Once the major hub of colonial trade, Boston continues to thrive
today as a center for international commerce and services, and
as a gateway city for immigrants from around the world.
The International Studies track is designed to give students
a global perspective, with courses in economics, international
relations, political science, and international management, and
with internships that have an international dimension. Placements
are in international non-governmental organizations, global trade
consultants, state and federal agencies, foreign policy think
tanks, commercial import/export firms, and cultural exchange and
education institutions.
Fun Facts:
- The port of Boston served as a trading area for Native American
tribes for centuries before it became an international cargo
port for the colonies in 1630; it now handles over 15 million
tons of bulk fuel and other types of cargo each year.
- Boston's immigrant community is one of the most diverse in
the U.S., drawing from Latin America and the Caribbean, Southeast
Asia, Africa, and Europe.
- The Boston area is home to over 50 colleges and universities
and to an international student population of about 20,000;
with almost 4,500 international students from over 100 different
countries, Boston University is proud to be considered one of
America’s most international universities.
Summer 1: Courses (May 18-June 26, 2009)
You’ll spend your first six weeks of the Summer Study Internship
Program taking two courses of your choice from select offerings in international relations.
Summer 2: Internship (July 6-August 14, 2009)
For the second six weeks of the program, you’ll be placed
as an intern in a Boston area organization or business that matches
your interests and experience. You should expect to work a minimum
of 32 hours a week, for four days a week.
Summer Study Internship Course (May 22-August 11, 2009)
The Summer Study Internship Course begins in Summer 1 and continues through Summer 2. 2 cr.
The courses below were available in Summer 2008. Check back on December 15 for an updated list of classes for Summer 2009.
International Studies Summer 1 Courses (pick two):
CAS EC 391 International Economics I
Prereq: CAS EC 201. The pure theory of international trade. Topics
covered include comparative advantage and gains from trade; tariff
and nontariff barriers to trade; and case studies in international
economic policy. 4 cr.
CAS EC 392 International Economics II: Problems and Policy
Prereq: CAS EC 202 strongly recommended. Basic issues of international
finance. Topics include balance of payment adjustments; theories
of exchange rate determination; and case studies in international
economic policy. 4 cr.
CAS HI 349 History of International Relations 1900-1945
The impact of global war and revolution; the search for postwar
reconstruction and stability during the twenties; the consequences
of economic collapse, revolutionary nationalism, and fascism during
the thirties; the Second World War and the advent of the bipolar
world. 4 cr.
CAS IR 271 Introduction to International Relations
Study of basic factors in international relations, Western state
systems, the concept of balance of power, nationalism, and imperialism.
Primarily for concentrators. Meets with CAS PO 271. 4 cr.
CAS IR 330 Diplomatic Practice
Introduces the practice of diplomacy as management of a country's
foreign relations with a view to secure or restore peace. The
nation state in diplomatic relations; foreign ministries, diplomatic
missions, embassies, and consulates; the peacekeeping role of
international law and international government organizations.
CAS IR 368 Contemporary East Asian Economics
Prereq: CAS EC 101, EC 102, OR EC 111, EC 112. An introduction
to the economics of Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Topics include Japanese
firms, labor markets, finance, monetary and fiscal policies, industrial
policies, and Taiwanese and Korean post-1960 economic development.
Meets with CAS EC 368. 4 cr.
CAS IR 369 Southeast Asia in World Politics
Prereq: CAS IR 271 or CAS PO 251. Examines Southeast Asia as an
important emerging political, economic, and security region in
world politics. Background materials, including the region's history,
cultural diversity, and geo-strategic position are given weight
in the course. 4 cr.
CAS IR 395 North-South Relations
Employs a multidisciplinary approach to analyze the relations
between the industrialized nations of the "North" and
the developing nations of the "South." Addresses historical
and current issues in North-South relations, including trade,
investment, migration, regional economic integration, and the
environment. Meets with CAS PO 352.
CAS PO 367 Introduction to Latin American Politics and
International Relations
Introduction to the patterns and complexities of Latin American
politics and foreign policies. Focuses on the distinctive Latin
American political experience and alternative explanations for
it, including colonization, the international economy, and human
and material resource capacity and utilization. 4 cr.
