University of Maine at Farmington 2016-2017 Catalog
 
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Context

International and Global Studies
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Degree Earned
Bachelor of Arts: International and Global Studies

About the Program:

International and Global studies (IGS) introduces students to the global community as they develop a greater knowledge and appreciation of the diverse linguistic, cultural, historical, economic and political systems in the world. Each student will take a foundational course, INS 100S: Introduction to International and Global Studies, and a capstone course, INS 400.

The core of the major will be an individualized program, including 24-credits of IGS courses and 20-credits of second language study, a combination of which may be taken at UMF or during a required semester of study abroad. In collaboration with their IGS advisors, students will develop an interdisciplinary concentration that reflects students’ specific interest areas, career goals and/or plans for graduate study while permitting them to gain a broader understanding of international perspectives and global issues.

The 24-credits of IGS courses must: 1) be taken in cross-listed courses that have been approved by the IGS Council, 2) include courses from at least three disciplines, and 3) include at least four courses above the 100 level. For IGS requirements, students must earn at least a C- in a course to receive credit toward the major.

Learning Goals:

  • Students will understand and appreciate diverse perspectives, engage in a variety of ideas and methods with critical reflection. They will gain a better understanding of their own language and culture, and of the role occupied by the United States in the world.
  • Students will demonstrate third year proficiency in a language other than English.
  • Students will develop the capacity to craft effective research papers, using research sources appropriately, integrating social science methods, and using English in an effective manner.
  • Students will examine world issues in their complexity (including, language, culture, history, geography, economics and politics).
  • Students will develop strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Assessment:

  • Students will demonstrate broad multidisciplinary knowledge. They will understand different social sciences fields, the importance of language, geography, social theory, and connection with culture and the arts.
  • Students will demonstrate an understanding of international and global issues. They will demonstrate third year competency in a second language and cultural awareness gained through academic preparation and study abroad.
  • Students will understand basic social science methods, both quantitative and qualitative, and be able to identify and critique them in reading social scientific work; and use these methods in their own research.
  • Students will demonstrate basic knowledge in general education fields (covered in the required introductory courses), as well as specialized knowledge about content and methods in their concentration.

INS 100 Introduction to International and Global Studies

4

Foreign Language component

20

IGS Cross-Listed Courses (including language above 20 credits)

24

INS 400 level Capstone Course

4

Study Abroad (1 semester or equivalent)

 

*Note: Credits taken abroad can be applied to the major, general education requirements, or taken as electives.

 

Total Credits for the Major: 52

 

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

For specific information about general education requirements and expectations, see the General Education Requirements in the Academic Programs section of this catalog.

 

MINIMUM TOTAL OF CREDITS FOR THE DEGREE: 128

 

CONCENTRATION

Students must identify a concentration within IGS in consultation with two academic advisors, preferably by the end of the sophomore year. The focus can be on a region or a global issue provided that enough courses are offered to create a meaningful concentration.

 

Examples of Regional and Topical Concentrations:

- Chinese Studies

- European Studies

- Francophone Studies

- The Developing World

- Latin American Studies

- Business and Globalization

- Conflict Resolution

- Geography and Society

- International Environmental Studies

           - International Political Economy

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