INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
Introduction
The Department of International Studies (DIS) was launched in the Spring semester of 2018 as a Master-only program. Relatively young among the GSIAS departments, the DIS has been growing. In Spring 2020 the DIS and the Department of International Relations (Ph.D.) were integrated into one under the name of the DIS. Also, the DIS and the Department of International Development Studies were integrated in Fall 2020.
As a result, the DIS offers both Master’s and Ph.D. programs in five concentrations: International Relations, International Development, Comparative Socio-Cultural Studies, International Trade and Commerce, and Cultural Heritage.
International Relations
The International Relations (IR) Concentration aims to produce a select group of highly qualified scholars and practitioners in the field of security studies, global politics, alliance politics, conflict resolution, and international organization. To do so, the IR Concentration offers courses not only engaging in theoretical discussions, but also applying theories to empirical cases. A special focus of empirical studies lies on the region of Indo-Pacific, including Northeast and Southeast Asia, and such states as the two Koreas, the US, China, Japan, Russia, Australia and ASEAN states, among others.
International Development
Students concentrating on International Development (ID) learn to understand the interdisciplinary and multidimensional nature of development and underdevelopment around the world. Students enjoy the lively and mutual learning ID community within the department, with fellow students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds from all over the globe. Experienced and enthusiastic professors offer excellent training for a career in development policy or practice, or for further study in the field. ID program graduates pursue careers in a variety of fields, both public and private, domestically and internationally. The PhD program in International Development provides an opportunity for students to pursue in-depth research based on unique fieldwork in a developing context of the student’s choice, in consultation with a thesis advisor.
International Trade and Commerce
The International Trade and Commerce is designed for young professionals pursuing careers in international business and trade organizations and chambers of commerce, as well as academic scholars. The International Trade and Commerce provides a comprehensive introduction to theoretical and practical aspects of successful global trade promotion and trade relations techniques, combined with an understanding of the role of governments and international organizations in setting policy and standards that govern global trade. As such, the program focuses on trade policy and promotion strategies supplemented with statistical training.
Comparative Socio-Cultural Studies
Comparative Socio-Cultural Studies (CS) addresses the complex role, operation, and effect of culture in global and transnational society. The multidisciplinary efforts of the CS concentration offer educational opportunities to graduate students interested in the intellectual, academic, and professional life that recognizes the importance of cultural economies and politics in the interconnected world. Students in the CS concentration receive interdisciplinary education in the major theoretical frameworks and methodological paradigms to conduct research on cultural mediation, policy, institutions, and practices from a comparative perspective, and to pursue a career in the related academic fields as well as in the cultural industry, international organizations, and the public sector.
Cultural Heritage
The Cultural Heritage (CH) Concentration provides students with the opportunity to learn both the academic foundation of heritage studies and its practical aspects, focusing upon relevant international bodies, including UNESCO. The courses offered in this concentration highlight a variety of topics related to culture and cultural heritage in the context of globalization. Potential career paths for the graduates with this concentration include: working at relevant international organizations and NGOs, pursuing academic careers in the field, and governmental or civilian positions related with cultural heritage, among others. Students who do not have a background in cultural heritage are also encouraged to apply to this concentration, as the curriculum of this concentration starts with introductory level courses on cultural heritage and globalization.
