Christine Kray, Department Chair
(585) 475-4686, cakgss@rit.edu
http://www.rit.edu/cla/sociology/internationalstudies
Program overview
The bachelor of science in international and global studies highlights interdisciplinary approaches to the analysis of global processes, such as the impact of globalization on local communities, regions, and environments and how people in different parts of the world can promote equitable and sustainable development in the future. The program seeks to educate a new generation of global citizens who will acquire the expertise to assess and analyze salient issues such as flexible capitalism, consumer culture, economic opportunities, international migration, international politics, social change, violence, and terrorism. The program prepares graduates for careers that demand an understanding of the social, economic, political, humanitarian, and environmental issues that are central to globalization.
Curriculum
The program offers a range of courses that include political science, economics, anthropology, international business, public policy, sociology, history, and modern language and culture studies. This diversity offers a solid education in international studies, but also introduces students to cutting-edge knowledge and expertise in global issues and world problems that will boost career opportunities.
A unique aspect of the program is the wide choice of specialization options. Students may choose a specific geographical or cultural focus for their studies–for example, Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East or Indigenous Studies–or they may opt to explore topical specialties such as sustainable futures; global justice, peace, and conflict studies; international business; or transnational gender studies. A field specialization allows students to gain in-depth knowledge of the social, political, and cultural dimensions of a particular part of the world and also to develop career expertise. Modern language study provides critical inter-cultural communication skills necessary for success in any career.
International experience
The program encourages students to participate in an international experience, which includes study abroad opportunities and/or internships. Students have lived and studied in diverse locations such as Japan, Australia, Senegal, France, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Brazil, and Costa Rica, to name a few. A number of students have worked as interns under the supervision of human rights lawyers for the New York State Division of Human Rights in Rochester and for the United Nations Association of Rochester.
International studies, BS degree, typical course sequence (quarters)
| Course | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| Mathematics and Science Requirement‡ | 7-8 | |
| Foreign Language Requirement | 12 | |
| 0524-210 | Global Studies | 4 |
| 0513-214 | Introduction to International Relations | 4 |
| 0507-441 | Modern U.S. Foreign Relations | 4 |
| 0510-440 | Cultures in Globalization | 4 |
| 1720-050, 052 | Discovery and Pathways | 2 |
| Wellness Education† | 0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Choose one of the following courses: | 4 | |
| 0511-449 | Comparative Economic Systems | |
| 0511-454 | International Trade and Finance | |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| Globalization Core Elective | 4 | |
| 1016-319, 320 | Data Analysis I and II | 10 |
| Foreign Language Requirement | 12 | |
| 4002-206 | Web Foundations | 4 |
| Wellness Education† | 0 | |
| Third Year | ||
| International Studies Track | 8 | |
| Foreign Language Requirement | 12 | |
| 0515-406 | Qualitative Methods | 4 |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| Science Requirement‡ | 3 | |
| Open Electives | 8 | |
| International Experience | 0 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| International Studies Track | 8 | |
| 0524-501 | Capstone Seminar | 4 |
| Liberal Arts* | 16 | |
| Open Electives | 12 | |
| Total Quarter Credit Hours | 180 required |
|
* Please see Liberal Arts General Education Requirements for more information.
† Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
‡ Please see Mathematics and Science General Education Curriculum.
International and global studies, BS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| INGS-101 | Global Studies | 3 |
| ANTH-210 | Culture and Globalization | 3 |
| ENGL-150 | LAS Foundation 1: First-Year Writing (WI) | 3 |
| LAS Foundation 2: First-Year Seminar | 3 | |
| LAS Perspective 1 | 3 | |
| ANTH-102 | LAS Perspective 3: Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| POLS-101 | Introduction to International Relations | 3 |
| MATH-100 | LAS Perspective 7A: College Algebra | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | ||
| LAS Electives | 3 | |
| Modern Language Beginning 1, 2* | 3 | |
| Second Year | ||
| POLS-330 | Human Rights in Global Perspective | 3 |
| MLxx-301 | Modern Language Intermediate 1 | 3 |
| MLxx-302 | Modern Language Intermediate 2 | 3 |
| SOCI-302 | Qualitative Research | 3 |
| Field Specialization Elective | 3 | |
| Globalization Concentration Electives | 6 | |
| STAT-145 | LAS Perspectives 7B: Introduction to Statistics I | 3 |
| ECON-101 | LAS Perspective 4: Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| LAS Immersion 1 | 3 | |
| Choose one of the following: | ||
| INGS-597 | Study Abroad | |
| INGS-598 | Internship** | |
| Third Year | ||
| ECON-449 | Comparative Economic Systems | 3 |
| MLxx-401 | Modern Language Advanced 1 | 3 |
| Globalization Concentration Elective | 3 | |
| Field Specialization Electives | 6 | |
| Advanced Study Option 1 | 3 | |
| ISTE-105 | Web Foundations | 3 |
| LAS Immersion 2 (WI) | 3 | |
| LAS Immersion 3 | 3 | |
| LAS Perspective 5 | 3 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| INGS-501 | Capstone Seminar (WI) | 3 |
| Field Specialization Elective | 3 | |
| Advanced Study Option 2 | 3 | |
| LAS Perspective 2 | 3 | |
| LAS Perspective 6 | 3 | |
| LAS Electives | 9 | |
| Free Electives | 6 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 120 | |
* Modern language: Students without prior proficiency in a foreign language should take the beginning level language sequence as prerequisite(s) for the intermediate level in the LAS electives.
** International experience requirement: After the first year, students may opt to complete a study abroad experience or an internship or co-op. The requirement can be completed during the summer or the academic year.
Additional information
Career opportunities
Graduates from the program are competent in their interactions with people from different cultures and societies, are cognizant of the international dimensions of business, are knowledgeable of different histories and current dimensions of globalization, and are able to communicate in the languages commonly spoken in different parts of the world. Students are prepared for positions in state and federal agencies, private enterprise, and various non-profit organizations. In addition, students are also well-prepared for graduate studies in fields such as international law, international development, public policy, and social sciences.