M.A. International Studies
About us
The Department of International Studies was started in the year 2019, offering a two year postgraduate programme in International Studies.
M.A. International Studies is a specialised interdisciplinary programme seeking to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and skill set pertinent to addressing current global challenges. A tailormade syllabus designed and implemented as per industry requirements engages with topics such as climate change, global health, trade, cyberspace, proliferation, diplomacy, terrorism and development.
The curriculum includes a mandatory Certificate Course in Foreign Languages (German and Mandarin) to foster scholarship of the regions, a month-long Internship component in the third semester to gain hands-on industry experience and culminates in a Dissertation / Thesis writing in the final semester.
Internship Abroad programmes, Semester Abroad programmes and MOUs with various universities are underway. Participation in international and national conferences, seminars and workshops is encouraged and a vibrant learning environment is facilitated both within and outside the campus.
A customised pedagogy perceptive of both individual academic needs and industry requirements prepares the students for a range of professions in both public and private sectors that require advanced expertise and skills in the field.
Students are encouraged to choose their future workspace from a range of career options including (but not limited to) interdisciplinary research in humanities, academia, civil services, placements in International / Regional organisations, embassies, consulates, corporate foundations, NGOs, think-tanks, financial institutions and media.
For Admissions and other Course related details, please visit the
FACULTY
Ms. Hemalatha Gunasekaran
Head & Assistant Professor
Courses Taught: Theories and Issues in International Relations, Research Methodology, West Asia in World Politics
Email Id: [email protected]
Ms. Maithili Sane
Assistant Professor
Courses Taught: Contemporary Issues in World Affairs, Strategic Environment of South Asia and the Indian Ocean Realm, International Organisations
Email Id: [email protected]
Ms Karishma Angela Vincent
Assistant Professor
Courses Taught: Contemporary Politics of China since 1949, Culture and Ethnicity
Email Id: [email protected]
ACTIVITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT
Highlights
Ms Misha Sivaram from the batch of 2022-2024 has been selected as one amongst the ten students from across India to take part in the Gandhi King Scholarly Exchange Initiative, a student exchange program launched by the US Department of State. The first phase of the exchange program was hosted by the University of Alabama, USA from the 16th to 30th June, 2024. The second and final phase of the program will be hosted in the city of Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India from 5th to 30th January, 2025.
- 24.08.22 – Organized a student interaction with MP Ms. Kanimozhi Karunanidhi on the topic “Women and Leadership”.
- Ms.Madhushree. S, a second year M.A student secured a traineeship position at International Committee of the Red Cross, Geneva from July 2022.
- Ananya Varma of I MA International Studies selected for a summer programme in Law and Public Policy at the Seoul National University, South Korea for the period of June 2022.
- Two Students from the department, Ms. Jane Sheeba Varghese and Ms. Liya Sarah Philip have been selected for the National Youth Policy Regional Consultation Conducted by the UNFPA and are representing the college at SRM, Chennai.
- The Department announced its 1st and 2nd National Essay Competition and Cash Prizes were distributed to winners – 2021, 2022
- The Department received a Scranton Prize of 2000 US Dollars in the essay contest on Cultural Diversity and Inclusiveness conducted by Scranton Centre, South Korea, April 2023
- The Department organized and conducted a Panel discussion on “Decoding the Russia Ukraine Crisis” on 15th March, 2022. Panelists: Dr. Stanly Johny, (International Affairs Editor, The Hindu), Prof. Dr. Ramu Manivannan and Maj. Madhan Kumar (Retd.).
- The Department conducted a two day Korean Cultural Festival on 15th and 16th September 2022 that included a film screening, K-Street, K-food etc
- Students from I and II M.A International Studies attended a one day workshop on Gender Justice in Writing by Fulbright Scholar Prof. Jamie Barber organized by the American Center, US Consulate, Chennai, March 2023
- Ms.Laminica and Ms.Sangeetha of I MA secured the Runner Up position at the Inter Collegiate Department Culturals conducted by the Dept of International Studies, Loyola College, Chennai.
- 17.6.22 – Ms. Mary Selma Rose received a Grant Prize of 500 US dollars for the best essay on “Exploring Women’s Role in Ecofeminism” under the theme Eco-Justice Project in the Scranton Essay Contest conducted by the Scranton Women’s Leadership Center, South Korea Ms. Domini Jyotsna received a Grant Prize of 500 US dollars for the essay on “Interspecies Justice and Biodiversity Conservation – An ignored Perspective” under the theme Eco-Justice Project conducted by the Scranton Women’s Leadership Center, South Korea
- Our current batch of students are interning at State Human Rights Commission, Madras Institute of Development Studies, IJCCI, IJM, Bhumi Foundation, Lalit Kala Akademi and Chennai Center for China Studies.
