SCHOOL of INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

American University · Washington, D.C.

DEAN'S WELCOME

Since its founding in 1957, the School of International Service has been dedicated to building a community which positively and constructively meets the challenges of global complexity and inter-connectedness. As a Web user in the 21st century, you already have a sense of how the telecommunication revolution has transformed global relations and the impact that this has had on our daily lives. These challenges demand the sustained attention of the world's most capable and dedicated professionals. Men and women who wish to grapple effectively with global issues will find that the School of International Service at American University offers unique opportunities for learning about other peoples and cultures and offers rigorous preparation for professional careers requiring international and intercultural understanding.

In the Web pages which follow, you will find descriptions of the degree programs corresponding to the School's eight fields of study: Comparative and Regional Studies, Global Environmental Policy, International Communication, International Development, International Economic Relations, International Politics, Peace and Conflict Resolution, and United States Foreign Policy, information about our faculty and students, study abroad sites, our history, and our future.

With these components, the School is able to offer opportunities across the range of the geographic areas and the functional specializations most needed for international careers. It is important for today's students of international affairs to understand how their ambitions and idealism can be realized. Needed, of course, are basic international affairs skills stressed at the School of International Service: leadership capabilities, cross-cultural sensitivity, professional expertise in a specialized subject matter, and the ability to present one's position convincingly in writing and in person.

Consistent with these objectives, the School views mastery of international communication technology as essential for fostering international relations skills and better global exchange. I invite you to examine our School through this electronic medium and to visit me and the rest of the staff, faculty, and students of the School on our campus in Northwest Washington, D.C. If you can, please time your visit to take advantage of one of the many exciting events we are planning for the coming academic year.

Welcome to the SIS Web Pages,

Louis W. Goodman, Dean
School of International Service