International Affairs (IA)
An introduction to the field of international affairs. The course explores the relationships among the disciplines within international affairs. Examines key concepts that describe and explain international relationships and issues, explores the diversity of perceptions of international issues across national and cultural boundaries, and engages students in in-class global problem-solving exercises.
Fundamental methodological concepts and practices in International Affairs. Students will analyze, design, and conduct interdisciplinary research on international affairs. Students will learn to be better "consumers" of scholarly research and skilled "producers" of knowledge based on original research.
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of anthropology through a deep dive into ethnographic writing on different regions of the world. Selected countries (including the U.S.) are discussed with respect to how culture influences their political, geographic, and economic characteristics. Several concepts and themes are explored, among them race and identity construction, violence and resistance, colonialism and inequality, gender and sexuality, as well as global interconnectedness. This course will also emphasize contemporary events as they relate to the fundamental themes of the course. Ultimately, students will leave this class with a nuanced understanding of how power, justice, and identity inform socio-political structures both within the United States and throughout our world.
Topically organized courses focused on selected problems, areas, and issues of special interest in international affairs at the intermediate level. Topics vary depending upon specialization and research interests of visiting and/or Skidmore faculty.
Topically organized courses focused on selected problems, areas, and issues of special interest in international affairs at the intermediate level. Topics vary depending upon specialization and research interests of visiting and/or Skidmore faculty. Fulfills IA Foundation Cluster II: The Economic World.
Topically organized courses focused on selected problems, areas, and issues of special interest in international affairs at the intermediate level. Topics vary depending upon specialization and research interests of visiting and/or Skidmore faculty.
Topically organized courses focused on selected problems, areas, and issues of special interest in international affairs at the intermediate level. Topics vary depending upon specialization and research interests of visiting and/or Skidmore faculty.
Topically organized courses focused on selected problems, areas, and issues of special interest in international affairs at the intermediate level. Topics vary depending upon specialization and research interests of visiting and/or Skidmore faculty.
Topically organized courses focused on selected problems, areas, and issues of special interest in international affairs at the intermediate level. Topics vary depending upon specialization and research interests of visiting and/or Skidmore faculty.
Topically organized courses focused on selected problems, areas, and issues of special interest in international affairs at the intermediate level. Topics vary depending upon specialization and research interests of visiting and/or Skidmore faculty.
Topically organized courses focused on selected problems, areas, and issues of special interest in international affairs at the intermediate level. Topics vary depending upon specialization and research interests of visiting and/or Skidmore faculty.
Internship or professional experience at an intermediate level for students with foundational academic experience in the major field. With faculty sponsorship and Program approval, students select an internship and produce a research paper or other appropriate work related to the area of the internship on a topic approved by the faculty sponsor and the on-site supervisor.
Advanced and special topics in current international affairs. Topics will vary from semester to semester.
An exploration of Africana religions in the context of Afrophobia. Africana or African-derived religions and their devotees have been historically persecuted and vilified around the world. Religious scholar Dianne M. Stewart (2005) has coined the term Afrophobia to describe anti-African sentiment and fear of Africana religions. This course examines Afrophobia as an essential aspect of anti-Black racism that has sought to eradicate alternative spiritual worldviews and stifle Black liberation. The course will introduce some basic theologies, symbols, and principals of Africana religions. We will also explore the roots of Afrophobia as well as the relationship between anti-Black racism and religious intolerance targeting non-Abrahamic, indigenous African religions.
An opportunity for qualified majors to pursue independent study in International Affairs under the supervision of an appropriate faculty member. The written study proposal must be approved by the International Affairs Director, in consultation with the faculty member.
A seminar required of all international affairs majors in the spring term, when they make final oral and written presentations of their senior capstone project to the International Affairs Committee. This course is designed to enhance students' research, written, and oral communication skills relating to international affairs, and to strengthen their awareness of international issues and professional opportunities. The course includes presentations and discussions by students and guest lecturers, instruction on library research, writing, and oral presentation skills. Students present their capstone project ideas at the preliminary meeting and are evaluated on their research process, participation, and oral presentation. The course culminates in the presentation of senior capstone projects to international affairs faculty, students, and the community.
The Coda experience for International Affairs seniors. In this course students will: a) engage in a review of and reflect on some of the major ideas, themes and concepts they have engaged with over the course of their time in the IA major; b) do so in part by thinking through applications of what they’ve learned to important developments in current affairs; c) learn about the various professional paths that are available to students after graduation, as well as the basics of preparing for life after Skidmore, such as developing CVs, cover letters, statements, writing samples etc.
Optional Coda experience for International Affairs majors and recommended for seniors wishing to engage independently in a topic of interest in depth, especially for those working towards graduate studies. The student's work is supervised by a member of the department, and requires regular periodic meetings with the advisor, as well as submission of written work leading towards a scholarly paper of 30 pages in length. Proposals for the senior capstone topic must be prepared in consultation with faculty capstone-sponsor, approved by the sponsor and the student's advisor, and submitted to the Director of the International Affairs program for approval during the semester preceding the one in which the student wishes to work on the capstone.
Internship or professional experience at an advanced level for students with substantial academic experience in the major field. With faculty sponsorship and Program approval, students select an internship and produce a research paper or other appropriate work related to the area of the internship on a topic approved by the faculty sponsor and the on-site supervisor.