Associate of Arts - International Studies

International Studies is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students broadly for the increasingly global contexts within which we live and work. Courses in the program provide students with the content knowledge, analytical skills, and methodologies necessary to understand international and global issues, their historical and cultural contexts, as well as providing them the tools necessary to live effectively in a world characterized by ethnic diversity, cultural pluralism, and increasing interdependence. The program consists of one general International Studies track, and three area studies tracks in Latin American Studies, Asian Studies and Middle East Studies.

As a standalone program, the value of International Studies resides in helping students see the interconnectedness between people and societies. It encourages students to explore economic, political, and cultural interdependence. It also helps them to see that just as issues are interconnected so are the solutions. This program trains students to synthesize knowledge across different fields of study and prepares them to engage meaningfully and confidently in global concerns, locally and globally. The value of the AA in International Studies is reflected in the mission, vision and values of Salt Lake Community College, specifically in relation to collaboration, community, inclusivity, learning and innovation. The program also supports the college-wide mission to engage and support students in educational pathways leading to successful transfer and meaningful employment. As a program in the collective, International Studies is important as it is a demonstrably collaborative program, drawing expertise across disciplines.