V. 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. The reason being that these basic economic classes orient the student to key concepts that they will encounter in many of the classes that comprise the major. Students should also make sure that they begin their language training early to ensure the necessary 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 one of the gateway course listed above as soon as possible. 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 such as economics or a foreign language.
Which languages count toward the proficiency requirement?
Effective Fall 2008. Students must demonstrate proficiency in any foreign language that is taught at JHU. The reason for this policy is we want all our students to take advantage of Hopkins’ language offerings. If you arrive with a foreign language already, that is excellent, but rather than this being a reason not to take on languages where native English speakers have no such exemption, we want to encourage all students to broaden their language facility to an equal degree. Students who have declared their major prior to Fall 2008 operate under the old rule that demonstrated facility in a foreign language is enough to fulfill this requirement.
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 Associate Director 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 Associate Director the specific courses to be taken at another accredited university and transferred to Hopkins' International Studies degree in conjunction with a prior visit to Lori Citti, Director of the Office of Study Abroad (lcitti1{at}jhu.edu).
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. What is Junior Clearance?
Junior Clearance is the process of checking which courses on your transcript and study abroad will count towards your IS major and University distribution requirements. More information can be found here.
How do I graduate with honors?
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. Students with further questions about the International Studies Program should contact either the Director or the Associate Director. Senior Thesis Information Page
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