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International Studies Minor

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International Studies Minor

Director: Associate Provost Susan Popko
Email:  spopko@scu.edu

The International Studies Minor enables students to study global issues or problems, or focus on a geographic area -- Africa, Europe or Latin America - through an interdisciplinary lens. The International Studies Minor provides a framework for adding a global dimension to a major or providing preparation for a career working with diverse, intercultural teams. The minor consists of: four Foundation Courses; three Emphasis Courses; plus a Capstone. Students have the opportunity to customize their interests through either the Global Thematic Emphasis or Area Studies Emphasis. 

Declare Your International Studies Minor

  1. Complete the International Studies Minor - Academic Plan
  2. Complete the International Studies Minor - Student Capstone form
  3. Have your Capstone Supervisor complete the International Studies Minor - Capstone Supervisor form 
    • Note: this must be completed by the on-site supervisor of the capstone experience, not the student.
  4. Download the Program Petition form for Undergraduates from the Registrar’s website. Complete the form and bring to the Associate Provost for International Programs’ office in Varsi Hall for signature and then returned the signed form to Enrollment Services/OneStop.

Course Requirements 

Students must complete:

  • Four Foundation courses, and
  • Three Global Thematic or Area Studies Emphasis courses, and
  • Capstone course
List of Approved Courses

Step 1: Choose Four Foundation Courses

  • Choose two upper-division modern language courses in a language related to the chosen Global Thematic or Area Studies emphasis or the equivalent, as demonstrated through placement examination through the Modern Languages Department (MODL)
  • Choose two social science courses, one of which must be from courses bolded below.
    • ANTH 3 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
    • ANTH 50 World Geography
    • ANTH 156 Anthropology of Muslim Peoples and Practices
    • ANTH 159 Globalization and Cultural Change
    • COMM 2 Media in a Global World
    • COMM 107A Intercultural Communication
    • COMM 162B Visual Cultural Communication
    • ECON 3 International Economics, Development & Growth
    • ECON 181 International Trade
    • ECON 182 International Finance and Open Economy Macroeconomics
    • POLI 2 Introduction to Comparative Politics
    • POLI 25 Introduction to International Relations
    • POLI 121 Politics of the Global Economy
    • POLI 132 Transnational Political Movements
    • SOCI 133 Politics and Society in Developing Societies
    • SOCI 134 Globalization and Inequality
    • SOCI 137 Global Development and Social Change

Step 2: Choose Three Global Thematic OR Area Studies Emphasis Courses

The Global Thematic Emphasis (GTE)

The (GTE) offers students the opportunity to focus on an international issue or problem that that transcends a single nation or geographic area. In the GTE, students may choose a topic such as:

  • Poverty and development
  • Global health
  • International law and human rights
  • Global sustainability and climate change
  • Peace and conflict resolution
  • Cross-cultural communication
  • International social justice in the arts
  • Community arts in a global context
  • Technology and globalization
  • The global dimensions of natural and physical sciences
  • Diplomacy
  • Gender and society
  • International women's rights

Propose three courses for the Global Thematic Emphasis:

  • Only one course may be from the student's academic major
  • Two of the chosen courses must be upper division
OR

The Area Studies Emphasis (ASE)

The ASE allows students to focus on a selected geographic areas; Africa, Europe, or Latin America. The ASE offers an interdisciplinary introduction to the cultures, languages, politics, and global challenges facing the region. The Area Studies emphasis with a focus on Africa also includes study of the African diaspora and related issues of slavery, colonialism, and globalization. Other courses than those below may be approved with the permission of the Associate Provost for International Programs. 

Propose three courses for the Area Studies Emphasis:

  • Only one course may be from the student's academic major
  • Two of the chosen courses must be upper division

Step 3: Capstone Course

A minimum of 20 contact hours in a class, academic internship, or community-based learning experience abroad. The course must include academic oversight and assessment. This requirement may be fulfilled by a minimum of one quarter study abroad related to the chosen Area Studies or Global Thematic emphasis. Students should communicate with the Associate Provost for International Programs to request approval for alternative capstone courses by emailing associateprovostglobal@scu.edu. 

Last updated October 29, 2021