International Studies encourages people to think critically and analytically about major international issues, institutions and relations and how those catalysts affect our world. In order to succeed in international relations, students will need to develop research and writing skills along with strong critical thinking, interpersonal and communication skills.The International Studies Program is composed of a basic core of courses from a variety of disciplines that provide a common framework for an understanding of historical, economic, cultural and political relations. Each student will also choose one of four areas for specialization: Asia, Europe, Latin America, or the Philippines for more extensive study of the history, language, and arts of that area.