We study static the electric field and electromagnetic waves in dielectric media. In contrast to the
standard approach, we use, formulate and solve integral equations for the field. We discuss the case
of an electrostatic field of a point charge placed inside a dielectric; the integral equation
approach allows us to find and interpret the dielectric constant in terms of molecular
polarizability. Next we discuss propagation of electromagnetic waves using the same integral
equation approach. We derive the dispersion relation and find the reflection and transmission
coefficients at the boundary between the vacuum and the dielectric. The present approach supplements
the standard approach based on macroscopic Maxwell equations and contributes to better a
understanding of some electromagnetic effects.