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 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)
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 317U | Topics in Asian Thought | 4 |
| Intl 321U | Globalization and Identity: Humanities | 4 |
| Intl 322U | Globalization and Identity: Social Science | 4 |
| Intl 323U | Tradition and Innovation: Humanities | 4 |
| Intl 324U | Tradition and Innovation: Social Science | 4 |
| Intl 331U/WS 331U | Women in the Middle East | 4 |
| Intl 332U | Islamic Movements in the Contemporary Muslim World | 4 |
| Intl 342U | Globalization and Conflict in Latin America | 4 |
| Intl 350U | The City in Europe | 4 |
| Intl 360U | Bollywood: Communicating Contemporary South Asia through Cinema | 4 |
| Intl 365U | Digital Globalization | 4 |
| Intl 380U | Globalization, Representation and Difference in Media and Film | 4 |
| Intl 391U | Media and International Relations | 4 |
Theme B: International Development Studies - Development, Health & Environment
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.