2020-2021 Academic Catalog

Bachelors (BA) in International Studies

Overview

The International Studies program prepares students to think and act as citizens of the world. The program integrates insights from multiple disciplines – economics, politics, geography, and religion, among others – in order to provide a rigorous education in the complex dynamics of an increasingly interdependent world. Graduates will be equipped with the skills necessary to effectively engage the world and its multitude of cultures, with foreign language capabilities, cross-cultural awareness and experience, and critical thinking and analysis. 

The international studies major offers a 48- to 50-semester-hour course of study, preparing students for internationally focused careers in business, government, education, non-governmental organizations and church-related work such as missions. It also provides excellent preparation for graduate study in a variety of disciplines, including international relations, diplomacy and development, among others. The major includes a strong international fieldwork emphasis, with required cultural immersion and internship components. Students are required to obtain a minimum grade of C- in all courses taken for the major.

Degree Outcomes

Graduates with a BA in international studies will:

  • Understand and explain the complexity of international affairs
  • Communicate about global issues with Christian insight and wisdom
  • Demonstrate preparedness to work, serve and learn in international contexts with sufficient global awareness
  • Able to live skillfully and act sensitively in multicultural environments
  • Act as people of influence in global spheres
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Major Requirements

Complete the following:
This covers communication as it affects and is affected by language and culture. Topics include contextualized use of communication within speech communities, intercultural effectiveness, cultural communication theory, competent intercultural experiences in co-cultures (ethnic, gender, intergenerational, deaf, etc.) and global cultural groups. A student may not earn credit for both the lower-division and upper-division versions of this course.
A study of the world's cultural regions developed through the themes of location, human environmental relationships, movement, and regions, with emphasis on the interrelatedness of culture, physical, economic, historical, and political geography in creating the dynamic cultural landscapes existing today. (Identical to INTL 200.)
An introduction to the core issues and problems that affect the entire world, including threats to security such as war and terrorism, the rise of globalization, the persistence of inequality between rich and poor countries, and the degradation of the environment. (Identical to INTL 230.)
This course will provide a foundation in the intellectual and social abilities required for international experiences. The primary goals of this course are to develop global awareness and cross-cultural competencies that will provide students with the practical skills necessary for effective off-campus study abroad and internationally-focused internships.
A comparative study of world societies and their ways of life.
This course covers the main issues faced by developing countries in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. Special attention is given to economic development and the impact of globalization on these nations. (PSCI 330 and INTL 330 are identical courses)
This course introduces students to causes and consequences of 'the wealth of nations.' Students will learn theories of economic growth and poverty alleviation. Topics to be covered include: globalization, education, international trade, holistic conceptions of development, and the role of institutions. (Identical to INTL 370 and SOCI 370.) Prerequisites: ECON 211 Principles of Macroeconomics or ECON 212 Principles of Microeconomics
Supervised experiences in a non-American culture. Pass/No Pass. Prerequisite: upper-division international studies majors or minors, and by permission.
A comparative study between Christianity and other prominent religions of the world, such as Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and contemporary kinds of alternative religion. [THEO 410 and INTL 440 are identical courses].
Supervised experience in the discipline including internships and practica required for professional programs. This introductory experience must have an on-site supervisor and/or a departmental instructor overseeing, designing, and evaluating the content of the course. Pass/No Pass. Prerequisite: instructor's permission.
Required of senior international studies majors, the course emphasizes the investigation of theoretical and current applications of interdisciplinary research in international studies. Students with a significant interest in international issues are welcome, with the consent of the instructor. A research paper based upon primary source materials is the main assignment of the course.
Complete the following:
The second year of a modern foreign language (6-8 hours)
Choose two of the following:
Students must complete an additional 6-semester-hours from the following courses. The 3 hours from INTL 475 listed here is in addition to the 3 hours that are already required. 
Course provides an overview of international trade and finance. Trade theory is applied to understanding the direction of trade flows, the impact of trade barriers, and the role of bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations. The international finance portion of the course will consider the balance of payments, foreign exchange rates, and the globalization of financial markets. Throughout the course attention will be paid to global and national institutional arrangements which determine and influence trade and financial flows. Prerequisites: ECON 211 Principles of Macroeconomics and ECON 212 Principles of Microeconomics.
