Curriculum

This is an unofficial description for this program. For official information check the Academic Catalog.

International Studies is an interdisciplinary program designed to build student expertise in particular world regions and/or about diverse international issues including globalization, diversity, migration, international law, conflict resolution, economic development, environmental policy, and the roles of gender, race, language, and class in international contexts.

The International Studies BA program is oriented to produce individuals competent to understand the interrelated nature of global phenomena and confident in their membership in a community of global citizens. At the same time, each undergraduate specializes in a particular world area or a global theme. Students enrolled in the International Studies BA program will:

  1.  describe histories, institutions, values, and norms of various cultures;

  2.  analyze issues from the perspectives of other cultural traditions;

  3.  apply theories in international studies to interpret current global issues;

  4.  defend views on international cultures or issues with clear and well-reasoned arguments.

A BA degree in International Studies prepares students for a range of career opportunities in education, government, in non-profit foundations and NGOs, in for-profit entities, and in a wide range of other institutions and enterprises offering services transnationally or otherwise working in global environments.

 

Major Requirements (39 credits):

1. Core Curriculum (18 credits)

2. Geographical Areas and Themes in Global Studies (21 Credits)

Students will select 21 credits from one of the programs below, in order to follow one of the following tracks:  African Studies (2a), or Global Studies (2a), European Studies (2a), Latin American Studies (2a), Middle Eastern Studies (2a), or Global Studies (2b).

2a. Geographical Area Studies:

Students will take 15 credits in one regional specialization and 6 credits in one global theme, or as approved by the advisor. 9 credits must be at the 300- or 400-level. Not more than 9 credits may come from the same discipline (designator). Courses listed below are for advisory purposes only. Additional courses may be identified with the approval of the advisor. 

Europe

ENG 365 The Modern European Novel 3 Credits

FR 304 Introduction to French Literature 3 Credits

FR 305 Introduction to Francophone Literature 3 Credits

FR 315 Aspects of Francophone Cultures 3 Credits

FR 316 Contemporary France 3 Credits

GEOG 444 European Union 3 Credits

GEOG 448 Russia and Neighboring Regions 3 Credits

GER 304 Introduction to German Literature I 3 Credits

GER 305 Introduction to German Literature II 3 Credits

GER 316 German Civilization from 1800 to Present 3 Credits

HIST 234 Modern Europe 3 Credits

HIST 342 English History since 1688 3 Credits

HIST 343 Modern Ireland: 1690-Present 3 Credits

HIST 344 History of Modern Germany 3 Credits

HIST 348 History of Russia II 3 Credits

HIST 356 History of East Central Europe since 1919 3 Credits

HIST 380 Modern Poland 3 Credits

HIST 415 The Cold War in the United States and Europe 3 Credits

HIST 442 Absolutism and Enlightenment in Europe 3 Credits

HIST 443 Revolution and Reformation in Europe 3 Credits

HIST 444 Mass Politics and Total War in Europe 3 Credits

HIST 447 History of the Soviet Union 3 Credits

HIST 448 Stalin and Stalinism 3 Credits

HIST 452 World War II in Europe 3 Credits

IS 463 Topics in European Studies 3 Credits

ITAL 304 Introduction to Italian Literature I 3 Credits

ITAL 305 Introduction to Italian Literature II 3 Credits

ITAL 316 Italian Civilization from 1861 to the Present 3 Credits

ITAL 488 Italian Life and Culture 3 Credits

PHIL 330 Early Modern Philosophy 3 Credits

PHIL 332 19th Century Philosophy 3 Credits

PHIL 366 Existentialism 3 Credits

PS 336 West European Governments 3 Credits

PS 435 Central and Eastern European Politics 3 Credits

SPAN 304 Introduction to Spanish Literature I 3 Credits

SPAN 305 Introduction to Spanish Literature II 3 Credits

SPAN 315 Spanish Civilization 3 Credits

SPAN 451 Introduction to Spanish Linguistics 3 Credits

2b. Global Studies:

Students will take 15 credits in a particular global theme, and 6 credits in one geographical area, or as approved by the advisor. 9 credits must be at the 300- or 400-level. Not more than 9 credits may come from the same discipline (designator). Courses listed below are for advisory purposes only. Additional courses may be identified with the approval of the advisor.

Language Requirement:

The International Studies BA program requires that all students have a level of proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding of a single world language relevant to the Concentration, equal to the completion of the 126-level (226-level for French, Italian, or Spanish). Fulfillment of this requirement will be determined by a CCSU instructor of the language, the Chair of the World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Department, or a CCSU faculty member designated by the Director of International Studies.

Minor Requirement:

A minor is required of this major. International Studies majors are encouraged to minor in a world language relevant to their Concentration, however, any minor may be selected. Double majors are exempt from a minor.

Total Credit Hours: 57

Admissions Contact

Undergraduate Recruitment & Admissions

Academic Contact

Brian Sommers
Professor, Department Chair
Geography, Anthropology, & Tourism
Professor
Geography
Co-Director
International Studies
Ebenezer D. Bassett Hall
417-01

Academic Department