The International Studies curriculum is designed as a sequential, two-year program. In addition to University of Maryland requirements, students must complete 15-16 credits with an overall average GPA of 3.0 in Scholars requirements and an overall GPA of 2.5 in all courses completed at the University during the two-year period of the Scholars Program in order to receive a citation. These credits must be satisfied during the two-year period of the CPS program (4 semesters). In addition to the four colloquia, GVPT 100, and ENGL 101, students must take one additional supporting course that fulfills the University of Maryland requirements.

Certification Requirements

Required Grades

Students must complete 15-16 credits with an overall GPA of 3.0 in all the required courses for International Studies as well as maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 in all courses completed at the University. All course credits must be satisfied during the two-year period of the International Studies program (4 semesters).

International Studies Colloquia

The International Studies Colloquia are the building blocks of academic and experiential knowledge based on the theme "Terrorism, War and Morality." We require that each student taking the following colloquia.

CPSP 118N: Towards an Understanding of the Relations between Terrorism and Moral Positions (Fall Semester, First Year: 1 Credit). This is the first, one credit course that explores various issues that arise from the intersection of terrorism and moral claims ion world politics. We will see a film every other week; the movies examine terrorist action and politics in a variety of cultural contexts. After we see the film, the class divides into four discussion groups, each group headed by an experienced teaching assistant from the Department of Government and Politics. We will be particularly concerned with the impact of brutality on the self, the political process, the psychology of terrorism, and the moral language used to justify terrorist acts.

CPSP 118N: Problematic Issues Relating to War, Violence and Morality (Spring Semester, First Year: 1 Credit). This course is an introduction to research into political themes involving the interplay of terrorism and morality. We begin with a general introduction into the use of library materials and facilities. We will also have two guest speakers address issues of terrorism. Students may then choose from a number of research areas, using our bibliographies as a starting point in their own research. Students will present the final product of the research in class. The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with general approaches to research and effective methods of presenting research.

CPSP 218N: Terrorism and Globalization: Twin Sides of the Same Evil? (Fall Semester, Second Year: 1 Credit) Throughout the semester, we will have guest lecturers visiting the class to present their ideas on the different manifestations of terror and its effect on international politics. We will discuss the issues raised by these lectures in conjunction with our reading of Stern's book. Additionally, the course involves the students choosing from a variety of contestable issues; each discussion group will be organized into small teams of students debating a specific issue. The students will present these debates in the discussion sections, and everyone will have an opportunity to comment on them. We have prepared bibliographies that will be helpful in providing information regarding the debate topics.

CPSP 223/GVPT 200S: Special Issues in the Study of International Politics (Fall Semester, Second Year: 3 Credits): For Students entering the IS Program in Fall 2009. This course will explore some of the most pressing ethical issues in the theory and practice of international relations. We will be broadly concerned with the rules of justice governing sovereign nation-states in an international political order. What are the moral rules (if any) for the interactions between nation-states and how do these resemble (or differ from) those that apply to our day-to-day interactions with fellow citizens? Do these moral standards depend on the relative power and influence of the nation-states? Under what conditions are nations justified in waging war against one another, and on what terms are they permitted to do so? What strategies are justifiable in throwing off colonial domination by a foreign power? In addition, we will also consider the moral duties and obligations of more affluent nations toward those less fortunate around the world. Do developed nations have an obligation to aid other nations, either by direct payments from governments or charitable giving by individual citizens? Do they have a corresponding obligation to open their borders to anyone who would like to immigrate? We will explore these issues through a series of lectures, discussions, and the careful reading of classical and contemporary sources.

International Studies Capstone Project: (Spring Semester, Second Year: 3 Credits). This final colloquium encourages students to explore and accumulate practical and/or research experience related to their long-term academic, personal or career interests. The student choose from one of the following options:

• CPSP 239N, 249N, 339N: for Internships, Service Learning, Independent Research Projecta, Course Study, and Film Study
• CPSP 318: Discovery Project through the College Park Scholars Program
• CPSP 339W: Discovery Project: Congressional Research through the College Park Scholars Program

Supporting Courses

GVPT 100(S): Principles of Government and Politics (Fall Semester, First Year: 3 Credits). A faculty member in the Government and Politics Department teaches the course. It serves as an introduction to concepts, theories, and actors in the study of government and politics with a special emphasis on international studies. The class is restricted to First Year International Studies Scholars.

ENGL 101(S): Freshman Composition (Spring Semester, First Year: 3 Credits). This is an introductory course in expository writing. If student places out of ENGL 101, then that requirement is fulfilled for the IS certification.

Second Supporting Course: For Students Entering Program Fall 2008 or Earlier Students must complete one (1) additional supporting course during their two years in the International Studies Program from the list of options above entitled Supporting Courses. Students may substitute other courses for the second supporting course, subject to the approval of the Director and Teaching Assistants. All courses are 3 credit hours unless otherwise noted. CORE approval is in parentheses. Please see the list above.

Additional Requirements

Special Events, Trips, and Excursions play an important role in the student’s International Studies experience, especially during the first year. First year students must complete one field trip of their choosing during the Fall semester. We will provide the selection of activities during the first colloquium for students. First year students must all attend a field trip in the Spring semester to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. The IS program will provide Metro Tickets to any events that require students to leave the University of Maryland, College Park campus.

Students can choose from a variety of additional events and activities to enhance their experience and learning, including the Model United Nations Program as well as various organizations and committees that work with College Park Scholars.

Events:

Fall Semester 2009:

Mini-Convocation is a ceremony for First Year College Park Scholar International Studies students, where the administrators and faculty on campus will welcome them to their first year of college life.

The South African Embassy: Students will receive a special briefing and tour. The trip is scheduled for 16 October 2009.

The Rwandan Embassy: The students will receive a tour and a meeting with the ambassador along with a question and answer session. The trip is scheduled for 30 October 2009.

The Chilean Embassy:Students will receive a special briefing and tour. The trip is scheduled for 13 November 2009.

The U. S. Department of State: The students can visit the State Department for a briefing with individuals involved in U.S. policy making. The trip is scheduled for 13 November 2009.

Spring Semester 2010:

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: The IS program will visit the National Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. (parental permission needed if student is less than 18 years of age). This trip is mandatory for all First Year students.

Scholars in New York City: The New York/United Nations trip provides the basis for meaningful reflection about key international issues, exposure to top international experts and officials, and insight into the functioning of the international community at the institutional level. We will announce registration for the New York Trip during the Fall colloquium.