A new minor is available for students interested in relations between countries.
Students can now add an international studies minor, designed around international relations. Dr. Mohamed Daadaoui, professor and chairman of political science and history, is beginning the program after years of development.
“We wanted to design something in mind with the university mission to prepare students globally,” Daadaoui said. “This is global perspective grown out of the international system. We want students to be engaged in what’s going on internationally.”
Daadaoui said the idea floated around for a couple of years, but it was finally proposed last year. It was approved last spring, and this is the first semester it has been put in place. The minor is designed to appeal to all students, regardless of major. It also involves existing classes, making it easier for students to obtain.
“We’re working with existing classes we have in existing schools,” he said. “I reached out to Meinders School of Business, and I reached out to the music school. I asked them to contribute classes that they think have an international perspective.”
The minor consists of 21 credits and involves courses such as introduction to world religions and comparative politics. Students can choose from a variety of electives, including music and the human experience, world literature and international law. There is also the option to study abroad.
“It is optional, but, if a student studies abroad, they only need to obtain nine credits,” Daadaoui said. “They are exposed to global, international experiences. We want to make sure their study abroad experience accounts for this minor.”
Daadaoui said the goal is to eventually create an international studies major.
“My dream for it would be to become a major, but we want to start gradually,” he said. “We want students to pursue careers in a globally-oriented world.”
Caleb Evans, political science sophomore, said he intends to pursue the minor since it applies to his major so well.
“For grad school, I’d like to go into international relations,” Evans said. “It seems like a great opportunity. A lot of the classes already are a part of my major, which is great.”
Students that are interested may email mdaadaoui@okcu.edu.
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