The importance of thinking globally and understanding the legal, technological, political and economic differences that affect business practice are explored through readings and projects. The focus is on the global changes that are impacting national sovereignty, regionalization, and the balance of economic and political power. Prerequisites: ECON 211 Principles of Macroeconomics and MGMT 260 Principles of Management.
Latin American countries from colonial times to the present, with an emphasis on the conditions that have led to the crises of recent years.
Explores the political, economic, social, and religious developments in the Middle East from the ancient to the modern era, with emphasis on the latter period.
A study of the history of southern Africa from about 1500 to the present with particular attention to the native groups of the region, Dutch colonization and British imperialism, and relations between diverse ethnic groups in the last two centuries.
A study of 20th- and 21st-century Russia and other former Soviet republics, with emphasis on their current significance in the world and the factors in their history that brought the Revolution of 1917 and the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Political and cultural developments of China and Japan.
Europe in the 20th and 21st centuries, with emphasis on the upheavals of the two world wars and the status of the European states today.
Supervised experience in the discipline including internships and practica required for professional programs. This introductory experience must have an on-site supervisor and/or a departmental instructor overseeing, designing, and evaluating the content of the course. Pass/No Pass. Prerequisite: instructor's permission.
Considers works written in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Oceania, Europe, and the Americas during the medieval and early modern periods. Students examine culturally defining texts that reflect both the uniqueness of culture and the universality of literary themes. Students read a sample of texts written between the medieval period and 1900. The focus is on texts that continue to be important to the culture they represent, such as The Tale of Genji, Journey to the West, The Thousand and One Nights, The Divine Comedy, and Shakuntala.
Considers contemporary writings from women around the world. Students analyze these literary texts, examine the cultures they represent, and keep apprised of current events related to women. Prerequisite: HUMA 205 Philosophy and Literature, any 100 or 200 level LITR course or equivalent, enrollment in the Honors Program, or instructor permission.
Whoever knows only one country knows none. This course introduces students to the field of comparative government and politics by examining the variety of political systems in the world. Particular attention will be paid to contrasting democratic and non-democratic governance, exploring the nature of democracy and the processes of democratization, and evaluating how American institutions and processes compare to other countries.
Why do wars and conflicts occur and how do we prevent these? This course considers the causes of global insecurity (from wars between countries to transnational terrorism to genocide) and examines the various approaches to their resolution, including the creation of international institutions and military alliances. Special emphasis will be placed on the role of religion in global political conflict.
This course provides students with a solid theoretical and practical understanding of the nature of international organizations (i.e. their origins, structure, and function in world politics) and relation to emerging international law. The practical component of this course examines the historical development, activities, and performance of specific institutions and agencies on a diverse set of policy issues including: security, economics (trade and development), humanitarian assistance, and human rights.
n introduction to the cultures and civilizations of Latin America. Students continue to develop skills toward advanced proficiency, as defined by ACTFL. Activities include reading authentic texts, field trips, and listening to native speakers. Areas of study may include history, art, music, the role of religion, governmental systems, and gender differences. Taught in Spanish. Corequisite/Prerequisite: SPAN 302 Intermediate/Advanced Spanish II or concurrent enrollment in SPAN 302 Intermediate/Advanced Spanish II or instructor's permission.
The biblical basis and history of missions are considered, with a special focus upon the modern missionary movement of the last 200 years.
Cross-cultural communication in Christian ministry, focusing on the concepts of identification, mutuality, the process of cultural change from a biblical perspective, and strategies for cross-cultural outreach.

Supporting Minors for International Studies

International studies is an interdisciplinary major designed for students with an interest in international vocations. Students taking this major as preparation for foreign missionary service or graduate studies in missions and intercultural concerns are encouraged to take a minor in the Christian Studies Department. Students with interest in diplomacy or politics are encouraged to consider a minor in politics or peace studies. Those wishing to prepare for work in relief and development should consider a minor in management or economics.