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Program in International Studies

The International Studies Program at Fairfield University draws from a group of interdisciplinary faculty, practitioners and students from many parts of the world with a commitment to thinking critically about global challenges, promoting social justice and service. Students have opportunities to pursue a major or minor in International Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences, or an innovative co-curricular program in International Business with a complementary major or minor in the Dolan School of Business. The Program seeks to heighten global awareness in the ways we situate ourselves geographically, and encounter conflict, gender, race, class, nationality, the environment and development.

Fairfield Fulbrights

11 Fairfield seniors who majored in international studies were awarded highly-prestigious Fulbright Scholarships.
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RequirementsImage: Carla Wei

Students in both the International Business and International Studies majors begin with foundational coursework in international relations, economics, geography, and sociology/anthropology, and complete their degree requirements with a senior research project. To prepare for this, they develop their own specialization drawing on courses in the thematic areas of Global Development; Conflict, Diplomacy and Peacebuilding; and Social Justice and Humanitarianism. The challenges and perils that face the global community are multifaceted and complex. Students acquire different sets of knowledge, tools and perspectives to deal with the complexities that face local to global communities.

Complementary Studies and International Opportunities

Students complement their International Studies major with coursework in related departments like politics, economics, sociology or foreign languages, and in the Dolan School of Business. Many students also pursue related interdisciplinary programs, such as environmental studies, women's studies, peace and justice, and area studies. International business majors study the global business environment emphasizing multinational organizations, economic and political systems, socio-cultural structures, and diversities that have operational significance for international business.

The International Studies Program reinforces multidimensional learning with real-world experience through service learning, Model United Nations, internships and study abroad opportunities, and through work with our faculty in research projects and as student teaching assistants. Our graduates have found careers in multinational organizations, financial institutions, and other service industries, trading organizations, non-profit and government institutions. Some alumni have pursued Fulbright and other fellowships, and graduate and professional schools in International Studies, Law, Business, and related fields.

Calendar of Events

Event

Description

Location

Date/Time

Political Panel

Co-sponosred by International Business/Studies Club

BCC First Floor Lounge

Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008
7-8:30 p.m.

Writing Workshop

Co-sponsored by the Writing Center

CNS 303

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008
6:30-7:30 p.m.

Carol Gilbert and Ardeth Platte

Two Dominican sisters will speak on their peace activism

IRC Lounge in Loyola Hall

Wed., Oct. 15, 2008
5:30-7:45 p.m.

International Studies Mandatory Advising Symposium

 

SON auditorium

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008
8-9:30 p.m.

Deneval Sequeira de Azevedo, Filho, Professor of Letres, Universide Federal do Espirito Santo Public lecture

"Brazil: From the Line of Poverty to the Tropic of Happiness"

Kelley Presentation Room

Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008
6-8 p.m.

Dolan School of Business Sophomore Advising Symposium

 

DSB

Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008
4:30-7:30 p.m.

Panel Discussion on Presidential Election

Women's Forum

 

Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008
12-1 p.m.

International Studies Internship Program

 

BCC 200

Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008
7-8:30 p.m.

Peace Corps: Stories from the Field

 

BCC 200

Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008
5:30-7:30 p.m.