Bachelor of Arts in Global and International Studies in Social Science

The Global and International Studies in Social Science major provides students with breadth in social science foundational courses combined with in-depth knowledge in a world region or global topic. World region concentrations include African Studies, Asian Studies, Canadian Studies, European Studies, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, and Russian and Eurasian Studies. Global topical concentrations include Gender and Global Change and International Development. Students enrolled in a concentration cannot complete a minor in the same concentration area. In addition to academic focus on a region or theme, students must demonstrate second-year foreign language proficiency relevant to their course of study. Students develop understanding of the processes of continuity and change in various world regions through multidisciplinary theory and practice and use of methodologies, theories, and literatures of various disciplines and fields. Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Global and International Studies in Social Science, students will be able to 1) summarize the most important topics relevant to the global or thematic area under study; (2) draw on theories from at least two social science disciplines to explain the social issues present in the area or theme of study; (3) use social science research methods to assess the impact of relevant topics on the global or thematic area of study; and (4) explain how social science intersects with other disciplines to enhance understanding of global or thematic topics. Students must select one of the following concentrations: African Studies. The African Studies concentration provides an interdisciplinary education focused on African history, language, culture and society. Asian Studies: The Asian Studies concentration offers students an interdisciplinary education on Asia, particularly South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia. Courses focus on the culture, politics, languages and economy of Asian countries. Canadian Studies. The Canadian Studies concentration focuses studies on Canada, including modern and aboriginal Canadian issues. A special focus on the interrelationship between Canada and the United States is included. European Studies. The European Studies concentration provides students with specialized education in Europe, with a focus on Western European countries. Courses include discussion on the politics, language history and culture of Europe. Gender and Global Change: The Gender and Global Change concentration will provide students with important, foundational content in women and gender studies in global and international perspectives. International Development: The International Development concentration is an enhanced integrative learning program of study designed to provide students with a basic understanding of: 1) how social scientists approach the topic of international development; 2) how to integrate multiple disciplinary approaches to the interrelationships of topics in international development; and 3) how to facilitate both broad and in-depth understanding of the social context in which international development occurs. Latin American and Caribbean Studies. Middle Eastern Studies: The Middle Eastern Studies concentration contains focused course work on the Middle East, with an emphasis on regional culture, language, religion, and geography. Russian and Eurasian Studies: The Russian and Eurasian Studies concentration is designed to enhance the student's understanding of the cultures and societies of Russia, and nearby countries at the intersection of Europe and Asia. The concentration offers an interdisciplinary, comparative and cross–cultural approach to the study of Russia and Eurasia.