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International & Global Studies

Overview

Learn to think globally

In an age when people and places worldwide are a click away, learning how to think beyond borders is invaluable. Having cross-cultural awareness, knowledge, and skills will put you a step ahead of the competition as you pursue any career field. 

UWL's International & Global Studies minor focuses on unifying humans from all cultural, historic, social, geographic, and religious backgrounds. It is an interdisciplinary minor that draws on courses in departments throughout the university. Students can explore a topic that spans multiple regions of the wider world or focus on a particular region.  

The minor comprises a 6-credit foundation with 12 credits of elective courses. The elective courses were chosen for their fit with the International & Global Studies program learning outcomes, their relatively limited prerequisites, and because the departments offering these courses have indicated they will offer this course regularly.

Courses

INS 350 Cr.1-6

Independent International Research

An individually designed, directed research project in an international setting, dealing with a significant research problem. Open to students in any department, the course permits in-depth, independent research using international sources, facilities, and resource persons. Requires a high degree of motivation and the ability to work independently. Prerequisite: junior standing; consent from the director of the Office of International Education & Engagement. Consent of department. Offered Occasionally.

INS 360 Cr.1-3

International Service Learning

Students will participate in service activities in another country as part of a faculty led study program. The activities may range from painting facilities to serving as conversational English partners. Students must engage in 15 hours of service activity, assigned readings, and write 3-5 formal pages or equivalent per credit. Repeatable for credit - maximum six. Offered Fall, Spring.

INS 450 Cr.1-6

International Internship

An academically relevant, professional field experience in a foreign country. Students must be approved and advised by the Office of International Education. Determination of relevancy shall be made by the Office of International Education with the advice and consent of the Director of International Studies curriculum. Students are responsible for finding an appropriate faculty advisor to supervise and grade the internship. Language proficiency must be demonstrated where applicable. Students must be on their internship worksite during the semester for which they are registered for academic credit. One credit/35 hours of experience. Repeatable for credit - maximum six. Prerequisite: junior standing; 2.75 cumulative GPA or consent of the Office of International Education and INS Program. Offered Occasionally.

INS 494 Cr.3

Engaging Global Challenges and Opportunities

Using interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary perspectives, students will apply the knowledge and skills acquired through the international studies program to contemporary global challenges and opportunities. This includes asking complex questions about others, and taking responsible and informed positions on how to address global challenges and opportunities today. Prerequisite: one of the following: ANT 103, HIS 202, POL 202, ECO 212, ENG 212, PHL 212; senior standing. Offered Fall, Spring.

INS 495 Cr.3

Independent Study in International Studies

Supervised, independent study on a topic in international studies which is not accommodated by other courses in the university curriculum. Students design individual plans of study in consultation with appropriate faculty. Consent of instructor. Offered Fall, Spring.

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Eagle Advantage

EAGLE ADVANTAGE | INTERNATIONAL & GLOBAL STUDIES

Student learning outcomes 

By the end of the program, students will be able to…

1. demonstrate global competency.

Specifically, they will be able to…

a. demonstrate knowledge and awareness about the diversity of the world by understanding global systems, recognizing cultural diversity, and engaging in perspective taking.

Adaptability
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

b. analyze diverse worldviews by assessing the interrelationships between multiple perspectives, such as personal, social, cultural, disciplinary, environmental, local, and global while acknowledging the self-situated limitations in this process.

Adaptability
Communication
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

2. demonstrate intercultural competency.

Specifically, they will be able to…

a. demonstrate knowledge about the complexity of elements important to members of another culture in relation to its history, values, beliefs, and practices.

Communications
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

b. ask complex questions about other cultures and seek out and articulate answers to these questions that reflect multiple cultural perspectives without judgment.

