Major_Minor

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The Major

Major Requirements.

Two core global issues courses: ICS 125, Comparative Approaches to Global Issues, best taken in the spring semester of the freshman or sophomore year. ICS 200S, Advanced Topics, taken fall semester senior year. This is the capstone course for the ICS major.

Primary Area Courses:
1. Four semester courses in the geographical area of specialization, with a strong recommendation that students choose courses from a variety of disciplines. Others may be selected with the consent of the director.
2. Corequisite Foreign Language Requirement. Four semester courses in a single language of the primary area are required. Students with advanced placement credits or other evidence of foreign language proficiency are not exempted from this requirement. However, in the following cases students may substitute one or two courses in a second language to meet this requirement: (1) if a second year of a language is not taught at Duke, or (2) if no language course is available at a sufficiently advanced level.

Selected global issues courses: Four Comparative/Connective or Global Issues courses. The other two should be selected in consultation with the advisor or program director to complement the student’s primary area coursework. Alternatively, students may choose courses from a second world area. One course below the 100 level may count for this requirement.

Graduation with Distinction
Students must complete a research project in the senior year, through their participation in ICS 197S (fall) and 198S (spring). Thesis students may count these courses towards one primary area and/or one global issues requirement. Candidates must apply in their junior year. Selection criteria will include both the feasibility of the proposed topic, and the student’s ability and skills to carry it out successfully. Inquiries should be addressed to the directors, International Comparative Studies, 134 Franklin Center.

The Minor

Minor Requirements.

1.       Three global issues courses, one of which must be ICS 125, Comparative Approaches to Global Issues. The other may be selected among ICS 200S, Advanced Topics, or other Comparative/Connective or Global Issues classes. One course below the 100 level may count for this requirement.

2.       Primary Area Courses:

a.       Corequisite Foreign Language Requirement. Two semester courses in a single language of the primary area are required.

b.       Two courses in a primary geographic area.

Advising

In consultation with the program directors, the ICS Staff Assistant, will assign academic advisors from the teaching faculty in ICS. It is the role of the advisor to consult with students from semester to semester as they choose courses, in the context of devising a thoughtful and balanced overall program in the major. The ICS directors consult with students about approval for study abroad courses and programs, and respond to questions about program requirements. They are also available for general conversations about the major. The ICS Staff Assistant also provides assistance to students, especially about program procedures and events.

Forms

Curriculum Advising Forms - Downloads

Major Form

Minor Form

Potential Major Form

Potential Minor Form