Academic Catalog 2016-2018 > Undergraduate Degree Programs > International Studies (BA, Minor)

International Studies (BA, Minor)

The International Studies major is ideal for students who are interested in an educational program that is global in scope and interdisciplinary in its approach, and supports a focused study of a country or region of the world. A modern liberal arts education is incomplete without some understanding of the international and global nature of human society. International Studies majors can use the major as a means to explore the international and global dimensions of economics, politics, culture, and the environment, especially as they relate to a particular geographic area of study.

The changing demographics in the United States, and especially in California, have brought the diversity of the globe to our local communities. The major is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to work in multicultural settings, whether here or abroad. International studies students learn to develop and articulate their own ideas about the importance of having an international and global perspective in an increasingly multicultural workplace. Students gain an understanding of how cultures differ, as well as the advantages and challenges of cultural diversity. International Studies majors also acquire a richer perspective of their own culture in the process.

In addition to the understanding of international and global issues that they develop in their core courses, International Studies majors work with the International Studies advisor to devise a curricular plan that focuses their study on a specific region of the world, including Latin America, North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. This focused study often inspires and facilitates an experience of study abroad in their region of choice.

International Studies graduates have found the major to be an excellent preparation for careers including international business, international development, diplomacy, and teaching, as well as for graduate programs in law and business.

Program Learning Outcomes

International Studies majors will be able to:

1. Employ interdisciplinary methods of social science and humanities to research problems and issues in international studies.
2. Interpret global issues based on interrelationships among nations, peoples, and communities in the modern world.
3. Apply knowledge of the history, geography, and political economy of a major world region to research problems.
4. Evaluate academic arguments within international studies and related fields.
5. Argue effectively based on evidence in oral and written forms that conform to expectations of the field.