Adaptability
Communication
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
  • Recognize challenges as opportunities to improve. 
  • Take risks and understand that mistakes contribute to growth. 
  • Welcome constructive feedback and use it to strengthen your performance.  
  • Embrace a growth mindset approach that allows for action, reflection, failure, and resilience for lifelong learning and development. 
Explore
Experience
  • Take a class in an area that is new or challenging  
  • Sign up for a project or team that is different from your usual routine 
  • Set short- and long-term goals and outline the steps you need to take to accomplish them 
  • Take part in education abroad to test your skills in a new or unfamiliar environment 
  • Be willing to learn from mistakes and let go of things outside of your control 
Excel
  • Find a process in your part-time job or internship that isn’t working as well as it could and find a way to improve it 
  • Instead of resisting changes or challenges, try thinking of ways to ease the adjustment 
  • Accept new or different responsibilities with a positive attitude and figure out a way to manage time differently to adapt to the change 
  • Prepare for upcoming interviews by completing a mock interview with your career advisor (Schedule via Navigate) 
  • Build mutually beneficial relationships and achieve common goals by understanding, valuing, and leveraging the strengths of others.  
  • Take responsibility for your own role and contributions within a team.  
  • Organize, prioritize, and delegate work.
  • Negotiate and manage conflict without compromising group objectives.    
Explore
Experience
  • Take a class or attend a workshop to develop leadership skills  
  • Practice teamwork and leadership in an internship related to your career interests 
  • Share your expertise as a tutor in the Murphy Learning Center 
  • Work with teammates to develop expectations for each team member’s responsibilities and communication preferences 
  • Take on leadership responsibilities in a student organization, job, internship, group project, or intramural sports 
Excel
  • Think about how to maximize people’s strengths when working on a team  
  • Respectfully and professionally address any issues regarding team members' contributions and workload 
  • Seek opportunities to learn from people you see as leaders and use those lessons to hone your own leadership 
  • Assess yourself on a team to identify ways you can be a better leader by understanding those around you 
  • Serve as a role model to others by approaching tasks with confidence and a positive attitude 
  • Effectively articulate thoughts and ideas to others in written and oral forms.  
  • Engage in dialogue that leads to productive outcomes. 
  • Understand the impact of nonverbal communication on professional work image.
  • Use interpersonal skills to motivate and develop others.
Explore
  • Use your UWL email and Canvas account daily to communicate with faculty, advisors, and classmates  
  • Take a variety of written and oral communication classes; for writing courses, search for classes in WINGS by requirement designation, select “writing emphasis”   
  • Find opportunities to communicate with others by joining a student organization or volunteering in the community 
  • Check for understanding by asking clarifying questions 
  • Actively participate in class discussions and debates 
  • Attend open office hours or schedule an appointment to get to know your professors 
Experience
Excel(2)
  • Exercise sound reasoning to independently analyze issues, identify options, formulate opinions, make decisions, and overcome problems.  
  • Demonstrate originality and inventiveness when identifying possible courses of action. 
  • Account for personal biases and recognize that there may be more than one valid point of view. 
Explore
  • Practice planning ahead by viewing your Advisement Report in WINGS with your academic advisor and exploring career pathways with your career advisor 
  • Seek support from campus student success resources when faced with a challenge 
  • Take a wide variety of courses to challenge your thinking 
  • Volunteer as a participant for campus research projects  
  • Monitor and manage your emotions during decision-making  
Experience
  • Ask questions and avoid accepting ideas or opinions as facts by assessing credibility   
  • Participate in class discussions and debate 
  • Join an organization that engages in problem-solving activities such as the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO) or the Mock Trial Team (Pre-Law Society) 
  • Participate in research through a class assignment or as a research assistant to a faculty member 
  • Join the UWL Student Association to participate in the campus decision-making process 
Excel
  • Use the Murphy Library as a tool to effectively evaluate information sources critically   
  • Write an opinion piece for a campus or community news publication, like The Racquet  
  • Conduct an independent research project  
  • Use your skills to identify and solve a problem at your job or internship  
  • Reflect on courses/projects to identify skills learned from those experiences and how they can be used in your future career 
  • Get creative in a continued search for scholarships with the It Make$ Cents!
  • Leverage knowledge of information and communications technology to ethically and efficiently solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.  
  • Assess sources of information to determine legitimacy and suitability.  
  • Keep up with emerging technologies and adapt tools to new purposes.   
Explore
  • Become familiar with UWL campus technology  
  • Use your UWL Microsoft Office 365 account to communicate and keep up with appointments, meetings, classes, tests, and due dates  
  • Try using a new technology for a project 
  • Log in to Handshake to access UWL’s online job board and career resources  
  • Create a LinkedIn profile to start building your professional network online by connecting with professors, peers, advisors, and coworkers  
  • Search job postings in your intended field to see what types of technologies are essential and recommended for your future career  
