Nov 21, 2024

2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

International and Global Studies, B.A.

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

The core of the major will be an individualized program of 24-27 credits of IGS and IGS cross-listed courses 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.

Total Major Requirements 33-39 Credits

INS 100 - Introduction to International and Global Studies (Social Science) Credits: 3
or
INS 101 - Introduction to International & Global Studies (Humanities) Credits: 3
IGS and IGS Cross-Listed Courses Credits: 24-27
INS 400 - Capstone in International and Global Studies Credits: 3
Global Experiences (GE*) Credits: 3 - 6

* GE can include: Semester Away, Travel Courses, Virtual Global Experiences, and International/Intercultural Internships or Research Projects

Notes on Program Requirements:

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 five 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 6 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 Credits: 6,

EPP 450 : Research in Environmental Planning Credits: 3,

GEO 450 : Research in Geography Credits: 3,

HON 499 : Honors Capstone Credits: 3,

INS 400 : Capstone in International and Global Studies Credits: 3,

and

POS 440 : Political Science Capstone Experience Credits: 3.

Students are encouraged to take language courses which may be counted among the 24-27 credits of IGS and IGS Cross-listed courses. Courses offered at any UMaine campus qualify. Courses taken at institutions beyond the UMaine System need to be approved by the IGS Chair in consultation with the IGS Council to determine whether it may count towards the major.

List of IGS Courses for 23-24 Catalog

Other 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.

Other Requirements

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.

Graduation Requirements

Completion of at least 120 credits and all requirements for this specific program, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.000.

Minimum Total of Credits for The Degree: 120

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.

International and Global Studies, B.A.

Total Major Requirements 33-39 Credits

Notes on Program Requirements:

List of IGS Courses for 23-24 Catalog

Anthropology

Art History

Business

Economics

English

Geography

Health

History

Honors