Global Studies Track
The Global Studies major provides both a global perspective and a deep understanding of major themes and events in global affairs. Under the guidance of expert faculty and advisors, students develop an understanding of world cultures, societies, media, and politics within the framework of globalization.
Requirements for Global Studies
Core Courses (24 credits)
Prerequisite requirements:
Global Studies Electives (20 credits)
Choose five elective courses from any upper-division Intl courses (300/400 level). Intl 399 and Intl 401-Intl 410 can only count towards Global Studies electives when approved through the Course Substitution process. See a faculty or pathway advisor for more details.
Study Abroad courses can count towards Global Studies electives when approved through the Course Substitution process. See a faculty or pathway advisor for more details.
Additional Electives (8 credits)
Majors must take an additional eight credits of elective courses from upper-division Intl courses, or from the pre-approved course list; discuss the options with an International & Global Studies advisor.
Study Abroad courses can count towards Additional Electives when approved through the Course Substitution process. See an Advisor for more details.
Language (0-27 credits)
Two years, or equivalent proficiency, of foreign language study. For students taking courses at PSU, second-year proficiency is defined by successful completion of the terminal course in the second-year language sequence, or demonstrating proficiency through the Department of World Languages and Literature.
Total Credit Hours: 52
Students are required to take at least 36 credits with the Intl prefix. A minimum of 12 credit hours must be Intl courses at the 400-level.
All courses used to satisfy the departmental major requirements (and minor or certificate requirements), whether taken in the department or elsewhere, must be graded C or above. Courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) will not be accepted toward fulfilling department major requirements.
International Development Studies Track
A major in International Development Studies prepares students to understand the challenges that developing nations face to achieve improved living conditions for their inhabitants. In our courses, we emphasize how development is shaped by the intersections of politics, economy, social and political power, and culture at global, national, and regional levels. Our majors acquire a critical understanding of environmental vulnerabilities and socio-economic inequalities in the developing world, grounded in an appreciation of global history.
Requirements for B.A. in International Development Studies
Core Courses (24 credits)
Pre-requisite requirements:
International Development Studies Electives (20 credits)
Students must take 20 credits from the International Development Studies course list (see table below).
Consult with an Advisor for Intl 399 and Intl 410 courses that count for International Development Studies courses. Study Abroad courses can count towards International Development Studies courses when approved through the Course Substitution process. See an Advisor for more details.
Additional Electives (8 credits)
Majors must take an additional eight credits of elective courses from upper-division Intl courses, or from the pre-approved
course list ;discuss the options with an International & Global Studies advisor.
Study Abroad courses can count towards Additional Electives when approved through the Course Substitution process. See an Advisor for more details.
Language (0-27 credits)
Two years, or equivalent proficiency, of foreign language study. For students taking courses at PSU, second-year proficiency is defined by successful completion of the terminal course in the second-year language sequence, or demonstrating proficiency through the Department of World Languages and Literature.
Total Credit Hours: 52
Students are required to take at least 36 credits with the INTL prefix. A minimum of 12 credit hours must be Intl courses at the 400-level.
All courses used to satisfy the departmental major requirements (and minor or certificate requirements), whether taken in the department or elsewhere, must be graded C or above. Courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) will not be accepted toward fulfilling department major requirements.
Asian Studies Track
The Asian Studies major dives into the continent’s past, present, and future through the interdisciplinary study of political-economy, cultures and religions, communication and media, gender and sexuality, migration, development, and environmental change grounded in South, Southeast, and East Asia.
Requirements for Asian Studies
Core Courses (20 credits)
Pre-requisite requirements:
Regional Focus (32 credits)
At least 32 upper-division credits from PSU
courses focused on Asia. Students must consult with the faculty advisor for Asian Studies when choosing courses.
Special Topics courses (399, 410), Seminars (407), study abroad courses and other Asia-focused classes, as well as individualized Reading and Conference courses arranged with instructors may be substituted for specific area courses listed above. All such courses must be approved by your advisor before you register for the course.
Language (0-27 credits)
Two years, or equivalent proficiency, of language study in one world language. For students taking courses at PSU, second-year proficiency is defined by successful completion of the terminal course in the second-year language sequence, or demonstrating proficiency through the Department of World Languages and Literature.
Total Credit Hours: 52
For graduation, a minimum of 36 credit hours are required to be in Intl courses, of which at least 12 credit hours must be at the 400-level.
All courses used to satisfy the departmental major requirements (and minor or certificate requirements), whether taken in the department or elsewhere, must be graded C or above. Courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) will not be accepted toward fulfilling department major requirements.
Latin American Studies Track
The Latin American Studies major explores the continent’s social contradictions, political intrigues, economic crises, and environmental diversity.
Requirements for Latin American Studies
Core Courses (20 credits)
Pre-requisite requirements:
Language (0-27 credits)
Two years, or equivalent proficiency, of language study in a language spoken in Latin America. For students taking courses at PSU, second-year proficiency is defined by successful completion of the terminal course in the second-year language sequence, or demonstrating proficiency through the Department of World Languages and Literature.
Regional Focus (32 credits)
At least 32 upper-division credits from PSU courses focused on Latin America which must include either Intl 341U or Intl 342U. Students must consult with the faculty advisor for Latin American Studies when choosing courses.
Special Topics courses (399, 410), Seminars (407), study abroad courses and other Latin America-focused classes, as well as individualized Reading and Conference courses arranged with instructors may be substituted for specific area courses listed above. All such courses must be approved by your advisor before you register for the course.
Total Credit Hours: 52
For graduation, a minimum of 36 credit hours are required to be in Intl courses, of which at least 12 credit hours must be at the 400-level.
All courses used to satisfy the departmental major requirements (and minor or certificate requirements), whether taken in the department or elsewhere, must be graded C or above. Courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) will not be accepted toward fulfilling department major requirements.
Academic Advisors
Information on courses and major requirements is available from Urban and Global Affairs Pathway advisors and faculty advisors. Students should see an advisor as soon as they declare their major and meet regularly with advisors as they pursue their degree.
Urban and Global Affairs Pathway Advisors:
See Advising website for information and to schedule appointments.
Faculty Advisors:
Evguenia Davidova, evguenia@pdx.edu, 503-725-8992;
Priya Kapoor, cgpk@pdx.edu, 503-725-3543;
Pronoy Rai, rai@pdx.edu, 503-725-3451;
Leopoldo Rodriguez, leopoldo@pdx.edu, 503-725-8245;
Shawn Smallman, smallmans@pdx.edu, 503-725-9978;
Gerald Sussman, sussmang@pdx.edu, 503-725-5176.