Global Studies Track
The Global Studies major provides both 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 (24 credits)
Intl 470 Intercultural Leadership and Change can substitute for Intl 471 Understanding the International Experience.
Pre-requisite requirements:
Global Studies Electives (20 credits)
Students must take 20 credits from the Global Studies course list (see table below).
Consult with an Advisor for Intl 399 and Intl 410 courses that count for Global Studies courses.
Study Abroad courses can count towards Global Studies courses when approved through the Course Substitution process. See an Advisor for more details.
Additional Electives (8 credits)
Majors must take eight credits of elective courses from the International Development Studies course list (see table below).
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.
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
Students are required to take at least 36 credits with the Intl prefix.
A minimum of 12 credit hours must be Intl courses at the 400-level.
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
A major in International Development Studies 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 B.A. in International Development Studies
Core Courses (24 credits)
Intl 470 Intercultural Leadership and Change can substitute for Intl 471 Understanding the International Experience.
Pre-requisite requirements:
International Development Studies Electives (20 credits)
Students must take 20 credits from the International Development Studies course list (see table below).
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.
Additional Electives (8 credits)
Majors must take eight credits of elective courses from the Global Studies course list (see table below).
Consult with an Advisor for Intl 399 and Intl 410 courses that count for Global Studies courses.
Study Abroad courses can count towards Global Studies courses when approved through the Course Substitution process. See an Advisor for more details.
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
Students are required to take at least 36 credits with the INTL prefix.
A minimum of 12 credit hours must be Intl courses at the 400-level.
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
The Asian 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 (24 credits)
Students may double count Intl 216 for the major and University Studies Sophomore Inquiry; a Mentored Inquiry section is required.
Intl 470 Intercultural Leadership and Change can substitute for Intl 471 Understanding the International Experience.
Pre-requisite requirements:
Connected Learning (20 credits)
At least 20 upper-division credits from advisor-approved courses. Connected Learning courses must have global/international content
and must not focus on a specific region. (Exception: one course may focus on a region other than Asia.)
Special Topics courses (399, 410), Seminars (407), and non-Intl classes, as well as individualized Reading and Conference courses arranged with instructors may be substituted for specific courses listed above as long as the scope of the course is global/international. All such courses must be approved by your Advisor before you register for the course.
Regional Focus (20 credits)
At least 20 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), and other area-related 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.
Language (0-27 credits)
Two years, or equivalent proficiency, of language study in one world language. 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: 64
For graduation, a minimum of 36 credit hours are required to be in Intl courses, of which at least 12 credit hours must be at the 400-level.
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.
Latin American Studies Track
The Latin American 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.
Requirements for Latin American Studies
Core Courses (24 credits)
Students may double count Intl 240 for the major and University Studies Sophomore Inquiry; a Mentored Inquiry section is required.
Intl 470 Intercultural Leadership and Change can substitute for Intl 471 Understanding the International Experience.
Pre-requisite requirements:
Connected Learning (20 credits)
At least 20 upper-division credits from advisor-approved courses. Connected Learning courses must have global/international content and must not focus on a specific region. (Exception: one course may focus on a region other than Latin America.)
Special Topics courses (399, 410), Seminars (407), and non-Intl classes, as well as individualized Reading and Conference courses arranged with instructors may be substituted for specific courses listed above as long as the scope of the course is global/international. All such courses must be approved by your Advisor before you register for the course.
Regional Focus (20 credits)
At least 20 upper-division credits from PSU courses focused on Latin America. Students must consult with the faculty advisor for Latin American Studies when choosing courses.
Special Topics courses (399, 410), Seminars (407), and other area-related 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.
Language (0-27 credits)
Two years, or equivalent proficiency, of language study in a language appropriate to the student's 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 Credit Hours: 64
For graduation, a minimum of 36 credit hours are required to be in Intl courses, of which at least 12 credit hours must be at the 400-level.
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 Advisors
Information on courses and major requirements is available from CUPA and faculty advisors. Students should see an advisor as soon as they declare their major and meet regularly with advisors as they pursue their degree.
CUPA Advisors:
CUPA Advising website; 503-725-9210
Faculty Advisors:
Kimberley Brown, brownk@pdx.edu, 503-725-8194;
Evguenia Davidova, evguenia@pdx.edu, 503-725-8992;
Priya Kapoor, cgpk@pdx.edu, 503-725-3543;
Pronoy Rai, rai@pdx.edu, 503-725-3451;
Leopoldo Rodriguez, leopoldo@pdx.edu, 503-725-8245;
Shawn Smallman, smallmans@pdx.edu, 503-725-9978;
Gerald Sussman, sussmang@pdx.edu, 503-725-5176.