Why choose TAC?

Many students are drawn to the TAC (Thematic and Area Concentration) option because of the flexibility of the curriculum. Students are able to select a Theme and Area concentration and choose courses within those concentrations that are tailored to their interests.

The TAC option is structured so that students may pursue a broader or narrower approach to a particular Theme or Area. For example, in the Europe Area concentration, you can study the continent of Europe as a whole and identify the interconnectedness of European nations, economies and societies; or you can study a particular nation within Europe and take classes specific to Italian, French, Spanish or German culture areas. There is no right or wrong way to match Themes, Areas and languages. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, IS-TAC majors integrate their Theme and Area studies in a Senior Capstone research project.

Students must possess proficiency of a language at the 4th semester level in one non-English language in the TAC option. Students in the TAC option must also complete two additional courses of a foreign language. The two additional courses can be at the intermediate level in the same language or at the beginning level of a new language. Language proficiency can be demonstrated either through completed coursework or by taking a placement exam. UK currently offers the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Russian, Spanish, Sanskrit (taught by the Department of Linguistics on an irregular basis). Students should consider their future academic and career goals to determine if proficiency in a language beyond the IS-TAC major requirement is necessary.

The flexibility of the IS-TAC option also allows students to pursue second majors or minors during their undergraduate career. However, students are not required to complete a minor or second major. In the past, students have chosen disciplines such as anthropology, business, foreign language, geography, political science, psychology, and sustainable agriculture as complimentary programs to their IS major. Students interested in any additional programs should consult their academic advisor.

In the TAC option, students complete nine courses in the Thematic and Area concentrations. Students must choose one Thematic concentrations AND one Area concentration.

For details about the courses within each concentration please see the UK Bulletin. Current students may also use the ‘Run Selected Program feature in APEX (located in myUK). 

Thematic Concentrations:

The International Relations concentration focuses on how states and institutions interact in a global environment. Topics examined include sources of global conflict, international non-government organizations, international crisis resolution and national sovereignty.

The Culture and the Arts concentration focuses on cultures, societies and ethnicities; and on forms of cultural expression and representation (performing arts, film, philosophy, literature, folklore and myth, visual arts) from comparative and global perspectives. The role of language and the evolution of cultural identity are also explored.

The Global Environment concentration focuses on the international interplay of peoples, information, capital, culture and physical geographies.

The International Development concentration focuses on the developing world and examines development in relation to socio-political and socio-economic growth.

The International Commerce concentration focuses on the issues of managing global businesses, such as the effects of differences in national requirements, cultural expectations, economic structures and governance.

The Human Rights and Social Movements concentration focuses on international struggles for political, social, and economic equality and international efforts to guarantee human rights by placing them into cross-cultural, interdisciplinary, and historical perspectives. 

Area Concentrations:

• Africa and the Middle East
• East South and Southeast Asia
• Europe
• Latin America
• Russia and Eurasia

4 Year Graduation Map (.xls)