Minor in Applied International Studies
The Minor in Applied International Studies (AIS) is a comprehensive program designed to help students integrate a practical, applied international experience into a coherent course of study that builds the skills necessary for a career in a globalized world. The minor is built around four key principles: proficiency in cross-cultural communication skills, which can include language skills; theory, combined with field experience; concentrated study in a region or topical area of choice; and applied research skills.
The minor consists of six subjects across three tiers of study, plus an MIT-sponsored international experience, such as a MISTI summer internship or a D-LAB summer experience. The first tier is a gateway subject that provides a broad overview of a topic that is foundational to international study. This subject should help students identify a topic of interest around which to build a course of study. Coursework in the second tier provides an in-depth language or cultural study of the region of interest, enabling students to be successful in their international experience. Coursework in the third tier consists of three subjects tied together by a similar theme, topic, or region, allowing students to become experts in a single area of international study as it pertains to their interests. In consultation with the minor advisor, students select Tier II and III subjects from a broad range of suitable subjects from across the Institute that the department has identified, and additional subjects may also be approved.
An international experience through MISTI, D-Lab, or similar program that is at least eight weeks in length is also required. This experience provides students an opportunity to apply the knowledge they have learned throughout their coursework in a research or internship experience internationally. The international experience can be pursued at any time during students’ undergraduate years.
| Tier I: Gateway Subject | 12 | |
| Choose one subject from the following list: | ||
| Introduction to International Development | ||
| Introduction to International Relations | ||
| US National Security Policy | ||
| Introduction to Comparative Politics | ||
| Globalization: The Good, the Bad and the In-Between | ||
| World History and Its Fault Lines Since 1800 | ||
| Tier II: Regional Focus via Language and Culture | 18-24 | |
| Two subjects 1 | ||
| Tier III: Topical Focus | 27-36 | |
| Three subjects. Tier III topical focus could include, but is not limited to, the following: international relations, international development, international economics, trade, globalization, comparative politics, international urban planning, security studies. 2 | ||
| International Experience | ||
| MISTI summer or D-Lab summer experience that is at least 8 weeks. | ||
| Total Units | 57-72 | |
| 1 | Any language subjects must be upper level or beyond the first year of study. Subjects taught in a foreign language are acceptable. Subjects must be at least 9 units each. |
| 2 | Subjects should be complementary and focus on a region, topic, or issue area. At least two of the three subjects should be HASS-S subjects. Subjects must be at least 9 units each. |
Students seeking additional information or wishing to plan their minor should contact the minor advisor Katherine Hoss, E53-483, 617-253-3649.