International Affairs - Lewis & Clark College Quick Links Apply Visit Alumni Library Giving The Source Newsroom Majors Art (Studio) Art History Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biology Chemistry Classics Computer Science Computer Science and Mathematics Data Science Economics English Environmental Studies French Studies German Studies Hispanic Studies History International Affairs Mathematics Music Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Sociology and Anthropology Student-Designed Major Theatre World Languages Minors Art and Art History Artificial Intelligence Asian Studies Chemistry Chinese Classics Computer Science Cybersecurity Dance Data Science Earth System Science Economics Education English Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation Environmental Studies Ethnic Studies French Studies Gender Studies German Studies Health Studies Hispanic Studies History Japanese Latin American and Latino Studies Law and Policy Mathematics Middle East and North African Studies Music Neuroscience Philosophy Physics Political Economy Political Science Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Russian Theatre
Faculty members in International Affairs—like Joseph M. Ha Associate Professor of International Affairs Elizabeth A. Bennett—love meeting with students during office hours.
Home / Academics / International Affairs International Affairs Students who major in international affairs examine the political, military, economic, legal, and cultural relations involving states, nations, international organizations, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to understand how those relations affect the prospects for conflict and cooperation. Earn a bachelor’s degree while gaining a deep knowledge of the dynamics of our rapidly changing world. Majors Art (Studio) Art History Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biology Chemistry Classics Computer Science Computer Science and Mathematics Data Science Economics English Environmental Studies French Studies German Studies Hispanic Studies History International Affairs Mathematics Music Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Sociology and Anthropology Student-Designed Major Theatre World Languages Minors Art and Art History Artificial Intelligence Asian Studies Chemistry Chinese Classics Computer Science Cybersecurity Dance Data Science Earth System Science Economics Education English Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation Environmental Studies Ethnic Studies French Studies Gender Studies German Studies Health Studies Hispanic Studies History Japanese Latin American and Latino Studies Law and Policy Mathematics Middle East and North African Studies Music Neuroscience Philosophy Physics Political Economy Political Science Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Russian Theatre Why Choose a Degree in International Affairs? Global technologies, threats to international security, fundamentalist movements, and mounting tensions between nations, regions, and factions mean that the study of international affairs is more relevant than ever. Unlike many other international relations programs, we offer such a robust range of courses and opportunities that we warrant our own dedicated department. Apply Visit What You’ll Study Though the scope of our coursework is broad, we emphasize foreign policy, national security, international law and organizations, international economic relations, social justice and transnational advocacy, human rights, and development in the global south. We also believe in collaborating with students on research projects—whether through classes during the academic year, a paid humanities research summer program, or both—and helping them find and secure internships in Portland and beyond. Many of our students earn course credit while on an overseas program. Outside the classroom, the annual International Affairs Symposium is organized by a committee of students with support from faculty and staff. This multiday interdisciplinary event concentrates on the most pressing themes and topics in international relations today through a series of debates. Curriculum Connect With Lewis & Clark! After you hit submit, we will follow up with information about L&C, and you will have the opportunity to share a bit more about yourself. Loading...
Favorite Class
Ancient Cities with Assistant Professor of History Joel Sweek
The class was demanding, but Professor Sweek is a true expert in his field. The class had the kind of academic rigor and seriousness that I’d hoped to find in college. Professor Sweek’s lectures were brilliantly engaging and pushed me to think like a historian. The class left me in awe of the ancient world and inspired me to fully commit to pursuing a history major at L&C.
As someone from the Middle East, my academic studies and knowledge were predominantly centered on the Middle East and North Africa. This class provided me with an opportunity to examine the broader region of the Global South, which includes a diverse group of countries and cultures.
Major: International Affairs and Economics (double)
Favorite Class
International Political Economy with Dr. Elizabeth Bennett
This is the most comprehensive study of the formation of contemporary global economy available at Lewis & Clark. Dr. Bennett is an expert at accessibly presenting subject material and leading class discussions. I used to dislike economics, but this has become the most valued (and enjoyed!) class I’ve taken at L&C.
Elizabeth Bennett’s International Political Economy course and Kyle Lascurette’s Theories of International Affairs
They were as challenging, engaging, interesting, and eye-opening as any course I took in law school. I still can’t believe I go to take such incredible classes as an undergrad!
Social Justice in the Global Economy with Professor Elizabeth Bennett
Professor Bennett introduced to new concepts in social justice each week through real-world literature on various topics. Each class, we came together to talk through the challenges and more importantly, how to overcome them. This course taught me to be critical about some of the world’s most pressing issues while also being hopeful that there can be a solution.
Islam in the Modern World with Professor Paul Powers
This class pushed me to expand and challenge my preconceived idea of what Islam is. Paul is also just a fantastic professor who is so obviously passionate about the subject.
Cold War Culture with Associate Professor Therese Augst
The class has allowed me to tap into both my knowledge of international affairs and German studies to evaluate what happened during this crucial period of history. I also reflect upon my experiences abroad and connect them to themes discussed each week. I look forward to every class as I know that I will leave enriched from the engaging lectures and discussions.
Major: International Affairs, German Studies (double)
Favorite Class
Transitions to Democracy by Associate Professor Leah Gilbert
Professor Gilbert is passionate and engaging, and her class informed me a great deal about definitions of democracy, transition theories, and other important concepts in political science. It was also seminal in the inspiration for my senior international affairs thesis, where I researched democratic backsliding in Hungary.
