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2019-20 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
International Studies, B.A.
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About the Program
International Studies Program Director: Dr. Hilary Dick
- Preparation for careers in business, government, international development, social work, counseling, journalism, law, religion, non-profit management
- Preparation for graduate school
- Advanced study in the language and culture of another country
- Semester abroad requirement
- Opportunities to study abroad at some of the top universities in the world
One of the distinguishing characteristics of Arcadia University is its commitment to internationalization. Arcadia believes that students who learn firsthand about the interconnections among the peoples of the world will be truly prepared for life in a rapidly changing global society. An important component of Arcadia’s global perspective is the many international courses and experiences available through the International Studies major.
Global Experiences
The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, which is housed within the Department of Historical and Political Studies, is an interdisciplinary major, focusing on global issues, including both regional and thematic concentrations. All International Studies majors study abroad for at least one semester as well as develop competence in a language other than English. Students are able to work in close contact with faculty with expertise in a number of different disciplines, including History, English, Sociology, Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Politics, Government & Law, Economics, and Modern Languages.
Graduates may pursue careers in business, government, international development, social work, counseling, journalism, law, religion, community service and non-profit management. This program also prepares students for graduate school.
The International Studies program also offers a minor in International Studies.
The International Studies program also offers two different accelerated options for high-achieving students: a three-year accelerated program and a four-and-a-half year accelerated (B.A./M.A.) program in conjunction with the International Peace and Conflict Resolution Program.
Requirements
International Studies majors take a total of 12 courses (typically 46-48 credits) consisting of a mix of four required major courses (IS 101 ; IS 201 ; IS 490 ; IS 491 ) and a total of eight electives spread among the introductory, intermediate and advanced levels. Students also choose a concentration from among six options: Europe and the Mediterranean; Africa and the Middle East; The Americas; The Social Life of Globalization; Sustainable Development; Global Health and Human Rights. Four of the eight electives courses must focus on this concentration, and one advanced-level elective must be a Writing-designated course. In addition, International Studies majors are required to study abroad at least one semester, and students must acquire intermediate-level proficiency in a modern language other than English (up to four courses, 0-16 credits, depending on prior knowledge).
IS 101 Introduction to International Studies, and two additional introductory-level (100-level) major courses.
The following is a list of Glenside courses in this introductory category, but other courses – for instance, courses taken abroad during the First-Year Study Abroad Experience – also might fulfill these introductory-level course requirements as determined in consultation with a student’s adviser and the Director of the International Studies program.
IS 201 Historical & Political Studies Research Writing
Which must be taken after IS 101 and typically no later than the end of the second year, and three additional intermediate-level (200-level) major courses.
The following is a list of Glenside courses in this intermediate category, but other courses – especially courses taken while studying abroad – also might fulfill these intermediate-level course requirements as determined in consultation with a student’s adviser and the Director of the International Studies program.
Three advanced-level (300- or 400-level) major courses
Not including IS 490 and IS 491 , at least one of which must be a Writing-designated course. The following is a list of Glenside courses in this advanced category, but other courses – especially courses taken while studying abroad – also might fulfill these advanced-level course requirements as determined in consultation with a student’s adviser and the Director of the International Studies program.
IS 490 and IS 491 International Studies Senior Thesis Seminars
This two-semester Senior Seminar is only offered in a fall (IS 490 )/spring (IS 491 ) sequence. Students intending to finish their undergraduate coursework at the conclusion of a fall semester must take IS 490 and IS 491 the previous academic year.
Four major courses
Not including IS 101 , IS 201 , IS 490 and IS 491 must focus on your chosen concentration. At least two of the concentration courses must be Glenside-based courses. Requirements for the concentrations are detailed below.
Study abroad for one semester
All majors spend at least one semester abroad at a university in a country related to the concentration. Courses taken when studying abroad will be chosen with assistance of the student’s academic adviser.
Intermediate-level proficiency (through the 202-level) in a modern language other than English
Students who are taking a modern language for the first time must take four semesters (101, 102, 201, 202) of the language. Students who have previous knowledge will be placed according to the results of a placement inventory.
Concentration Requirements
Concentrations are intended to give students a regional or thematic focus for their studies. Students are required to take four courses in their chosen concentration and are encouraged to take more than four. Students choose one among the following six concentrations:
- Europe and the Mediterranean
- Africa and the Middle East
- The Americas
- The Social Life of Globalization
- Sustainable Development
- Global Health & Human Rights
It is expected that two or more of the courses for the concentration requirement should be selected from the following list of courses designated to each concentration. Additionally, students will work with their advisor to select a study abroad program that will support their concentration and to select appropriate additional courses for their concentration.
Europe and the Mediterranean
Africa and the Middle East
The Social Life of Globalization
Related Study at Arcadia
- The three-year accelerated B.A. in International Studies requires that students complete all degree requirements listed above in three years. Students in the three-year accelerated program typically need to complete two credit-bearing summer experiences in order to complete all Undergraduate Curriculum requirements and major requirements within three years. Students meet with their major adviser in their first semester to develop an individualized plan for completion of all requirements.
- Master of Arts in International Peace and Conflict Resolution and Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (4+2 program)
- Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and a Master of Arts in either International Peace and Conflict Resolution or International Relations and Diplomacy (3+2 program)
- Arcadia University’s College of Global Studies has affiliations with numerous overseas colleges and universities. More information is available at www.arcadia.edu/abroad. Students should contact the College for information on which overseas schools offer courses best suited to their interests.
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