Portland-State-University 2024-2025 Bulletin

International and Global Studies B.A./B.S.

You can choose from two thematic, interdisciplinary B.A./B.S. degree tracks: Global Studies and International Development Studies.

  • Global Studies

  • International Development Studies

  • Asian Studies (not accepting new students)

Global Studies Track

The Global Studies track for our International and Global Studies major provides 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 (8 credits)

Intl 201Introduction to International Studies

4

Intl 202The United States and the World

4

 

Core Course Elective (4 credits)

Choose one course from the following two options:
Intl 203International Development Strategies

4

or

Intl 204Global Studies Perspectives

4

 

Global Studies Electives (32 credits)

Select eight courses (32 credits) from the approved list of Global Studies elective courses. At least four of these courses (16 credits) must have an INTL prefix.

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.

Upper Division Global Studies Elective list (8 credits)

Select two courses from the following list of upper division Global Studies electives. At least one course (4 credits) must have an INTL prefix:
Intl 407Seminar

4

Intl 452/PS 452The European Union

4

Intl 470Intercultural Leadership and Change

4

Intl 471/Ling 471Understanding the International Experience

4

Intl 490Global Sustainable Development

4

PS 448International Law

4

PS 454International Political Economy

4

PS 455Politics of Economic Reform in Emerging Market Countries

4

PS 477Global Food Politics and Policy

4

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.

International Development Studies Track

The International Development Studies track for our International and Global Studies major 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 International Development Studies

Core Courses (8 credits)

Intl 201Introduction to International Studies

4

Intl 203International Development Strategies

4

Core Course Elective (4 credits)

Intl 202The United States and the World

4

or

Intl 204Global Studies Perspectives

4

 

International Development Studies Electives (32 credits)

Select eight courses (32 credits) from the approved list of International Development Studies electives. At least four of these courses (16 credits) must have an INTL prefix.
Intl 341UEnvironment and Development in Latin America

4

Intl 343UCommodity Chains in Latin America

4

Intl 349U/WS 349UGender and International Development

4

Intl 362U/Hst 362UAmazon Rain Forest

4

Intl 364UModern Brazil

4

Intl 370U/Geog 370UGlobal Migration

4

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

4

Intl 445/USP 445Cities and Third World Development

3

Intl 490Global Sustainable Development

4

PS 319UPolitics of the Environment

4

PS 340The Politics of Global Development

4

PS 373Violence, Rebellion, and Civil War

4

PS 455Politics of Economic Reform in Emerging Market Countries

4

PS 477Global Food Politics and Policy

4

BSt 467African Development Issues

4

Ec 345Marxist Political Economy

4

Ec 350UEconomics of Developing Countries

4

Ec 443/ESM 443Global Environmental Economics

4

Ec 448East Asian Economic Development

4

Ec 450Economics of Development

4

Geog 346UWorld Population and Food Supply

4

Geog 348UCultural and Political Ecology

4

USP 317UIntroduction to International Community Development

4

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.

Upper Division International Development Elective list (8 credits)

Select two courses from the following list of upper division International Development Studies electives. At least one course (4 credits) must have an INTL prefix:
Intl 407Seminar

4

Intl 470Intercultural Leadership and Change

4

Intl 471/Ling 471Understanding the International Experience

4

Intl 490Global Sustainable Development

4

PS 448International Law

4

PS 454International Political Economy

4

PS 455Politics of Economic Reform in Emerging Market Countries

4

PS 477Global Food Politics and Policy

4

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.

Asian Studies Track (Not accepting new students)

The Asian Studies track for our International and Global 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 (12 credits)

Intl 201Introduction to International Studies

4

or

Anth 103Introduction to Social/Cultural Anthropology

4

or

Geog 230Environment and Society: Global Perspectives

4

or

Geog 331UGeography of Globalization

4

or

Hst 106Introduction to World History

4

or

PS 103State of the World

4

or

PS 205International Politics

4

 

Intl 202The United States and the World

4

or

PS 345U.S. Foreign Policy: The Cold War and Beyond

4

or

Soc 320UGlobalization

4

  

Intl 204Global Studies Perspectives

4

or

Anth 304Identity and Society

4

or

Anth 305Culture and Power

4

or

PS 442Contemporary Theories of World Politics

4

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.


400-level Courses (8 credits)

Choose two 400-level Intl courses

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.