Experience
  • Practice using a variety of technology tools to develop presentations, communicate online and coordinate group projects  
  • Take a class or an online tutorial to expand knowledge of technology used in your industry/career field 
  • Take advantage of available campus computer software to practice your digital skills 
  • Help a campus or community organization build their online presence   
  • Update your Handshake profile to include your most recent resume, career interests, and future plans 
  • Use the LinkedIn Alumni Tool to learn about career paths of UWL graduates and connect with alums in your future field/industry 
  • Compile a list of your technical skills and add this category to your resume to showcase your digital expertise; Be prepared to explain those skills in an interview 
  • Use your LinkedIn account to connect with potential employers, search for job/internship opportunities, and develop a strong professional presence online  
  • Find full-time job opportunities and upcoming career events in Handshake 
  • Create a personal website or e-portfolio to share examples of your professional work 
Excel
  • Add a Technical Skills category to your resume to showcase your digital expertise 
  • Use your LinkedIn account to connect with potential employers, search for job/internship opportunities, and develop a strong professional presence online  
  • Find full-time job opportunities and upcoming career events in Handshake 
  • Create a personal website or e-portfolio to share examples of your professional work 
  • Cultivate awareness of your own identity and that of others through exploration of diversity, including race, ethnicity, country of origin, ability, class, gender, age, spirituality, etc.  
  • Understand how culture and identity affects perceptions, attitudes, values, and behaviors. 
  • Appreciate multiple perspectives and participate in society as a conscious global citizen. 
Explore
Experience
Excel
  • Research the culture and work environment of companies or graduate programs you are considering  
  • Complete Harvard’s Implicit Association Tests to learn about your hidden biases  
  • Participate in workshops and trainings such as Ally Training  
  • Participate in advocacy for causes you support within your community 
  • Take ownership of your actions and learn from your mistakes. 
  • Act with the interests of the larger community in mind.  
  • Establish personal responsibility and effective work habits (e.g., punctuality, working productively with others, time/workload management).
Explore
  • Arrive on time for all classes, meetings, and work shifts 
  • Understand your role on a group project and commit to fulfilling that role 
  • Use your Microsoft Office 365 and Canvas account daily to keep up with emails, appointments, meetings, syllabi, classes, tests, and due dates 
  • Join Study Buddies in Navigate to connect with other students in your courses and find ways to study together 
  • Listen and reflect on what other people are saying before you respond 
  • Register to vote and educate yourself to participate in upcoming elections 
  • Maintain a positive and proactive attitude during tough situations 
Experience
  • Demonstrate active listening and attentiveness during class and in conversations with others 
  • Observe workplace behavior in a part-time job or internship; consider the attributes that make someone a “hard worker” or a “team player”  
  • Practice transparency and taking concerns directly to individuals 
  • Reflect on how you have handled conflict at work or at school and consider how you could have acted more professionally  
  • Review and clean up your online presence, especially on social media accounts 
Excel
  • Take initiative to seek and ask for new opportunities to contribute in your job or internship 
  • Ask supervisors or professors for constructive feedback on your work 
  • Own up to your mistakes and reflect on how to improve in the future 
  • Identify and articulate your interests, skills, values, and experiences. 
  • Explore and make decisions about academic and career options. 
  • Establish and take steps to execute a personal academic and career plan.  
  • Manage your strengths, limitations, emotions, and biases in a variety of situations.  
  • Demonstrate the continual development of a positive personal brand. 
Explore
Experience
  • Seek mentors on campus and in your future career field who can provide advice and guidance as you navigate your career development process  
  • Develop professional relationships with your instructors and supervisors, particularly if you will be seeking letters of recommendation in the future 
  • Make a plan to manage your mental health and wellness  
  • Learn about developing an effective personal brand  
  • Join a career-related student organization, professional association, or professional development event to learn industry-specific knowledge 
  • Research appropriate work attire for your future career field 
  • Review and clean up your online presence, especially on social media accounts 
  • Further explore your interests and develop your skills through an internship 
Excel
  • Welcome and use constructive criticism as a growth opportunity 
  • Meet with your career advisor for individualized search tips and to review your application materials before applying to full-time jobs (Schedule via Navigate) 
  • Update your LinkedIn account and strengthen your network connections as you prepare for future opportunities  
  • Practice your interviewing skills by completing a mock interview with your career advisor (Schedule via Navigate)  
  • Learn college & post-graduation money management tips from It Make$ Cents!  
  • Apply with confidence to graduate school

 

 

After graduation

What can you do after UWL?

You may want to start by checking out the resources provided by the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs. APSIA offers information about graduate schools and programs from around the world, an international career guide, and information about fellowships and scholarships.

Advisory board

Beth Crosby
Regina Goodnow
Niti Mishra
Elizabeth Peacock
Hongying Xu