Portland-State-University 2017-2018 Bulletin

International Studies B.A.

The International Studies major offers two thematic tracks and five regionally-focused tracks.


Requirements for Regional Focus Tracks

Five regions of concentration are available: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Majors doing a regional track must complete a core curriculum of international studies courses; an individualized curriculum of connected learning courses; and courses in their areas of geographic concentration, to include:

Core Courses (30 credits)

Intl 201Introduction to International Studies

4

Intl 2xxIntroduction to Regional Studies

4

Intl 390Foundations of Global Studies

4

Intl 396The United States and the World

4

Intl 407Seminar

4

Intl 471/Ling 471Understanding the International Experience

4

Intl 499International Experience

4

Intl 2xx: Students may double count Intl 2xx for the major and University Studies Sophomore Inquiry; a mentor section is required.

Connected Learning (20 credits)

At least 20 upper-division credits from adviser-approved courses selected from departments and programs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of Business Administration, the Graduate School of Education, the College of the Arts, and the College of Urban and Public Affairs. International and Global Studies accepts the Community Health or Business minors towards the connected learning requirement.

Regional Focus (20 credits)

At least 20 upper-division credits from adviser-approved, area-specific courses appropriate to the student’s regional focus. Students with a focus on European Studies are required to take Intl 452 European Union as one of the courses satisfying the regional focus requirements.

Language (0-27 credits)

Two years, or equivalent proficiency, of language study in one language appropriate to the regional focus. 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 Credits: 70

For graduation, a minimum of 36 credit hours are required to be in Intl courses. The approved elective courses which may be used to complete the above curriculum are determined according to the regional focus of study that a student selects.

Students must consult with the advisor for their region of focus when choosing courses.

Requirements for Thematic Focus Tracks

Two themes for concentration are available: Global Studies and International Development Studies. Majors must complete a core curriculum of international studies courses (24 credits); electives from either of two thematic focuses (20 credits); and elective courses from the other thematic focus (8 credits).

Core Courses (24 credits)

Intl 201Introduction to International Studies

4

Intl 390Foundations of Global Studies

4

Intl 396The United States and the World

4

Intl 397Theory and Policy in International Development

4

Intl 407Seminar

4

Intl 471/Ling 471Understanding the International Experience

4

Thematic Electives (20 credits)

Majors must choose one of two thematic focuses; Global Studies or International Development Studies. Students must take 20 credits from their primary thematic area.

Additional Electives (8 credits)

Majors must take 8 credits of elective courses in the other thematic area.

Courses Approved for Thematic Focus

Theme A: Global Studies - Social Justice, Human Rights & Global Media

Intl 317UTopics in Asian Thought

4

Intl 321UGlobalization and Identity: Humanities

4

Intl 322UGlobalization and Identity: Social Science

4

Intl 323UTradition and Innovation: Humanities

4

Intl 324UTradition and Innovation: Social Science

4

Intl 331U/WS 331UWomen in the Middle East

4

Intl 332UIslamic Movements in the Contemporary Muslim World

4

Intl 342UGlobalization and Conflict in Latin America

4

Intl 350UThe City in Europe

4

Intl 360UBollywood: Communicating Contemporary South Asia through Cinema

4

Intl 365UDigital Globalization

4

Intl 380UGlobalization, Representation and Difference in Media and Film

4

Intl 391UMedia and International Relations

4

Theme B: International Development Studies - Development, Health & Environment

Intl 341UEnvironment and Development in Latin America

4

Intl 343UCommodity Chains in Latin America: From Silver to Cocaine

4

Intl 349U/WS 349UGender and International Development

4

Intl 362U/Hst 362UAmazon Rain Forest

4

Intl 364UModern Brazil

4

Intl 372U/BSt 372UPost-colonial Studies of Africa

4

Intl 375UGlobalization and Forced Migration

4

Intl 445/USP 445Cities and Third World Development

3

Intl 452/PS 452The European Union

4

Intl 460/PS 460Political Development in Modern Turkey

4

Intl 461/PS 461Politics of Economic Reform in Modern Turkey

4

Intl 490Global Sustainable Development

4

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

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 Advisers

Information on courses and major requirements is available from advisers and at www.pdx.edu/intl/forms-lists. Majors should meet regularly with advisers beginning no later than the first term of their sophomore year; or first term after transfer.

Academic Advising: 503-725-3455
Africa: Stephen Frenkel, 503-725-5085
Asia: Priya Kapoor, 503-725-3543
Europe: Evguenia Davidova, 503-725-8992; Joseph "Chip" Long, 503-725-3451
Latin America: Stephen Frenkel, 503-725-5085; Leopoldo Rodriguez, 503-725-8245; Shawn Smallman, 503-725-9978
Middle East: Kimberley Brown (Applied Linguistics), 503-725-8194; Birol Yesilada (Political Science), 503-725-3257

Contemporary Turkish Studies: Birol Yesilada, 503-725-3257

Global Studies: Kimberley Brown (Applied Linguistics), 503-725-8194; Evguenia Davidova, 503-725-8992; Priya Kapoor, 503-725-3543; Shawn Smallman, 503-725-9978

International Development Studies: Stephen Frenkel, 503-725-5085; Leopoldo Rodriguez, 503-725-8245; Marylynn Steckley, 503-725-5941; Birol Yesilada, 503-725-3257

General Advising: Kimberley Brown (Applied Linguistics), 503-725-8194; Birol Yesilada (Political Science), 503-725-3257

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. The approved elective courses which may be used to complete the above curriculum are determined according to the focus of study that a student selects. Information on recommended courses is available from advisers and at www.pdx.edu/intl/forms-lists. Majors should meet regularly with advisers beginning no later than the first term of their sophomore year; or first term after transfer.