- 12.09.22 – Ms. Domini Jyotsna of II MA was awarded the Best Speaker Prize for her paper presentation on “Understanding Commodity Culture: China’s Fashion and Food Influence in South Asia” at an International Conference on “Socio-Economic and Political Dynamics in South Asia” conducted by Saveetha School of Law, Chennai
- The students from Ist and IInd M.A International Studies were invited by the All India Radio, Chennai for a discussion on India’s leadership for the G20 summit, 2023.
- The Korean traditional Music workshop was a joint initiative carried out by the M.A International Studies Department in collaboration with the InKo Center, Chennai. It featured traditional Korean instruments such as the pansori and was an effort to increase awareness in Indian students about the scope and influence of these instruments and their beauty in the present day Korean Pop culture.
- The Students from I and II M.A International Studies participated in the Annual Trade Fair organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu. The students prepared handmade exhibits on themes including Unity in Diversity, India and its neighbours, Wildlife Conservation, and the Indian Constitution. The department represented the college at the Higher Education Department’s stall at the trade fair.
- 17.08.22 – Organized a hands- on art workshop for students on a traditional tribal art form by Chennai-based artist Mrs. Jeyashree of Hasthashri Arts and Crafts
- 2.6.22 – Ms. Logeshwari of II MA International Studies won the First Prize in Essay Writing Competition for her essay on “Human Rights and Climate Change” held by the State Human Rights Commission, Tamilnadu.
Ms. Madhushree, S, (II MA International Studies) has secured a six month internship at the United Nations Environment Programme, Geneva, Switzerland from Jan 2022 – June 2022.
Our current batch of students have completed internships at Madras Institute of Development Studies, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Global Peace Foundation, Bhumi Foundation and Chennai Center for China Studies.
Ms. Liya Sarah Philip contributed to the “The World This Week” section in the April edition of National Institute of Advanced Studies Commentary on Global Politics- http://globalpolitics.in/view_cir_articles.php?ArticleNo=259&url=The%20World%20this%20Week&recordNo=341 on 18th April, 2020.
Students Completed Level 1.1 of Certificate Course in German Language offered by Inaword at Women’s Christian College, Chennai on 9th October, 2019.
Other Activities
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The Department of International Studies in Collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden, Chennai organized the 17th Annual Sweden India Nobel Memorial Quiz on 13.09.2024.
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Study Abroad Orientation Program
Date – 12.09.2024
Resource Persons – Ms Ananya Varma and Ms Maria Monisha, Student Counsellors and University Representatives from Beyon Education, Chennai.
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Awareness Campaign organized in commemoration of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on 30.07.2024.
Grid Painting
Blue Heart Campaign
Assembly Program – Special Lecture Delivered by Dr Gladston Xavier, Associate Professor, Loyola College, Chennai.
Competitions
Human Chain Formation
- The students from I and II M.A International Studies attended a one day workshop titled, “Come On let’s Haiku” organized by the Japanese Language School of the Indo Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IJCCI).
- The students also attended a one day workshop on Japanese Calligraphy organized by the IJCCI.
- Two students, Sumaiya Anzum H. and Jane Sheeba Varghese, participated in the National Seminar on “Communal Harmony in the Gandhian Perspective” organized by the UGC – Centre for South and Southeast Studies, University of Madras, Chennai.
- Students attended a talk on “Citizenship and People’s Movement: Re-imagining the Nation” organized by the Department of Political Science, University of Madras, Chennai.
- 7th April, 2022, II M.A International Studies students attended the launch of ‘An update to an India Economic Strategy’ by Mrs. Sarah Kirlew, Australian Consul –General for South India at the Madras School of Economics.
- 8th May, 2022, I and II M.A International Studies students attended a two day symposium on ‘India and Japan in Free and Open Indo Pacific’ organized by the Consulate General of Japan, Chennai and the Indo Japan Chamber of Commerce.
- 29th April 2022, Students attended a Panel Discussion on “Diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific” conducted by the Australian Consulate.
- 19th April, 2022, Students were taken on a field visit to the photo exhibition on “Land of Stories” conducted by the Chennai Photo Biennale at Egmore Museum.
