International Studies (B.A., B.S.)

An in-depth study of one time frame across world cultures. The course is designed to introduce students to the uniqueness and interconnectedness of cultures in the global community. Historical dimensions of today's ethical and political concerns will be examined in order to foster responsible world citizenship. Course topics change regularly and may include a global survey of the twentieth century or the history of indigenous nations leading up to the Age of European Exploration. (Normally offered each semester.)

This course provides an introduction to the concepts, theories and methods of international politics. It highlights the similarities and differences between political systems, as well the nature of relations between these political systems. By examining political violence, democratization, security, trade, and development, this class will equip students to analyze current problems and experiences.

This course is a study of the cultural settings, lives of founders when appropriate, oral or written traditions and literature, worldviews, myths, rituals, ideals of conduct, and development of some of the world's religions. Religions studied will typically include tribal religions, Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confuciansim, Shinto, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, and Bahai. Readings, videos, and websites will help introduce and illustrate not only the cultural settings in which these religions appear, but also the voices and faces of contemporary religious practitioners.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

This course reviews the origin and development of culture in preliterate human societies. It focuses on the major social institutions of family, economics, political organization, and religion.
(Normally offered each semester.)

The course surveys African, Asian, Native American, Oceanic, and Pre-Columbian arts from pre-history to the present day. This course is defined by what it will not cover -art of the European tradition. The term "non-western" does not imply a lesser quality or an opposition to art in western tradition. It is a term used to reflect a growing awareness of the richness and diversity of world culture. Since this is a survey course, the art we will examine will be the most representative of each culture. Students gain familiarity with movements, time periods, and individual artists. Students learn to identify works of art, are introduced to art terminology, practice the fundamentals of visual analysis, and develop the ability to analyze the content and contexts of works of art.

A course covering some of the most critical problems facing the world today - those relating to the production, distribution, and use of energy. The basic concepts of heat, work, electricity and energy as they apply to energy use around the world will be studied. The major source of energy, their value and importance, the historical and future demand for energy and the specific environmental problems and benefits encountered will be identified.
Three lectures and one laboratory per week.
Prerequisite(s): One year of high school algebra or permission of instructor.
(Normally offered alternate fall semesters.)

An introduction to environmental science and scientific methodology using the environment as the system of study. The goals are to help the student develop a better understanding of the environment, gain insight into human-caused problems found in nature, explore the relationships of humanity with the environment, and provide practical experience in performing scientific measurements and experiments.
Three lectures per week.
One 3-hour lab per week.
Does not count toward a biology major.

The course introduces students to basic theoretical approaches to understanding the past. Special emphasis is placed on research methods, resources, and the composition of a research essay. This course is designed for majors and students interested in the theories and techniques used by historians. Course topics change yearly and include subjects such as the study of chattel slavery in the United States through the words and remembrances of enslaved people from 1600 to 1877 and the relationship between collective memories of the past and the development of identity at the national, local, and individual level.
This course will meet with HIST 3800A/HIST 3800B.

This course introduces students to the statistical analysis techniques that are most common in analyzing social and political data. Students will be introduced to the datasets and software most commonly used in quantitative political science analysis.
Prerequisite or Corequisite(s): POLSC 2300 Introduction To Political Science.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

This course teaches the basics of research in political science, including questions of design and measurement. Students will also learn different qualitative research designs such a focus groups, interviews, case studies, and field work.
Corequisite(s): POLSC 2000 Introduction to Political Science Statistics and POLSC 3020 Research Methods: Quantitative Research.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science major or department chair approval.

This course introduces quantitative research methodology and ways in which to design and implement quantitative and mixed methods research projects.

Corequisite(s): POLSC 2000 Introduction to Political Science Statistics and POLSC 3010 Research Methods: Qualitative Research.

Prerequisite(s): POLSC 2300 Introduction To Political Science and declared Political Science major or department chair approval.

In this course, students are introduced to quantitative research methods commonly used in social science research: survey research, experimental design, secondary analysis, and evaluation research. Emphasis is on survey research, including project design, questionnaire construction, sampling, data collection, statistical analysis, and formal presentation of results. Key elements of the course are learning to ask researchable questions and formulate testable hypotheses.

Prerequisite(s): SOC 1110 Introduction to Sociology and any Statistics course (SOC 2910 Social Statistics is preferred.)

Normally offered each fall semester.

In this course, students are introduced to qualitative research methods commonly used in social science research. Emphasis is on individualized project design, project construction, data analysis, and formal presentation of results. Course content includes exploration of observation, participant observation, ethnography, in-depth interviewing, focus groups, content analysis, case study, and online qualitative innovations in research.

Prerequisite(s): SOC 1110 Introduction to Sociology.

Normally offered each spring semester.

This is a course taken as part of the signature work done by students at the end of their degree program: the senior thesis or internship in International Studies. As part of the course, students will connect their previous learning in the Archway Curriculum, both in their liberal arts and International Studies major, with the signature work with which they are engaged as seniors. As part of the course, they will explore through their Archway Curriculum e-Portfolio (ACeP) their earlier work, connect the skills and ideas of that earlier work to their current signature work, engage in discourse with other students about themes relevant to their work, and prepare for the next stage of their career beyond college. Permission of the International Studies Director is required.

This course can be taken while studying abroad if the student has already completed the Research Methods requirement. To be taken during the spring semester of the junior year or the fall semester of the senior year, this seminar is designed to aid students in the development of their senior thesis topics. Each will prepare a research project and a plan of study. Pass/Fail Only.

Pre/corequisite: International Studies Research Methods requirement and permission of the International Studies Director.

To be taken during the senior year, the student will utilize this semester to research the topic developed in INST-4980 and complete the senior thesis. (Course must be taken for 3 credits if the student takes INST-4980 for 0 hours.)

Prerequisite(s): Permission of International Studies Director and INTST 4980 Preparing For Senior Project (may be taken as corequisite)

Corequisite(s): INTST 4940 Capstone

This course provides experiences in an office or agency setting related to International Studies. The internship must be taken outside the United States or for an international agency or organization in the United Stated. P/F only.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the International Studies Director.