Language and International Studies Major (LIS)

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A degree in Language and International Studies (LIS) is an interdisciplinary major, focusing students’ attention on the international scene, primarily from historical, political, socio-cultural, and economic perspectives. The degree combines studies in two different cultures and languages with studies in such areas as history, political science, art history, philosophy, world religions, and sociology. The program provides preparation for participation in internships and exchange programs abroad and builds a foundation for careers in international relations, international business, marketing, commerce, industry, government, human resources, and for graduate degrees in international law, diplomacy, and world language teaching.

LIS graduates will be able to:

  • Analyze world issues;
  • Communicate with proficiency (ACTFL proficiency levels vary by language — see catalog course descriptions for specific course proficiency levels) in one global language;
  • Demonstrate basic communication skills in a second global language;
  • Learn about other cultures, including their art, history, literature, politics, philosophy or religions; and
  • Make connections with other disciplines.

Study Abroad Experience: Language and International Studies majors are strongly encouraged to study abroad in a country where their primary language of study is spoken.

Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Program Contact: Professor John Henkel
No minor required.
A minimum of fifteen hours must be taken at the 300-level or above.
Core Courses6 hours
Language Track18 hours
French Track
Spanish Track
Required Course Selections30 hours
Language II
History
Political Science
International Liberal Arts
Total54

Core Courses

Item #
Title
Credit Hour(s)
Sub-Total Credit Hour(s)
6

Language Track

Select one of the following language tracks to fulfill core requirements.

Note: Students wishing to use German to satisfy the Language I requirement of the LIS major may be able to do so with courses abroad.

Sub-Total Credit Hour(s)
18

French Track

Complete the following plus nine additional hours of French courses. 

Item #
Title
Credit Hour(s)
Sub-Total Credit Hour(s)
18

Spanish Track

Complete the following plus nine additional hours of Spanish courses. 

Item #
Title
Credit Hour(s)
Sub-Total Credit Hour(s)
18

Required Course Selections

Sub-Total Credit Hour(s)
30

Language II

Select twelve hours at any level in a second language (French, German, Greek, Japanese, Latin, or Spanish).

Sub-Total Credit Hour(s)
12

History

Select two courses from the following:

Item #
Title
Credit Hour(s)
Sub-Total Credit Hour(s)
6

Political Science

Select two courses from the following:

Item #
Title
Credit Hour(s)
Sub-Total Credit Hour(s)
6

International Liberal Arts

Select two courses from the following in two different disciplines:

Item #
Title
Credit Hour(s)
Sub-Total Credit Hour(s)
6
Total credits:
54

Overview

World Languages Department Information

Type

B.A.