International And Global Studies
Statement of Philosophy
International and global studies is an interdisciplinary major that explores the changing forces of globalization and investigates the responses by the actors and institutions (economic, political, cultural and societal) to this reconfiguring of global life. It develops a global understanding of historical and contemporary world issues and seeks to encourage cross-cultural sensitivity emphasizing the interrelatedness of cultural, societal, linguistic, political, economic, environmental and aesthetic issues in the world today. A common body of knowledge is established through a set core of courses integrated with a focus track, study abroad, language proficiency and culminating individualized capstone project. Students may choose to pursue their studies within a specific geographic region or may develop a custom focus area in global studies, international relations, cultural studies, global environment, political or economic development.
Declaration of International and Global Studies Major. Students considering the International and Global Studies major or minor should work with an advisor early in their academic career to develop coursework to support their international and global studies interests. A student wishing to declare an International and Global Studies major must submit a proposal and Declaration of International and Global Studies form for the major to the registrar with the support of at least one supervising faculty advisor, typically by the college’s published major declaration deadline, but no later than registration for the student’s sixth semester of enrollment. The registrar will forward all International and Global Studies major proposals to the Curriculum Committee for the final approval process.
Study abroad
Students are required to enroll in at least one semester in an approved study abroad program. Because the overseas experience is so vital to proper preparation for active participation in an international environment, students should confer with their academic advisor early in their academic careers to plan for the best combination of on- campus and study abroad coursework to fulfill major requirements.
Major Communication Skills
The major communication skills is typically satisfied in the 300-400 level coursework and senior capstone.
Admission to the International and Global Studies Program
Students enrolling at Central beginning in Fall 2021 may no longer apply for admission or transfer into the International and Global Studies major.
International and Global Studies Major Requirements (40 credits plus language proficiency)
Note: Students are strongly encouraged to begin working with a major advisor early in their academic career.
1. Complete all of the following (16 credits):
ANTH 120 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3)
ECON 113 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
GEOG 210 Human Geography (3)
GEOG 215 Introduction to International Studies (3)
POLS 140 Introduction to International Politics (4)
2. At the time of declaration, students will be required to design, specify and propose a focus/track. Complete 15 credits in a specific focus (i.e. regional, global studies, cultural studies, global environment, political, or economic development) area beyond the 100-level* and a minimum of nine credits of 300/400-level is required. Language courses numbered 322 or below may not be counted toward these 15 credits. *Students who select a geographical region as their focus area may count a 100-level survey course in that region toward the major.
Examples of International and Global Studies major foci:
Geographic region (i.e. Africa, Asia, Latin America, Middle East, Europe)
Cultural studies
Political or economic development
Global environment
International politics/relations
3. Complete 6 additional elective credits beyond the 100-level, chosen in consultation with the major advisor; however, courses in a second foreign language at any level may be included in this requirement. Language courses in the primary foreign language numbered 322 or below may not be counted toward this 6 credit requirement.
4. Capstone (minimum 3 credits) senior thesis or project. The capstone is not included in the nine credits of 300/400- level required for the focus area. The capstone may be a senior honors project, independent study, directed research or other culminating project and must be approved by the student’s academic advisor and faculty director prior to the start of the semester of enrollment.
5. Demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language through the intermediate (222 or two years) level.
6. Study abroad for at least one semester. Students with a regional focus are required to study abroad in that region.
International and Global Studies Minor Requirements (18 credits plus language proficiency)
Declaration of International and Global Studies Minor. A student wishing to declare an International and Global Studies minor must submit a declaration of International and Global Studies minor form to the registrar with the support of at least one supervising faculty advisor by the college’s published minor declaration deadline, but no later than registration for the student’s final semester of enrollment. The Curriculum Committee chair, in consultation with the supervising advisor and registrar will approve International and Global Studies minor declarations.
1. Complete GEOG 215 Introduction to International Studies (3)
2. Complete three courses (9-10 credits) from:
ANTH 120 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3)
COMM 268 Intercultural Communication (3)
ECON 113 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
GEOG 210 Human Geography (3)
POLS 140 Introduction to International Politics (4)
3. Complete six additional credits of elective at the 300-level or above either in a focus area or specific region(s). Language courses numbered 322 or below may not count.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language through the intermediate (222 or two years) level.
5. Study abroad for at least one semester is highly recommended.