Welcome to USFs International Studies Program, also known as BAIS. I am Professor Giglioli. I am here to tell you a little about the International Studies major and to help you register for your first semester of classes. Our program is diverse and interdisciplinary but we are focused on examining global transformations that affect all of us. Whether you are interested in migration, international security, or climate change, there are many ways to analyze current affairs and this program trains students in multiple approaches and encourages you to develop your own toolkit. There are five different possible concentrations and five regional areas to focus your study, as well as a series of related minors to enhance your educational pathway. In the BAIS major, you will take introductory and methods classes, content classes, and skills classes to strengthen your professional capacities. Then you will finish by producing your own research in a Capstone or Thesis course. In addition, you can take a BAIS internship course, graduate with Honors in International Studies, and even apply to our 4+1 program to earn a BA and an MA in just five years. But let us focus on the present, registering for your first semester of classes as a BAIS major. We suggest that students take four classes a semester, which adds up to 16 units. During our Orientation to your Major workshop, we will discuss the major requirements in detail. However, a brief overview will assist you in choosing your first courses. As I just mentioned, each International Studies student selects a concentration and a regional focus. The concentrations are: Culture, Societies and Values Global Politics and Societies International Economics Peace and Conflict Studies Sustainable Development and Environmental Justice The regional foci are: Africa Asia Europe Latin America Middle East At this time, you are not required to declare which concentration and region you are interested in, but you should begin thinking about which ones you would like to pursue. There are four BASIC courses required for the major, no matter which concentration or region you choose. We suggest all International Studies students complete two basic courses during their first two semesters at USF. So, for your first semester you should register for the first BASIC course: BAIS 100: Introduction to International Studies. If this class is not available, take the other required course, BAIS 103: The Global Economy. For your second course you should register for a Composition course. If you do not know which course is right for you, please review the tutorial by clicking on the Tab Rhetoric and Composition. For your third course, look for a First-Year Seminar or, if you are a transfer student, take a Transfer Year Seminar. These classes fulfill CORE requirements and may count for your regional focus within International Studies. For your fourth course, we recommend that you begin or continue a foreign language. If you already know a language well, you can get tested to be placed into the second, third or fourth semester of that language. If, for any reason, you do not choose a language or a first year seminar, you may complete your math requirement or register for BAIS 103: The Global Economy. Once you have selected your classes, your schedule should resemble something like this: If you are a transfer student, you may have completed some of these courses. It is important for you to review your degree evaluation to determine which courses you need to complete. Spend some time navigating the Schedule of Classes to familiarize yourself with the layout of the website. Look for courses that you would like to register for, including specific sections, to find a schedule that works for you. You should also keep a backup list in case some classes are closed. If you have any questions, please contact us. We look forward to meeting you during our Orientation to your Major. During Orientation, we will review the major, and you will have the opportunity to meet faculty and fellow students. Welcome to USF!