Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 General Catalog 
    
2021-2022 General Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: To search archives, MUST use search box to left. Current catalog: catalog.usu.edu.

International Studies - BA


College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department of Political Science

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Bachelor of Arts Degree

Students desiring a (BA) Bachelor of Arts degree must complete the language proficiency requirements in one of the following ways:    

  • Demonstration of proficiency in one foreign language by successful completion of one course at the 2020-level or higher (or its equivalent)  OR
  • Demonstration of proficiency in American Sign Language by successful completion of American Sign Language IV (COMD 4920 ) and Socio-Cultural Aspects of Deafness (COMD 4780 ), and by passing an exit interview  OR
  • Demonstration of proficiency in two foreign languages by successful completion of the 1020 course level in one language and the 2010 course level in the second language (or its equivalent)  OR
  • Completion of an upper-division (3000-level or higher) foreign language grammar or literature course requiring the 2020 course level (or its equivalent) as a prerequisite. Conversation courses cannot be considered for satisfying this requirement.

For nonnative English-speaking students only, the following options are available:

  • Successful completion of the Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) program for international students  OR
  • TOEFL, Michigan, or IELI placement scores high enough to meet the University admission criteria.

 

Minimum University Requirements

Total Credits 120

 

Grade Point Average (most majors require higher GPA)

2.00 GPA
Credits of C- or better 100 Credits of upper-division courses (#3000 or above) 40
Total USU Credits 30 Upper-division USU Credits 20
USU Credits within the Major 10 Credits in Minor (if required) 12
Credits in Major see below Credits in American Institutions 3
General Education Requirements   see link University Studies Depth Requirements   see link
NOTES: The highest math requirement for this degree is Quantitative Literacy (QL)  course of the student’s choice.

 

Admissions Requirements for this Program

New freshmen Admitted to USU in Good Standing

 

Transfer students from other institutions or other programs at USU

2.5 USU GPA and a 2.50 Overall GPA

First Year

 Fall Semester

Credits

General Education Info and Notes:

 

Spring Semester

Credits

General Education Info and Notes:

ENGL 1010: Introduction to Writing: Academic Prose (CL1)   3     ANTH 1010: Cultural Anthropology (BSS)  or ANTH 2010: Peoples of the Contemporary World (BSS)   3  or 3    
HIST 1500: Pre-Modern World (BHU)  or HIST 1510: The Modern World (BHU)   3  or 3     ECN 1500: Introduction to Economic Institutions, History, and Principles (BAI)   3    
POLS 2400: Introduction of Geopolitics  or GEOG 1300: World Regional Geography (BSS)   3  or 3     POLS 2100: Introduction to International Politics  or POLS 2200: Comparative Politics (BSS)   3  or 3    
POLS 2500: Introduction to International Studies   3     Foreign Language 1020 4-5  
Foreign Language 1010 4-5   Quantitative Literacy (QL) Course   3  
TOTAL CREDITS: 16-17   TOTAL CREDITS: 16-17  

Comments

 

Comments

Second Year

 Fall Semester

Credits

General Education Info and Notes:

 

Spring Semester

Credits

General Education Info and Notes:

ENGL 2010: Intermediate Writing: Research Writing in a Persuasive Mode (CL2)   3     Area Option Course 3  
Breadth Requirement 3   Communications Intensive (CI) Course   3  
Breadth Requirement 3   Breadth Requirement 3  
Foreign Language 2010 4-5   Foreign Language 2020 4-5  
Area Option Course 3   Breadth Requirement 3  
TOTAL CREDITS: 16-17   TOTAL CREDITS: 16-17  

Comments

 

Comments

 

Third Year

 Fall Semester

Credits

General Education Info and Notes:

 

Spring Semester

Credits

General Education Info and Notes:

Area Option Course 3   Study Abroad Internship 15  
Upper-Division Elective Course 3        
Communications Intensive (CI) Course   3        
Quantitative Intensive (QI) Course   3        
Foreign Language Upper-Division Elective Course 3        
TOTAL CREDITS: 15   TOTAL CREDITS: 15  

Comments

 

Comments

 

Fourth Year

 Fall Semester

Credits

General Education Info and Notes:

 

Spring Semester

Credits

General Education Info and Notes:

Area Option Course 3   Senior Thesis Course 3  
Upper-Division Major Elective Course 3   Depth Life and Physical Sciences (DSC)   3  
Depth Humanities and Creative Arts (DHA)   3   Upper-Division Major Elective Course 3  
Upper-Division Elective Course 3   Elective Course 3  
Upper-Division Elective Course 3   Elective Course 3  
TOTAL CREDITS: 15   TOTAL CREDITS: 15  

Comments

 

Comments

 

Overview

Problems of security, development, ethnic conflict, and human rights, as well as problems relating to the environment and natural resources, are increasingly confronted at a global rather than a national level. With its theoretical models and real-world application, the study of international studies is an exciting and highly relevant interdisciplinary major. This program cultivates the development of language and intercultural skills, develops understanding of global problems and circumstances, and expands the student’s capacity to make informed judgments regarding complex international and global issues.

