electives:
Comparative Politics
International Politics

Major

International Studies Common Core

Choose six courses, one from each section below and both from the Politics section:
Politics6
Grand Strategy in International Relations +
Statecraft +
Analysis3
Political Analysis +
Culture and Humanities3
Peoples and Cultures of the World +
Topics in Early Modern Literature +
Ancient Philosophy +
History3
Any 3000/4000 level EUH, LAH, or AFH course +
Economics3
Political Economy +
International Political Economy +
If not completed at the lower division:
Comparative Politics
International Politics
Total Hours18
+

Courses included in the major GPA.

Concentration Tracks

Cybersecurity Track21
Introduction to Cybersecurity +
e-Business Systems Fundamentals +
Information Security Management +
Legal, Ethical, and Human Aspects of Cybersecurity +
Cyber, Drones & National Security Policy +
Choose two 3000/4000 level courses with a CPO or INR prefix +
Diplomacy and International Affairs Track21
Democracies +
Dictatorships
International Law +
Great World Leaders
Religion and International Politics +
War and Peace in East Asia +
or Any regional area course +
Any three CPO or INR courses at the 3000/4000 level, or any of the following courses: ARH 3590, ANT 3352, ANT 3363, ANT 4321, ANT 4006, ANT 4473, ENL 4341, ENL 4333, PHH 3400, PHI 3130, PHI 3670, or PHM 3200. +
Security Studies Track21
Causes of War +
International Conflict
American Foreign Policy +
National Security Policy
Choose five 3000/4000 level courses with a CPO or INR prefix +
International Business and Economics Track21
Principles of Economic Theory and Public Policy +
Choose four 3000/4000 level courses which are relevant to the subject areas of international trade, economic development, business, management, and economics. (Common prefixes: BUL, GEB, ECO, MAN, MAR) No more than 24% of the program requirements for this degree may be in traditional business subjects. +
Choose two 3000/4000 level courses with a CPO or INR prefix +
Total Hours21
+

Courses included in the major GPA.

Upper Division Electives

Sufficient 3000/4000 level electives to meet UWF’s requirement of 48 semester hours in the upper division or completion of all departmental requirements at the 3000/4000 level, whichever is greater. +9-21
Total Hours9-21

International Studies Minor

A Minor in International Studies requires 12 semester hours (sh) in core courses, and 6 sh in upper-division elective courses, for a total of 18 sh. Of the 12 sh of upper-division courses, at least 9 sh must be completed at UWF. International Studies majors may not earn this minor.

CPO 2002Comparative Politics3
INR 2002International Politics3
Politics (Choose one of the following)3
Grand Strategy in International Relations
Statecraft
Economics (Choose one of the following)3
Political Economy
International Political Economy
Electives6
Choose two courses from among any of the 3000/4000 level INR or CPO courses or POS 3033
Total Hours18

Spanish Minor

The Minor in Spanish is designed to build upon the student’s skills in speaking, reading, and writing the language; to provide fuller understanding of the structure of the language; and to increase knowledge and appreciation of the history and culture represented by the language. This minor is available to all undergraduate students.

A grade of “C” or better is required in all courses. The minor requires a minimum of 15 semester hours (sh) at the 2000 level or above of Spanish (SPN and SPW) courses of which at least 9 sh must be at the 3000/4000 level, and 12 sh must be completed at UWF.

Requirements

Of the 15 sh that students must complete, at least 9 sh must be 3000/4000 level courses.

Choose 15 sh from the following courses:15
SPN 2200Intermediate Reading and Translation
SPN 2210Intermediate Composition & Conversation
SPN 3400Advanced Stylistics
SPN 3410Composition and Conversation
SPN 4520Latin American Culture and Civilization
SPW 3190Topics in Hispanic Literature
Total Hours15

French Language and Culture Certificate

The French Language and Culture Certificate is designed for students pursuing a B.A. in any field as well as non-degree seeking students who seek to excel in their understanding of French language and culture. Upon completion of this certificate program, students should be prepared to work in a variety of Francophone countries and provinces or to work for French companies. Given that French is a global language, spoken by over 275 million people on all continents, being proficient in French is useful in today’s globalized economy. Students who obtain this certificate could work as a foreign service officer in the U.S. Department of State, as well as in various military posts that require proficiency in French language and culture. Other possible careers include international law, international development, secondary and higher education, as well as medicine. French is also a boon for students interested in joining organizations such as the Peace Corps or Doctors Without Borders. Given the large and diverse economy of France, students who are looking to work in economics and/or global business would benefit from obtaining this certificate. Students who seek to teach English overseas in Francophone regions would also benefit from earning this certificate. Students are encouraged to apply to participate in any study abroad programs in Francophone countries.

The ability for students to demonstrate intercultural competence and language expertise is a valuable skill in our globalized society. The French language is integral in the global economy and business world as well as the United States military and various government agencies. French history, politics, art, music, and philosophy have also significantly shaped Western thought, and it is valuable for students to think critically about the origins and implications of American culture vis-à-vis Francophone cultures. Broadly speaking, students who complete this certificate program will be better global citizens who understand what it means to live and work in harmony with those who come from different backgrounds and hold vastly different beliefs. 

In addition to obtaining 11 hours of coursework, students should receive at least a "B-" in all French courses and an overall minimum 3.0 GPA. While 11 hours are required as a minimum, students are encouraged to complete 14 hours if it is possible in their academic plan.

Required Courses and Alternative Options

FRE 1120CFrench I4
FRE 1121CFrench II4
Choose one of the following:3
FRE 2905
Directed Study
French 3: Advanced Grammar
FRE 3905
Directed Study
French 4
FRE 3990
Special Topics Course
Total Hours11
 

Japanese Language and Culture Certificate


The ability for students to demonstrate intercultural competence and language expertise is a valuable skill in our globalized society. The Japanese language is integral in the global economy and business world as well as the United States military and various government agencies. Students who complete this certificate program will be better global citizens who understand what it means to live and work in harmony with those who come from different backgrounds and hold vastly different beliefs.

In addition to obtaining 11 hours of coursework, students should receive at least a "B-" in all courses and an overall minimum 3.0 GPA.

JPN 1120CJapanese I4
JPN 1121CJapanese II4
Elective:3
Japanese III
Japanese IV
JPN 1905
Directed Study
JPN 2905
Directed Study
JPN 3905
Directed Study
JPN 4905
Directed Study
Total Hours11