International and Global Studies

470 Urban Center (URBN)

503-725-3455

www.pdx.edu/global-studies/
  • B.A. in International & Global Studies: Global Studies
  • B.A. in International & Global Studies: International Development Studies
  • B.A. in International & Global Studies: Asian Studies
  • B.A. in International & Global Studies: Latin American Studies 
  • B.A. in International & Global Studies: African Studies (Admission to the program is currently suspended)
  • B.A. in International & Global Studies: European Studies (Admission to the program is currently suspended)
  • B.A. in International & Global Studies: Middle East Studies (Admission to the program is currently suspended)
  • Minor in International and Global Studies
  • Certificate in African Studies
  • Certificate in Asian Studies
  • Certificate in European Studies
  • Certificate in Global Studies
  • Certificate in International Development Studies
  • Certificate in Latin American Studies
  • Certificate in Middle East Studies
  • Certificate in Contemporary Turkish Studies (Admission to the program is currently suspended)

The Department of International and Global Studies endeavors to foster a deep understanding of global issues, such as social justice and human rights, international development, environmental justice, health, international conflicts, gender and sexuality, and labor rights. We offer four B.A. concentrations: two thematic, interdisciplinary options, in Global Studies and International Development Studies, and two with regional specialization, in Asian Studies and Latin American Studies. The department also offers a minor and seven undergraduate certificates designed to add a global dimension to any degree. Our programs offer an excellent foundation for careers in which an understanding of global economic, political, social, historical, and cultural processes are important. Our students have also secured admission to top interdisciplinary and traditional graduate programs in the US and overseas.

 

Degree Maps and Learning Outcomes

Admissions Requirements

B.A. in International and Global Studies

Minor in International and Global Studies

International and Global Studies Certificates

Education Abroad

International and Global Studies Courses

B.A. in International and Global Studies

You can choose from four B.A. concentrations: two thematic, interdisciplinary options, in Global Studies and International Development Studies, and two with regional specialization, in Asian Studies and Latin American Studies. 

  • Global Studies
  • International Development Studies
  • Asian Studies
  • Latin American Studies 
  • African Studies (Admission to the program is currently suspended.)
  • European Studies (Admission to the program is currently suspended.)
  • Middle East Studies (Admission to the program is currently suspended.)

Global Studies Track

The Global Studies major provides both a global perspective and a deep understanding of major themes and events in global affairs. Under the guidance of expert faculty and advisors, students develop an understanding of world cultures, societies, media, and politics within the framework of globalization.

Requirements for Global Studies

Core Courses (24 credits)

Intl 201Introduction to International Studies

4

Intl 296The United States and the World

4

Intl 397Theory and Policy in International Development

4

Intl 407Seminar

4

Intl 415Global Studies Theories

4

Intl 471/Ling 471Understanding the International Experience

4

Intl 470 Intercultural Leadership and Change can substitute for Intl 471 Understanding the International Experience.

Pre-requisite requirements:

Global Studies Electives (20 credits)

Students must take 20 credits from the Global Studies course list (see table below).
Intl 317UTopics in Asian Thought

4

Intl 321UAsia: Globalization and Identity

4

Intl 323UAsia: Tradition and Innovation

4

Intl 331U/WS 331UWomen in the Middle East

4

Intl 332UIslamic Social Movements

4

Intl 342UGlobalization and Conflict in Latin America

4

Intl 350UThe City in Europe

4

Intl 360UBollywood: Communicating Contemporary South Asia through Cinema

4

Intl 365UDigital Globalization

4

Intl 366UCyberwar & Espionage

4

Intl 367UThe Global Drug Trade

4

Intl 380UGlobalization, Representation and Difference in Media and Film

4

Intl 391UMedia and International Relations

4

Intl 452/PS 452The European Union

4

Intl 470Intercultural Leadership and Change

4


Consult with an Advisor for Intl 399 and Intl 410 courses that count for Global Studies courses. 

Study Abroad courses can count towards Global Studies courses when approved through the Course Substitution process. See an Advisor for more details.

 

Additional Electives (8 credits)

Majors must take eight credits of elective courses from the International Development Studies course list (see table below).
Intl 341UEnvironment and Development in Latin America

4

Intl 343UCommodity Chains in Latin America: From Silver to Cocaine

4

Intl 349U/WS 349UGender and International Development

4

Intl 362U/Hst 362UAmazon Rain Forest

4

Intl 364UModern Brazil

4

Intl 372U/BSt 372UPost-colonial Studies of Africa

4

Intl 375UGlobal Migration

4

Intl 445/USP 445Cities and Third World Development

3

Intl 460/PS 460Political Development in Modern Turkey

4

Intl 461/PS 461Politics of Economic Reform in Modern Turkey

4

Intl 490Global Sustainable Development

4


Consult with an Advisor for Intl 399 and Intl 410 courses that count for International Development Studies courses. 

Study Abroad courses can count towards International Development Studies courses when approved through the Course Substitution process. See an Advisor for more details.

Language (0-27 credits)

Two years, or equivalent proficiency, of foreign language study. For students taking courses at PSU, second-year proficiency is defined by successful completion of the terminal course in the second-year language sequence, or demonstrating proficiency through the Department of World Languages and Literature.

