Nov 21, 2024

2020-21 Undergraduate Catalog

2020-21 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

International Studies, B.A.

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 (; ; ; ) 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).

Requirements for the Major

and two additional introductory-level (100-level) major courses.
and three additional intermediate-level (200-level) major courses.
Three advanced-level (300- or 400-level) major courses, not including and , at least one of which must be a Writing-designated course.
and
Four major courses not including , , and must focus on your chosen concentration. At least two of the concentration courses must be selected from the designated concentration course lists. It is also expected that students’ study abroad will enhance and support the concentration.
Study abroad for one semester.
Intermediate-level proficiency (through the 202-level) in a modern language other than English.

Requirements Details:

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.

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.