Undergraduate Program in International Studies

FAQs

Where is the International Studies program office?

The main office is in Pick 116. The office for senior preceptors is in Gates-Blake 216. Mail for the concentration should be directed to Pick 101.

What are the office hours?

The office hours very from quarter to quarter. Please consult the signup sheet on Pick 116 for details, or call 834-5288.

How do I become an International Studies Major?

There is an informal process by which you can join our mailing list. This includes filling out an information form, available on this web site or in Pick 116. If you are beyond your second year, you should also have your college advisor create a degree report for the major. Declaring your major officially is done through your college advisor.

As an International Studies major, will I receive extra consideration in applying for study abroad opportunities?

No, no special consideration will be given to you in applying for study abroad opportunities.

Do I have to fulfill the study abroad requirement if I am a foreign student?

No, this requirement will be waived by petition for foreign students who are able to demonstrate significant international experience in a structured educational setting.

Will study abroad programs unaffiliated with the University of Chicago still satisfy my study abroad requirement?

Yes, if approved by the IS program. Appropriate study abroad programs should be at least 10 weeks and in a structured academic environment. Please consult a member of the IS program staff for details. Both language and civilization programs count.

What is the language requirement?

Students are required to take either the University advanced proficiency exam or seven (7) quarters of a single language. Study beyond this level is strongly encouraged.

What is the proficiency exam and how can I take it?

The proficiency exam is a four-part language exam: writing, reading, listening and speaking. Exams in most languages are given each quarter. Some language exams are still in development. Consult the College's language certificate page for more information.

What courses can I take to fulfill the major?

Each year the program releases a list of approved courses, available on the web site. These courses are updated each quarter.

I have taken or want to take a course that is relevant to my IS major, but it is not on the approved list of courses. What do I do?

This is a common occurrence. You should submit a college petition explaining the course’s relevance to your studies and a syllabus from the course by the third week of the quarter.

I have taken over the requirement of courses I need for a B.A. in International Studies. How do I choose which will be counted towards my concentration GPA?

Your college advisor will work with you to include the courses on your degree program that are most advantageous.

What are the major’s requirements for seniors?

All seniors must write a B.A. thesis. This process begins in the Spring of a student’s third year when they must submit a thesis proposal and find a faculty member who agrees to advise this topic.
In the Fall quarter of their fourth year, seniors are required to take the B.A. thesis seminar.
In Winter term, single concentrators have the option of taking another course for credit as part of their thesis preparations.
All students must be working formally with some group Winter quarter. Theses are due second week of the Spring Quarter.

I am a dual major. Can I write one B.A. paper for both International Studies and my other major?

It most situations, yes. The topic must be approved by both majors.

How do I receive honors in the major?

The major requires students to have an over-all GPA of 3.0 or better and an in-major GPA of 3.5 or better. Your thesis must also be recommended for honors for both the preceptor and the faculty advisor. The major also awards a thesis prize each year.

If you have additional questions, please e-mail is@orgs.uchicago.edu.