Total Credit Hours: 52

Students are required to take at least 36 credits with the Intl prefix.

A minimum of 12 credit hours must be Intl courses at the 400-level.

All courses used to satisfy the departmental major requirements (and minor or certificate requirements), whether taken in the department or elsewhere, must be graded C or above. 

Courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) will not be accepted toward fulfilling department major requirements.

International Development Studies Track

A major in International Development Studies prepares students to understand the challenges that developing nations face to achieve improved living conditions for their inhabitants. In our courses, we emphasize how development is shaped by the intersections of politics, economy, social and political power, and culture at global, national, and regional levels. Our majors acquire a critical understanding of environmental vulnerabilities and socio-economic inequalities in the developing world, grounded in an appreciation of global history.

Requirements for B.A. in International Development Studies

Core Courses (24 credits)

Intl 201Introduction to International Studies

4

Intl 296The United States and the World

4

Intl 397Theory and Policy in International Development

4

Intl 407Seminar

4

Intl 415Global Studies Theories

4

Intl 471/Ling 471Understanding the International Experience

4

Intl 470 Intercultural Leadership and Change can substitute for Intl 471 Understanding the International Experience.

Pre-requisite requirements:


International Development Studies Electives (20 credits)

Students must take 20 credits from the International Development Studies course list (see table below).
Intl 341UEnvironment and Development in Latin America

4

Intl 343UCommodity Chains in Latin America: From Silver to Cocaine

4

Intl 349U/WS 349UGender and International Development

4

Intl 362U/Hst 362UAmazon Rain Forest

4

Intl 364UModern Brazil

4

Intl 372U/BSt 372UPost-colonial Studies of Africa

4

Intl 375UGlobal Migration

4

Intl 445/USP 445Cities and Third World Development

3

Intl 460/PS 460Political Development in Modern Turkey

4

Intl 461/PS 461Politics of Economic Reform in Modern Turkey

4

Intl 490Global Sustainable Development

4


Consult with an Advisor for Intl 399 and Intl 410 courses that count for International Development Studies courses. 

Study Abroad courses can count towards International Development Studies courses when approved through the Course Substitution process. See an Advisor for more details.

Additional Electives (8 credits)

Majors must take eight credits of elective courses from the Global Studies course list (see table below).
Intl 317UTopics in Asian Thought

4

Intl 321UAsia: Globalization and Identity

4

Intl 323UAsia: Tradition and Innovation

4

Intl 331U/WS 331UWomen in the Middle East

4

Intl 332UIslamic Social Movements

4

Intl 342UGlobalization and Conflict in Latin America

4

Intl 350UThe City in Europe

4

Intl 360UBollywood: Communicating Contemporary South Asia through Cinema

4

Intl 365UDigital Globalization

4

Intl 366UCyberwar & Espionage

4

Intl 367UThe Global Drug Trade

4

Intl 380UGlobalization, Representation and Difference in Media and Film

4

Intl 391UMedia and International Relations

4

Intl 452/PS 452The European Union

4

Intl 470Intercultural Leadership and Change

4


Consult with an Advisor for Intl 399 and Intl 410 courses that count for Global Studies courses. 

Study Abroad courses can count towards Global Studies courses when approved through the Course Substitution process. See an Advisor for more details.


Language (0-27 credits)

Two years, or equivalent proficiency, of foreign language study. For students taking courses at PSU, second-year proficiency is defined by successful completion of the terminal course in the second-year language sequence, or demonstrating proficiency through the Department of World Languages and Literature.

Total Credit Hours: 52

Students are required to take at least 36 credits with the INTL prefix.

A minimum of 12 credit hours must be Intl courses at the 400-level.

All courses used to satisfy the departmental major requirements (and minor or certificate requirements), whether taken in the department or elsewhere, must be graded C or above. 

Courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) will not be accepted toward fulfilling department major requirements.

Asian Studies Track

The Asian Studies major dives into the continent’s past, present, and future through the interdisciplinary study of political-economy, cultures and religions, communication and media, gender and sexuality, migration, development, and environmental change grounded in South, Southeast, and East Asia.

Requirements for Asian Studies

Core Courses (24 credits)

Intl 201Introduction to International Studies

4

Intl 216Introduction to Asian Studies

0-4

Intl 296The United States and the World

4

Intl 407Seminar

4

Intl 415Global Studies Theories

4

Intl 471/Ling 471Understanding the International Experience

4

Students may double count Intl 216 for the major and University Studies Sophomore Inquiry; a Mentored Inquiry section is required.

Intl 470 Intercultural Leadership and Change can substitute for Intl 471 Understanding the International Experience.

Pre-requisite requirements:

 

Connected Learning (20 credits)

At least 20 upper-division credits from advisor-approved courses. Connected Learning courses must have global/international content and must not focus on a specific region. (Exception: one course may focus on a region other than Asia.)