Major: German Studies and International Affairs (double)
Favorite Class
Human Rights in international affairs with Professor Heather Smith-Cannoy
Looking back, Heather’s course really set my path for future work and graduate studies in motion. She challenged us to examine complex problems surrounding the protection of individual and collective human rights, and to think through nuanced policy-oriented solutions.
Major: International Affairs and Mathematics (double)
Favorite Class
Intermediate Spanish With Instructor Megan McDonald
Megan is AMAZING! I also took Beginning Spanish with her; her teaching style is the best. The class is fun and engaging, and we have fun activities and discussions.
Major: International Affairs and World Languages (double)
Minor: Middle East and North African Studies
Favorite Class
Organic Chemistry II with Assistant Professor of Chemistry Casey Jones
Many people are afraid of organic chemistry because it is so different from what they are used to in their general chemistry classes. However, Professor Jones and the rest of the chemistry department make this knowledge very accessible and interesting to students by connecting theoretical principles to real problems in the life sciences and medicine.
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and International Affairs (double)
Favorite Class
Genders and Sexualities in a Global Perspective with Professor Kim Cameron-Domínguez and Gender and Aesthetic Expression with Professor Therese Augst
Because of the amazingly interdisciplinary way that the gender studies program at Lewis & Clark is run, these two classes allowed me to bring my other interests of international affairs and German language and culture into conversation with the topics of gender and sexuality.
I have always been interested in war. Tackling difficult topics in spirited discussions every week helped me learn to articulate clearly and concisely and be able to think on my feet. It has helped me approach topics differently.
This class is what got me hooked on international affairs. It forced me to find the important aspects of readings and comprehend a lot of information and be able to communicate my ideas in a simple and clear way.
Complement Your Education With One of These Minors The most popular minors for our international affairs majors are German studies , Middle East and North African studies , and political economy . What Students Are Saying About Lewis & Clark I love the class discussions and debates in international affairs because there are a lot of intelligent, but vastly different, opinions that come up. It’s very rousing and educational. Jade Weihz BA ’23 International Affairs | Middle East and North African Studies | Phillipsburg, New Jersey More about Jade I knew I wanted to be an IA major because I was interested in global politics, with a little bit of human rights and economics, a touch of diplomatic relations, and a sprinkle of law. One of my first IA classes touched on all of these concepts the first day, which solidified my decision. Keilani Vega BA ’22 International affairs | French studies and environmental studies (double) | Pasadena, California More about Keilani I’m studying international affairs because I want to make a real difference in the world and try to help people. I added art history as a second major because I genuinely love art appreciation, going to museums, and learning the stories behind works. Jason Kowalski BA ’23 International affairs and art history (double) | Vancouver, Washington More about Jason What Can You Do With a Degree in International Affairs? Our alumni use their BA in international affairs to pursue a wide range of careers in academia, government, journalism, nonprofits, public service, and beyond. Some of our alumni have been awarded competitive fellowships and scholarships, like the Rangel and Rhodes, and many go on to pursue advanced degrees. Dedicated Faculty Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study and who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth. Meet the Professors L&C is a place where people express care, extend support, and nurture one another. Inclusion, accommodation, diversity, and difference are valued here. Joseph M. Ha Associate Professor of International Affairs and Director of Political Economy Elizabeth Bennett More about Elizabeth 96% Within six months of graduation, 96% of the Lewis & Clark Class of 2024 was already changing the world through employment (71%), continuing studies (22%), and service work (3%), like the Peace Corps. 12% of our students are from countries other than the U.S. Equity We are the only liberal arts school in Oregon on Colleges of Distinction’s “Best Equity and Inclusion” list for 2025–26. Top For the seventh time in 11 years, Lewis & Clark has been named a Fulbright U.S. Student Program Top Producing Institution for 2023–24. 52 nationalities represented in our undergraduate student body Invest in Yourself A private liberal arts education is often more affordable than you think . Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that our first-year students will graduate with their bachelor of arts degree in four years that if you don’t, we’ll cover the extra semester of tuition . Find Your People The Meridian is an annual publication dedicated to providing a forum for student views on international and cross-cultural issues. Model United Nations is a student club that concentrates on the workings of the United Nations, as well as research on various countries and their foreign policies. Where Lewis & Clark Will Take You I started looking for opportunities in the nonprofit sector and found an internship with Blanchet House of Hospitality, which serves the houseless community in Downtown Portland. Etta Moen BA ’21 International Affairs and Hispanic Studies More about Etta L&C taught me to love the process of learning. Cole Harris BA ’20 International Affairs | Political Economy More about Cole After graduating in 2021, I spent a year serving with AmeriCorps VISTA at a local mental health and addiction recovery nonprofit, working on capacity-building projects that support low-income communities in Portland Chloe Safar BA ’21 International Affairs and Hispanic Studies More about Chloe Featured News Environmental Policy in Practice Abby Burke BA ’26 is charting a career path at the intersection of environmental policy, research, and public service—building on a recent internship with the Oregon Environmental Council. Read the story More News and Events → Kyle M. Lascurettes Associate Professor of International Affairs and Department Chair klascurettes@lclark.edu 503-768-7746 (though email is best way to reach me) klascurettes@lclark.edu 503-768-7746 (though email is best) Lewis & Clark International Affairs Department Admissions Academics Financial Aid Alumni