Requirements

In addition to completing the necessary core courses listed below, students must also choose one area option from the four available area options. Through these options, students gain a level of expertise in their chosen area.

Each student must also complete a senior research project (3 credits). This project must fit within the area option chosen by the student. Under the direction of a faculty member, this project may be completed within the context of an existing course or may be completed independently under the guidance of the chosen faculty member.

In addition to the senior research project and the choice of one area option, students must also complete an international experience component. Students may choose a traditional study abroad experience in an accredited program, which must be approved by the international studies advisor. Students may also choose an internship. The internship may be based in a foreign country or the US, must have a clear international focus and must be supervised by the international studies advisor. All internships must be pre-approved by the international studies advisor. Students may count a total of 3 credits earned during an internship toward completion of the major.

Departmental Honors

Students who would like to experience greater academic depth within their major are encouraged to enroll in departmental honors. Through original, independent work, Honors students enjoy the benefits of close supervision and mentoring, as they work one-on-one with faculty in select upper-division departmental courses. Honors students also complete a senior project, which provides another opportunity to collaborate with faculty on a problem that is significant, both personally and in the student’s discipline. Participating in departmental honors enhances students’ chances for obtaining fellowships and admission to graduate school. Minimum GPA requirements for participation in departmental honors vary by department, but usually fall within the range of 3.30-3.50. Students may enter the Honors Program at almost any stage in their academic career, including at the junior (and sometimes senior) level. The campus-wide Honors Program, which is open to all qualified students regardless of major, offers a rich array of cultural and social activities, special classes, and the benefit of Honors early registration. Interested students should contact the Honors Program, LLC Bldg. A, Room 112, (435) 797-2715, honors@usu.edu. Additional information can be found online at: http://honors.usu.edu.

Additional Information

For detailed information about requirements for the International Studies major and minor, see the major requirement sheet, which can be obtained from the Political Science Department.

Students must complete the General Education Requirements .

Students must also complete the University Studies Depth Requirements .

  • Complete at least 2 credits in approved 3000-level or above courses from two of the following three categories: Depth Humanities and Creative Arts (DHA) , Depth Life and Physical Sciences (DSC)  and Depth Social Sciences (DSS) . Selection of depth areas depends upon the emphasis area of the major. Classes should be selected in consultation with the major advisor. With current area options, the requirement is a DHA and a DSC. Courses taken for the depth categories (DHA) and (DSC) requirement may not also be counted in the major.

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES PRE-MAJOR REQUIREMENTS


Students who wish to become International Studies majors must apply for admission after completing the department’s pre-major program. New freshmen in good standing are eligible to declare the pre-major. Continuing students and transfer students with a 2.5 GPA are eligible to declare the pre-major. When the pre-major courses are completed with a GPA of 2.5, the student will be able to declare the International Studies major. A student must be declared as an International Studies major in order to apply for graduation.

Complete one area option course (3 credits) chosen with undergraduate advisor


In an effort to support essential learning outcomes, careful selection of major courses will enhance a student’s undergraduate experience. As International Studies is an interdisciplinary degree with many options, careful planning will develop experience in the social sciences and foster critical and creative thinking skills of inquiry, analysis, and evaluation.

Note: Advanced Placement credits are not used to fulfill major requirements. Credits taken for International Studies Major or Minor Requirements may not be used to fulfill requirements of other majors and minors without departmental approval.

International Studies Major Requirements


International Studies Major (39 credits minimum)

Minimum GPA for Admission: 2.5, Career

Minimum GPA for Graduation: 2.5, major courses; 2.0, Career

Minimum Grade Accepted: C- in major requirements (courses may not be taken on a pass/fail basis)

A. Electives (6 credits)


Students may earn these credits by taking any of the courses listed in the four area options: (1) Global Development, (2) Peoples and Nations, (3) Peace and Security, and (4) Global Environment and Natural Resources.

B. Language Requirement


Students must acquire at least a basic knowledge of one foreign language. Students must successfully complete one course at the 3000 level or (if this is not possible) receive a waiver from the international studies advisor.

C. Senior Research Project (3 credits)


Each student must complete a senior research project which must fit within the area option chosen by the student.

D. International Experience


Students may choose a traditional study abroad experience in an accredited program, which must be approved by the international studies advisor. Students may also choose an internship. The internship may be based in a foreign country or US, must have a clear international focus and must be supervised by the international studies advisor. All internships must be pre-approved by the international studies advisor. Students may count a total of 3 credits earned during an internship toward completion of the major.

E. Area Option Requirement (12 credits)


Students choose four classes from one of the area options listed below. Students must complete courses from at least two different departments within their chosen option, for a total of 12 credits.

2. Peoples and Nations


Note:


POLS 4890  and POLS 4990  may only be counted toward the major when the topic is appropriate.