About Us

The International Comparative Studies (ICS) program helps students challenge dominant ways of approaching global issues. The curriculum emphasizes moving continuously between the global and the local. Students learn a variety of research methods, how to write across disciplines and translate theory into practice. Our mission is to prepare lifelong learners who can live, work, and thoughtfully engage with people and problems in a complex, diverse, and interconnected world.

ICS majors gain knowledge in the culture(s), history, politics, and language of one geographic region of the world through region and ICS language coursework. This multidimensional study of a particular part of the world is complemented by an examination of transnational dynamics through core and comparative coursework in global studies.

Well over 75 percent of ICS majors complete some of their coursework in study away programs. Core courses, individualized advising, and research mentoring encourage ICS students to formulate and address questions through a variety of disciplinary approaches.