How does the Global and International
Studies Major work?

This multidisciplinary major requires 42 credit hours of course work built around several required and recommended core courses specific to global studies. At least 24 hours of the major must be comprised of courses at the 3000-level or above. All course work for the major or minor must carry a grade of "C" or above.

List of recommended courses for this major 

Required courses

• INTL 2000 Introduction to Global and International Studies - 3 credits
• INTL 4900 Seminar in Global and International Studies - 3 credits (baccalaureate writing requirement)

Recommended and optional courses

• INTL 2500 Topics in Globalization, an optional course, builds on the content of INTL 2000.
  
• INTL 4980 Independent Studies and Projects in Globalization
• INTL 5500 Independent Study
  

Academic focus

Each GIS major must select a disciplinary focus made up of at least four courses (two above the 3000 level) from among the following academic disciplines: prerequisites for advanced courses that don't appear on the list of recommended courses for this major may also be counted:

• Anthropology
• Economics
• Geography
• History
• Political Science
• Comparative Religion
• Sociology

Major Options

In addition to a "core" disciplinary focus, course selection must lead to a regional, comparative or foreign language option.

Most GIS majors select courses through the academic discipline that leads to a regional, comparative or foreign language emphasis in their individual programs.

Regional Option

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

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

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

Foreign Language Option

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 1000 level may be incorporated into the major.

Foreign Language Requirement

GIS majors must complete at least two courses beyond 2010 level in a single language that is appropriate to their chosen regional focus but is not their native language. If WMU does not offer classes beyond the 2010 level in the student's chosen language, the course work requirement will be waived for students who demonstrate intermediate proficiency in their chosen language. Some advanced courses in foreign languages may be included in a regional focus within the GIS major. No minor is required for students choosing the major, although development of a foreign language minor is strongly recommended. 

In addition to listed courses for the major, other appropriate courses may be used with advisor approval.

Faculty and advising

All faculty and staff listed below may be reached by phone at (269) 387-5890.

Dr. Michelle Metro-Roland
GIS Assistant Director
Teaches INTL 4900
OFFICE HOURS: By appointment via e-mail
michelle.metro-roland@wmich.edu

Dr. Thomas Kostrzewa
("Kostreva" or "Dr. K") Teaches INTL 2000 and directs the GIS internship program
OFFICE HOURS: By appointment via email.
thomas.kostrzewa@wmich.edu

Dr. R. Patrick Norris
Teaches INTL 2500
OFFICE HOURS: By appointment via email.
patrick.norris@wmich.edu
Muthoni "Sonnie" Farmer
GIS  Advisor
3530 Ellsworth Hall
OFFICE HOURS: Walk-in advising available 10-11:30 a.m. Monday and Wednesday or 1:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, or by  appointment via e-mai.
muthoni.r.farmer@wmich.edu