Frequently Asked Questions

• What should I take in my first two years?
  Students should take both Elements of Microeconomics (180.101) in the fall and Elements of Macroeconomics (180.102) in the spring of their freshman year, as well as the appropriate level of a foreign language. It is also recommended that students take at least one semester of History of Occidental Civilization (100.101-4). Students are also encouraged to take Contemporary International Politics (190.209), when offered, in the fall of their first year, and a second political science course in the spring semester. Although more advanced than 190.209, International Relations Theory and Practice (190.328) may also be taken, when offered, in the fall of the freshman year. Plan to continue with a foreign language in the sophomore year. Use your electives to explore other courses in the social sciences and to earn at least 6 N, Q or E credits so you will have the flexibility to study abroad in your junior year. Many students also minor in a related field such as economics or a foreign language.|
  
  
• Which languages count toward the proficiency requirement?
  Students may demonstrate proficiency in any foreign language.
  
  
• Can literature courses in the German or Romance Languages Departments fulfill the language requirement?
  If lectures, discussion, and written assignments are not conducted in English, the course will usually count as a semester beyond intermediate. Students should check with the Advising Coordinator before deciding on the course. You may be asked to furnish a note of approval from the relevant department, indicating that the course will develop language skills at a level equivalent to a semester beyond intermediate.
  
  
• Can I study abroad and/or at other universities?
  Studying abroad is especially valuable for International Studies Majors. The Bologna program administered by SAIS offers courses tailored to our program. Students who apply to spend their junior year in Bologna also benefit from the option of advanced standing at SAIS; those who spend a year in Bologna and subsequently study at SAIS will receive one semester of credit at SAIS for their work in Bologna. Students may apply to the SAIS and Sciences Po BA/MA programs, as well as the junior year in Bologna, and then choose between those to which they are accepted. Hopkins also recognizes and accepts transfer credits from other overseas programs. In particular, programs that participate in the Consortium of International Educational Exchange (CIEE), of which Hopkins is a member, allow for easy transfer of credits and financial aid. Before enrolling either in study abroad or summer school programs, students should discuss with the Assistant Coordinator the specific courses to be taken at another accredited university and transferred to Hopkins' International Studies degree.
  
  
• What about Pass/Fail and Independent Study courses?
  Courses specifically required for the International Studies Major cannot be taken Pass/Fail. We do not discourage you from taking advantage of this option to explore courses and subjects new to you, but remember that the University limit of one per semester applies. We also welcome your initiative in arranging independent studies for subjects not offered by Hopkins.
  
  
• How do I graduate with honors?
  Traditional Option: A degree will be awarded with honors to students in the Major who have maintained a grade-point average (GPA) of 3.7 or above in all the courses required for the major and who complete a senior thesis in the field of International Studies with a grade of B- or above. Interested juniors should consult with and secure an adviser in a field relevant to their anticipated topic by the end of their second semester. In the senior year, students must register for the Political Science and International Studies fall Senior Seminar and the spring Senior Thesis. Satisfactory completion of the senior thesis will reduce your required number of "ologies" by two, and can also count towards your area of concentration.
  
  New alternate option: A degree will be awarded with honors to students in the Major who have maintained a grade-point average (GPA) of 3.7 or above in all the courses required for the major and who submit a paper to a faculty member that is judged to be a significant piece of individual scholarship.  The paper can be a seminar paper or research from an independent study that has previously been submitted for a grade in another course.
  

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