Intl 332UIslamic Social Movements

4

Intl 349U/WS 349UGender and International Development

4

Intl 365UDigital Globalization

4

Intl 366UCyberwar & Espionage

4

Intl 367UThe Global Drug Trade

4

Intl 375UGlobal Migration

4

Intl 380UGlobalization, Representation and Difference in Media and Film

4

Intl 391UMedia and International Relations

4

Intl 397Theory and Policy in International Development

4

Intl 445/USP 445Cities and Third World Development

3

Intl 490Global Sustainable Development

4

Special Topics courses (399, 410), Seminars (407), and non-Intl classes, as well as individualized Reading and Conference courses arranged with instructors may be substituted for specific courses listed above as long as the scope of the course is global/international. All such courses must be approved by your Advisor before you register for the course.

Regional Focus (20 credits)

At least 20 upper-division credits from PSU courses focused on Asia. Students must consult with the faculty advisor for Asian Studies when choosing courses.

Special Topics courses (399, 410), Seminars (407), and other area-related classes, as well as individualized Reading and Conference courses arranged with instructors may be substituted for specific area courses listed above. All such courses must be approved by your advisor before you register for the course.


Language (0-27 credits)

Two years, or equivalent proficiency, of language study in one world language. For students taking courses at PSU, second-year proficiency is defined by successful completion of the terminal course in the second-year language sequence, or demonstrating proficiency through the Department of World Languages and Literature.

Total Credit Hours: 64

For graduation, a minimum of 36 credit hours are required to be in Intl courses, of which at least 12 credit hours must be at the 400-level.

All courses used to satisfy the departmental major requirements (and minor or certificate requirements), whether taken in the department or elsewhere, must be graded C or above. Courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) will not be accepted toward fulfilling department major requirements.

Latin American Studies Track

The Latin American Studies major dives into the continent’s past, present, and future through the interdisciplinary study of political-economy, cultures and religions, communication and media, gender and sexuality, migration, development, and environmental change.

Requirements for Latin American Studies

Core Courses (24 credits)

Intl 201Introduction to International Studies

4

Intl 240Introduction to Latin American Studies

0-4

Intl 296The United States and the World

4

Intl 407Seminar

4

Intl 415Global Studies Theories

4

Intl 471/Ling 471Understanding the International Experience

4

Students may double count Intl 240 for the major and University Studies Sophomore Inquiry; a Mentored Inquiry section is required.

Intl 470 Intercultural Leadership and Change can substitute for Intl 471 Understanding the International Experience.

Pre-requisite requirements:

Connected Learning (20 credits)

At least 20 upper-division credits from advisor-approved courses. Connected Learning courses must have global/international content and must not focus on a specific region. (Exception: one course may focus on a region other than Latin America.)
Intl 332UIslamic Social Movements

4

Intl 349U/WS 349UGender and International Development

4

Intl 365UDigital Globalization

4

Intl 366UCyberwar & Espionage

4

Intl 367UThe Global Drug Trade

4

Intl 375UGlobal Migration

4

Intl 380UGlobalization, Representation and Difference in Media and Film

4

Intl 391UMedia and International Relations

4

Intl 397Theory and Policy in International Development

4

Intl 445/USP 445Cities and Third World Development

3

Intl 490Global Sustainable Development

4

Special Topics courses (399, 410), Seminars (407), and non-Intl classes, as well as individualized Reading and Conference courses arranged with instructors may be substituted for specific courses listed above as long as the scope of the course is global/international. All such courses must be approved by your Advisor before you register for the course.

Regional Focus (20 credits)

At least 20 upper-division credits from PSU courses focused on Latin America. Students must consult with the faculty advisor for Latin American Studies when choosing courses.
Special Topics courses (399, 410), Seminars (407), and other area-related classes, as well as individualized Reading and Conference courses arranged with instructors may be substituted for specific area courses listed above. All such courses must be approved by your advisor before you register for the course.

Language (0-27 credits)

Two years, or equivalent proficiency, of language study in a language appropriate to the student's regional focus. For students taking courses at PSU, second-year proficiency is defined by successful completion of the terminal course in the second-year language sequence, or demonstrating proficiency through the Department of World Languages and Literature.

Total Credit Hours: 64

For graduation, a minimum of 36 credit hours are required to be in Intl courses, of which at least 12 credit hours must be at the 400-level.

All courses used to satisfy the departmental major requirements (and minor or certificate requirements), whether taken in the department or elsewhere, must be graded C or above. Courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) will not be accepted toward fulfilling department major requirements.

Academic Advisors

Information on courses and major requirements is available from CUPA and faculty advisors. Students should see an advisor as soon as they declare their major and meet regularly with advisors as they pursue their degree.

CUPA Advisors:

CUPA Advising website; 503-725-9210

Faculty Advisors: 

Kimberley Brown, brownk@pdx.edu, 503-725-8194;
Evguenia Davidova, evguenia@pdx.edu, 503-725-8992; 
Priya Kapoor, cgpk@pdx.edu, 503-725-3543;
Pronoy Rai, rai@pdx.edu, 503-725-3451;
Leopoldo Rodriguez, leopoldo@pdx.edu, 503-725-8245;
Shawn Smallman, smallmans@pdx.edu, 503-725-9978;
Gerald Sussman, sussmang@pdx.edu, 503-725-5176.