Program Requirements

All IS undergraduate students take a series of core international studies courses and then choose from among three specialized streams of study. The following programs are available: Major, Minor and Honours.

Stream 1: International Security and Conflict

This stream includes studies of international politics including the causes, patterns and consequences of wars within and between states, of terrorism, and of the possible ways of resolving conflicts and building peace and security.

Stream 2: Comparative World Politics, Culture and Society

Those who specialize in this stream take courses about the sociology and politics of different regions of the world, and on important themes such as religion and politics, nationalism and transnationalism, and the patterns of democratization and authoritarian rule around the world.

Stream 3 : International Development, Economic and Environmental Issues

In this stream students study the causes and consequences of the disparities in wealth and poverty, the ways in which the global economy works, development strategies and policies, and the environmental problems that are such a significant feature of our world.

Additionally, students in all three streams gain firsthand international experience by working overseas, attending an international field school, or participating in an international co-op or study-abroad program. They are also required to demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English.

For a complete list of IS courses, click here.