International Studies (IS) generally refers to the specific University Degrees and courses which are concerned with the study of ‘the major political, economic, social, cultural and sacral issues that dominate the international agenda’.[1] The term itself can be more specifically defined as ‘the contemporary and historical understanding of global societies, cultures, languages and systems of government and of the complex relationships between them that shape the world we live in’.[2] The terms and concepts of International Studies and International Relations are strongly related; however, International Relations focus more directly on the relationship between countries, whereas International Studies can encompass all phenomena which are globally orientated.
– Wikipedia
I’m taking an introductory class in IS, and so far I’m enjoying it LOADS. (We’ll see if that continues once I get my marks.) We talk about large world issues and their smaller local effects, which in my world is otherwise known as “fascinating conversation you want to have all the time,” and part of my homework is reading the news.