Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

International and Global Studies, B.A.


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About the Program:

International and Global studies (IGS) introduces students to the global community as they develop a greater knowledge and appreciation of the diverse linguistic, cultural, historical, economic and political systems in the world. Each student will take a foundational course, INS 100S - Introduction to International and Global Studies (Social Science)  or INS 101H - Introduction to International & Global Studies (Humanities) , and a senior seminar/capstone course, INS 400  .

The core of the major will be an individualized program, including 24-credits of IGS and IGS cross-listed courses and 20-credits of world language study, a combination of which may be taken at UMF or during a required international educational experience. In collaboration with their IGS advisors, students will develop an interdisciplinary concentration that reflects their specific interest areas, career goals and/or plans for graduate study while permitting them to gain a broader understanding of international perspectives and global issues.

Major Requirements (52 Total Credits)


Study Abroad/International Experience


Notes on Program Requirements:

While students are encouraged to take 20 credits of one world language, they can take 12 credits of one world language and 8 credits of another world language.

If students take more than 20 credits of language courses, additional language courses can count towards the required 24 hours of IGS and IGS-cross listed courses. 

The 24-credits of IGS courses must: 1) be taken in IGS or IGS cross-listed courses that have been approved by the IGS Council, 2) include courses from at least three disciplines, and 3) include at least four courses above the 100 level. For IGS requirements, students must earn at least a C- in a course to receive credit toward the major.

Students are encouraged to study abroad for one semester or more. However, students who are unable to complete a semester or more abroad may meet the requirement through taking 8 credits or more in an international experience (i.e., travel courses, international internships or field schools). 

Credits taken abroad can be applied to the IGS major, general education requirements or electives.

Students can fulfill their senior seminar capstone requirement by taking any one of the following senior research courses including: ANT 480  : Senior Seminar/Capstone in Anthropology, ENG 491  : Capstone Seminar in English, EPP 450  : Research in Environmental Policy and Planning, GEO 450  : Research in Geography, HON 199: Honors Thesis, INS 400  : Senior Seminar/Capstone, and POS 440  : Political Science Capstone Experience.

General Education Requirements


For specific information about general education requirements and expectations, see the General Education Requirements  in the Academic Programs section of this catalog.

Minimum Total of Credits for The Degree: 128


Concentration


To help students select courses, they identify a concentration within IGS in consultation with two academic advisors, preferably by the end of their sophomore year. The focus can be on a region or a global issue provided that enough courses are offered to create a meaningful concentration.

Examples of Regional and Topical Concentrations:

  • Asian Studies
  • European Studies
  • Francophone Studies
  • Global Health and Public Policy
  • International Development
  • Latin American Studies
  • International Business and Globalization
  • Peace and Conflict Resolution
  • World Literature
  • World Geography and Society
  • International Environmental Studies and Sustainability
  • International Political Economy

IGS Cross-Listed Courses


The following is a list of courses that have been approved by the IGS Council as IGS-cross listed courses. All courses listed below count towards the required 24 credits of IGS-cross listed courses. Additional courses may count as IGS-cross listed courses, particularly topics courses offered in various disciplines (e.g., courses with numbers 177, 277, or 377). For questions regarding IGS-cross listed courses contact the Director of International and Global Studies.

Business


Chinese


Education


French


International and Global Studies


Religion


Spanish


Learning Goals and Assessment


Learning Goals:

  • Students will understand and appreciate diverse perspectives, engage in a variety of ideas and methods with critical reflection. They will gain a better understanding of their own language and culture, and of the role occupied by the United States in the world.
  • Students will demonstrate competency in at least one language other than English.
  • Students will develop the capacity to craft effective research papers, using research sources appropriately, integrating multiple disciplinary methods, and using English in an effective manner.
  • Students will examine global issues in their complexity (including, language, culture, history, geography, economics and politics).
  • Students will develop strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Assessment:

  • Students will demonstrate broad multidisciplinary knowledge and an understanding of international and global issues.
  • Students will demonstrate competency in a second language and cultural awareness gained through academic preparation and study abroad.
  • Students will understand multiple disciplinary methods, be able to identify and critique them; and use these methods in their own research.
  • Students will demonstrate basic knowledge in general education fields (covered in the required introductory courses), as well as specialized knowledge about content and methods in their concentration.

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