International Studies Curriculum - Southwestern Illinois College

Refer to the following suggested curriculum and the graduation requirements as a guide for completing this program.

ASSOCIATE IN ARTS DEGREE (0001) – INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

Are you planning to earn an Associate in Arts degree and then transfer to a four-year college or university to major in International Relations, International Studies, Political Science or History? We strongly encourage you to consult with a SWIC Advisor prior to enrolling each semester.  We also advise you to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of the four-year institution where you plan to transfer.

Fulfill the General Education and other institutional requirements for the Associate in Arts degree listed in the printed or Online College Catalog. General Education course preferences may vary by transfer institution.

As you fulfill your degree requirements, it is strongly recommended that you take the following classes for a Global Perspective:

  • GEOG 152-World Regional Geography
  • POLS 240-Comparative Politics
  • POLS 270-International Relations
  • Foreign language of your choice (2 semesters)

It is recommended that you take the following classes:

Economic Perspective
  • ECON 201-Macroeconomics
  • GEOG 202-Economic Geography
Historical Perspective
  • HIST 232-United States at War OR HIST 292-US Since 1945
  • HIST 286-History of Religion

The optional courses listed below are suggested for the indicated baccalaureate majors:

History
  • HIST 101, 102-World Civilization I, II
  • HIST 180, 181-U.S. History
Political Science
  • POLS 150-Introduction to American Government
  • POLS 280-Political Theory

ASSOCIATE IN ARTS DEGREE (0001) – AREA STUDIES

As you fulfill your degree requirements, it is strongly recommended that you take the following classes for a Global Perspective:

  • GEOG 152-World Regional Geography
  • POLS 240-Comparative Politics
  • POLS 270-International Relations
  • Foreign language of your choice (2 semesters)

It is recommended that you take the following classes:

Cultural Perspective
  • ANTH 150-World Regional Geography
  • LIT 202-World Literature II OR LIT 205-Literature of Developing/Non-Western Countries OR ART 103-Survey of Non-Western Art
Social Perspective
  • One of the following HIST classes:
    • HIST 114-Latin American History
    • HIST 115-Mid East History
    • HIST 117-African History
    • HIST 118-Asian History
    • HIST 286-History of Religion

The optional courses listed below are suggested for the indicated baccalaureate majors:

History
  • HIST 101, 102-World Civilization I, II
  • HIST 180, 181-U.S. History
Political Science
  • POLS 150-Introduction to American Government
  • POLS 280-Political Theory

Apply for graduation by the date published in the College Calendar.

Earn at least 64 transferable credits with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 to graduate from SWIC. Many transfer institutions require a higher GPA for admission to the institution and/or specific majors.

Note: Enrollment in many transfer classes is based on your score on the assessment placement test and/or your fulfillment of course prerequisites.