- The students from IInd M.A International Studies participated in a one day seminar titled, “Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice” organized by the Department of Social Work, Loyola College, Chennai and UNHRC, Chennai.
- I MA students secured month-long internships at the Russian Consulate, Chennai.
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WCC-Perspectives in International Studies (WCC-PISA)
(Blog in WordPress platform)
The online publication initiative by students of the Department of International Studies was launched on 5th October, 2020. WCC-PISA was formed with the aim to provide a platform for the new generation of thinkers to present their perspectives, commentaries, inputs, and analyses of contemporary issues in world affairs. WCC-PISA’s mandate is to showcase innovative research analyses and disseminate them to relevant audiences through digital media.
Five major verticals have been identified for research and the platform will showcase both short-form and long-form publications: Security and Defense, India Exclusive, International Economy, Education and Culture, Sustainable Development.
The link for the blog : https://wccpisa.wordpress.com
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Field Visit to Dakshinachitra Heritage Museum, Chennai 28th November, 2019
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Students were taken on a field visit to Anna Centenary Library, International Studies section on 07th September, 2019.
Special Lectures/Talks
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Special Talk at the Raj Bhavan, Chennai
Date – 10.09.2024
Speaker – Mr Vijay Keshav Gokhale, Former Secretary, Government of India
Topic: India-China Relations as seen from China’s Perspective
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Special Guest Lecture on the topic, “Children in Refugee Camps in India – Problems and Perspectives”. Guest Speaker – Mr S Valan Michael, Head of Field Office – UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Chennai. (28.08.2024)
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Three Day Workshop on “The Art of Ikebana as an Entrepreneurial Skill” organized in collaboration with the Institution’s Innovation Council. (12.08.2024 to 14.08.2024)
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- Special Guest lecture on “Children in Refugee Camps in India: Problems and Perspectives” was organized on 28.08.2024. Resource Person – Mr S Valan Michael – Head of Field Office, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Chennai.
- The Department organized a guest lecture on “75 years of Indian Democracy and Development: From Nehru to Modi” by Dr. Pulapre Balakrishnan, Renowned Economist, on 28th April, 2022.
- 30th October 2021 – The Department organized a Webinar on ‘State Sovereignty vs Investor Rights: Critical reflections on the Investor State Dispute Settlement’, delivered by Dr. Bharath Palle, Doctor of Juridical Science, Harvard Law School.
- 11th October 2022- The Department organized a Guest Lecture on “ Art Authrntication using Digital Techniques” by Dr. Hemashankari, Associate Professor, Dept of Computer Applications, Women’s Christian College
- 2. 9. 22 – Organized a student interaction with the research team from National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore on International relations: Prospects and Opportunities.
- Special Guest lecture on “Children in Refugee Camps in India: Problems and Perspectives” was organized on 28.08.2024. Resource Person – Mr S Valan Michael – Head of Field Office, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Chennai.
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The Department of International Studies conducted a guest lecture on “Cultural Diplomacy and International Communication” on 3rd October, 2020 by Ms. Vishwanjali Gaikwad, IFS, Second Secretary, Embassy of India, Philippines.
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In a guest talk, Ambassador Leela K. Ponappa, IFS, Former Deputy National Security Advisor and Secretary, National Security Council Secretariat addressed the students on 06th March, 2020 in an interactive session on “The Civil Services as a Career Option”.
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The Department of International Studies in collaboration with the Department of History conducted a guest lecture on “Soft Balancing: From Empires to the Global Era” on 30th January, 2020. Prof. T.V. Paul James McGill Professor of International Relations, Department of Political Science, James McGill University, Canada, was the speaker.
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The Department of International Studies conducted a guest lecture on “Imperialism- Past and Present” on 6th January, 2020. Dr. Usha Varadarajan and Dr. Emanuele Saccarelli, Associate Professors, Department of Political Science at San Diego State University, U.S.A., were the Speakers.
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The PG Dept of International Studies in collaboration with the Department of History conducted a guest lecture on “The Middle East: Geopolitical Issues and Challenges” on 22nd August, 2019. Dr. Radhika Lakshminarayanan, Associate Professor, American University of Middle East, Kuwait, was the Speaker.
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“The State of International Relations: Academic and Policy Research Perspectives” was held on 15th July, 2019. Dr. Arabinda Acharya (National Defense University, USA), Dr. R.P. Pradhan (BITS, Goa) and Dr. Lawrence Prabhakar (MCC, Chennai) held at the Department of International Studies, Women’s Christian College, Chennai, were the Resource Persons.