This program is designed to allow a broad, integrative approach to the study of global and international issues, supported by the methods and theories of several disciplines and regional case studies. The major requires a minimum of 42 hrs., of which at least 24 hrs. must be in course work at the 300-level of above. All course work for the major must carry a grade of “C” or better. Overall the major must include course selections from at least four different departments or course prefixes. Please refer to LIST OF APPROVED COURSES FOR THE MAJOR.

Two courses are required:

INTL 200 Introduction to Global and International Studies 3
INTL 490 Seminar in Global and International Studies 3
(baccalaureate writing requirement)

Course selection must include a disciplinary focus consisting of four courses from one of the following departments (with at least half of the course work at the 300-level or above; in some circumstances courses from these departments not on the attached list but required for access to advanced courses may also be counted):

Anthropology
Economics
Geography
History
Political Science
Comparative Religion
Sociology

Course selection also must include either a regional, a comparative, or a foreign language option:

The regional option consists of at least three courses dealing exclusively or substantially with one of the following:

Asia-general
Asia-Japan
Asia-China
Asia-Middle East/Islamic
Africa
Europe-general/comparative
Western Europe
Russia/Eastern Europe
Latin America/Caribbean

The comparative option consisted of four advisor-approved courses extending the comparative and cross-cultural nature of program. It may include thematic, theoretical, and area studies courses. The course work must be drawn from at least three different departments/prefixes.

The foreign language option permits the exploration of comparative and cross-cultural issues through the study of a second foreign language in addition to the required foreign language component in the program. Up to four courses in a second foreign language beyond the 100-level may be incorporated into the major.

Foreign language requirement: at least two courses beyond 201-level in a single language other than the student’s native language and appropriate to the chosen regional focus. Intermediate proficiency if the chosen language is not offered at WMU beyond the 201-level. Some advanced courses in foreign languages may be included in a regional focus within the major as listed.

No minor is required for students choosing the major, although development of a foreign language minor is strongly recommended.