International Studies (IS)

IS 4380. International Studies Seminar.

This course is a senior-level seminar as well as the capstone course of Texas State’s International Studies Undergraduate Program. The course explores topics related to major global issues in international affairs. Emphasis is placed on mastering research techniques, assessing evidence, and constructing analytical arguments. Through discussions, source analysis, and a major writing assignment, students gain proficiency in applying historical and contemporary methodology to the study of international contexts. Specific content and focus vary by section. This course is a requirement for all International Studies majors and should be taken in the senior year of undergraduate study.

IS 4387. International Studies Internship.

This course is a semester-long, supervised work experience for undergraduate students in a local, national, or foreign setting. Internship placements include regional and international organizations, businesses, and think tanks in sectors including, but not limited to, law, medicine, art and culture, philanthropy, public policy formulation, civic engagement, global affairs, hospitality, media, education, and community outreach. Internships must be approved by the director of the Center for International Studies. The course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

IS 4388. Diplomacy Seminar.

This course is a senior-level seminar as well as the capstone course of Texas State’s minor in Diplomacy. It explores overarching topics in Diplomacy, including intelligence, negotiation, speech and report writing, and media and risk management, through reading, writing, research and group discussion. Emphasis is placed on mastering research techniques, assessing evidence, constructing analytical arguments, and supporting students in gaining proficiency in the study of international diplomatic contexts. This course is a requirement for all Diplomacy minors and should be taken in the last semester of their minor coursework.

IS 4390. Problems in International Studies Research.

This course provides an individualized, faculty-supervised learning experience allowing undergraduate students to pursue an in-depth topic, problem, or applied project not fully addressed in regularly scheduled coursework. Working with an instructor, students develop a written learning contract defining the scope, readings/resources, methods of inquiry or practice, deliverables, and a timeline for completion. The course emphasizes self-directed learning, scholarly or professional-level work products, and regular consultation with the faculty supervisor to ensure rigor and accountability. Outcomes may include a research paper, project portfolio, technical report, or other discipline-appropriate product. This course may be repeated for credit, but a student may not exceed six hours of credit in Independent Study.

IS 4687. International Studies Internship.

This course is a semester-long, supervised work experience for undergraduate students in a local, national, or foreign setting. Internship placements include regional, national, and international organizations, businesses, and think tanks in sectors including, but not limited to, law, medicine, art and culture, philanthropy, public policy formulation, civic engagement, global affairs, hospitality, media, education, and community outreach. Internships must be approved by the director of the Center for International Studies. The course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Minimum 3.0 Texas State GPA.

IS 5387. International Studies Internship.

This course is a work/research experience in a government agency, company, or organization related to the students’ career interests. Internship placements include regional and international organizations, businesses, and think tanks in sectors including, but not limited to, law, medicine, art and culture, philanthropy, public policy formulation, civic engagement, global affairs, hospitality, media, education, and community outreach. The internship will consist of a minimum of 150 hours in the workplace and will require a research paper. The course may be repeated for credit. Instructor approval is required. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

IS 5390. Problems in International Studies Research.

This course provides an individualized, faculty-supervised learning experience allowing graduate students to pursue an in-depth topic, problem, or applied project not fully addressed in regularly scheduled coursework. Working with an instructor, students develop a written learning contract defining the scope, readings/resources, methods of inquiry or practice, deliverables, and a timeline for completion. The course emphasizes self-directed learning, scholarly or professional-level work products, and regular consultation with the faculty supervisor to ensure rigor and accountability. Outcomes may include a research paper, project portfolio, technical report, or other discipline-appropriate product. This course may be repeated for credit, but a student may not exceed six hours of credit in Independent Study.

IS 5398. General Research Methods.

This course is a seminar focused on research practices in the wide-ranging arena of International Studies. The principal purpose of the seminar is to instruct students in research design, methods of data collection, and inductive analysis, enabling students to produce high quality research papers and/or theses. Students engage in the development, execution, and documentation of research that contributes to knowledge and practice related to global issues. Students in this course are expected to produce a major written assignment on an international topic using primary and secondary source materials.