Duke University | International Comparative Studies: The ICS Major

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International Comparative Studies (ICS) prepares lifelong learners to live, work, and thoughtfully engage with people and problems in a complex, diverse, and interconnected world.

Through interdisciplinary coursework, research, and study-away experiences, ICS majors gain knowledge in the culture(s), history, politics, and language relevant to one geographic region of the world. ICS students currently study Africa, East Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, Russia and Eurasia, South Asia, and Western Europe. Students interested in a different area concentration should consult with the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

In addition, ICS majors complement and deepen their understanding of their chosen regions by gaining knowledge of global and transnational dynamics through interdisciplinary comparative coursework.

All ICS majors share a common foundation of knowledge and experience derived from their participation in the core courses, ICS 195, Comparative Approaches to Global Issues, and ICS 489S, Capstone Seminar in ICS.

ICS majors gain skills in the language of at least one area of the world to deepen their historical, political, and cultural understanding.

ICS (formerly Comparative Area Studies or CAS) has been a major at Duke since the mid-1970s. ICS alumni have pursued varied careers ranging from diplomacy and foreign service to international business, law, and media to work in NGOs, public health and the environment.

Advising in ICS

ICS features engaged, personal advising of majors by faculty who teach in the program. Advisors consult with students from semester to semester as they choose courses, building a thoughtful and balanced overall program in the major.

ICS's Director of Undergraduate Studies consults with students about approval for study abroad courses and programs, and responds to questions about program requirements. The DUS is also available for general conversations about the major.

In consultation with the DUS, the ICS Staff Assistant assigns academic advisors from the teaching faculty in ICS. The ICS Staff Assistant also provides assistance to students, especially about program procedures and events.

Duke University International Comparative Studies

International Comparative Studies (ICS) prepares lifelong learners to live, work, and thoughtfully engage with people and problems in a complex, diverse, and interconnected world.

In addition, ICS majors complement and deepen their understanding of their chosen regions by gaining knowledge of global and transnational dynamics through interdisciplinary comparative coursework.

All ICS majors share a common foundation of knowledge and experience derived from their participation in the core courses, ICS 195, Comparative Approaches to Global Issues, and ICS 489S, Capstone Seminar in ICS.

ICS majors gain skills in the language of at least one area of the world to deepen their historical, political, and cultural understanding.

ICS (formerly Comparative Area Studies or CAS) has been a major at Duke since the mid-1970s. ICS alumni have pursued varied careers ranging from diplomacy and foreign service to international business, law, and media to work in NGOs, public health and the environment.

Advising in ICS

ICS features engaged, personal advising of majors by faculty who teach in the program. Advisors consult with students from semester to semester as they choose courses, building a thoughtful and balanced overall program in the major.

ICS's Director of Undergraduate Studies consults with students about approval for study abroad courses and programs, and responds to questions about program requirements. The DUS is also available for general conversations about the major.

In consultation with the DUS, the ICS Staff Assistant assigns academic advisors from the teaching faculty in ICS. The ICS Staff Assistant also provides assistance to students, especially about program procedures and events.

Other Advising Offices and Resources:

Academic Advising Center

Academic Resource Center

Career Center

Health Professions Advising

Prebusiness Advising Office

Pregraduate Advising Office

Prelaw Advising Office

Thompson Writing Program

ICS Program Director:

Academic Dean for ICS Majors:

Norman Keul

Trinity College Curriculum

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