International Studies, Global Cultural Studies Concentration, B.A.

The world’s biggest challenges are interconnected and the Cal Poly Humboldt International Studies Program helps students remain rooted in the community while becoming agents of change in the world.

A unique interdisciplinary program, International Studies has four distinct components: a core curriculum based on the cultural, political and economic aspects of globalization; proficiency in a second language; a concentration in Global Culture, and the equivalent of a semester study abroad.

These elements come together in a flexible combination of classroom instruction and direct experience with the regions and issues of interest and make Cal Poly Humboldt stand out as one of the few universities in the CSU system that requires both a language and study abroad as part of this degree.

Employers also regularly report language skills, intercultural awareness and study abroad as strong indicators of success in the workplace. This is why our graduates can be found in the international labor force in the US and abroad, working in the private sector, for nonprofits and commonly go on to serve in the Peace Corps. The program also provides a strong foundation for graduate work in many fields.

Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree requires a total of 120 units. Students must fulfill General Education & All-University Requirements , residency, unit, and GPA requirements as outlined in the Bachelor’s Degree Requirements . This major includes a Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) certified course.

Requirements for the Major (37-58 Units)

A minimum grade of C- must be earned in all courses for the major or local equivalent while abroad.

Core Courses (25-46 Units )

The following core courses are required for all international studies majors. The range of units includes up to five second language courses, which may be required depending on second language proficiency.

INTL 210 - Introduction to International Studies Units: 4
INTL 220 - Introduction to Cultural Studies Units: 3
INTL 320 - Career Workshop Units: 1
INTL 387 - International Education Colloquium Units: 1
INTL 410W - Global Issues Analysis Units: 4
INTL 490 - International Studies Capstone Units: 3
ECON 305 - International Economics and Globalization Units: 3
or
ECON 306W - Economics of the Developing World Units: 3 (required for the Development Studies concentration)
PSCI 240 - Introduction to International Relations Units: 4
or
GEOG 363 - Political Geography Units: 3

Methodology

Complete one course.

ANTH 318 - Ethnography Units: 4 [additional prerequisite]
CRGS 390W - Theory and Methods Units: 4 [additional prerequisite]
GEOG 311W - Geographic Research and Writing Units: 3
HIST 210 - Historical Methods Units: 4

Second Language (0-16 Units )

Demonstrate proficiency in a target language pertinent to the concentration area, equivalent to a fourth semester or higher of college-level language. Meet this requirement by taking a fourth-semester-level language course.

This requirement can also be met by examination. Contact the Department of World Languages and Cultures for instructions.

Residency Abroad

Complete an approved academic semester program abroad equivalent to at least 12 units and normally lasting at least 10 weeks. Program must be selected in consultation with and approved by advisor.

In exceptional circumstances, the program leader may approve an accommodation based on an alternative experience that meets the residency abroad learning outcome. The procedure for requesting such an accommodation, along with the criteria, can be found on the International Studies website.

Residency abroad may begin during the second semester of a student’s sophomore year (generally spring) and must be completed by the end of the first semester of a student’s senior year (generally fall).

Residency abroad may not occur during a student’s last semester. Students are expected to complete their final semester in residence at Cal Poly Humboldt.

For some concentrations, courses taken abroad may be necessary to fulfill requirements. Concentration electives may also be completed while abroad. Both require prior advisor approval.

All students are encouraged to use their academic residency abroad efficiently by completing, where possible, language and university general education requirements.

The cost of the residency abroad varies according to the program and world region.

Students should understand the costs involved and plan ahead. Consult with the Center for International Programs office.

Global Cultural Studies Concentration (12 Units)

ANTH 307 - World Heritage and Archaeology Units: 3
or
ANTH 390 - World Regions Cultural Seminar Units: 4
ENGL 305 - Postcolonial Literature/Decolonizing Perspectives Units: 3
MUS 302 - Music in World Culture Units: 3

Elective Courses

Complete one course (minimum 3 units).

ART 104K - Africa, Oceania, the Americas Units: 3
ART 104N - Asian Art Units: 3
DANC 303 - Dance in World Cultures Units: 3
FREN 300 - African Storytelling Units: 3-4
FREN 326 - Culture and Civilization: Regional Studies Units: 1-4 [Taught abroad]
FREN 340 - Topics in Francophone Culture Units: 2-4
GEOG 472 - Topics in Regional Geography Units: 1-4 (specific topic must be appropriate to area - consult advisor)
SPAN 344 - Modern Hispanic Theater Workshop Units: 4
SPAN 345 - Hispanic Cinema Units: 4
SPAN 346 - Borges and the Contemporary Spanish American Short Story Units: 4
SPAN 347 - The “Boom” of the Latin American Novel Units: 4
SPAN 348 - Contemporary Hispanic Poetry Units: 4
SPAN 349 - Contemporary Spanish Novel Units: 4
WS 306 - Sex, Class and Culture: Gender and Ethnic Issues in International Short Stories Units: 3
or
FREN 306 - Sex, Class and Culture: Gender and Ethnic Issues in International Short Stories Units: 3
or
GERM 306 - Sex, Class and Culture: Gender and Ethnic Issues in International Short Stories Units: 3
or
SPAN 306 - Sex, Class and Culture: Gender and Ethnic Issues in International Short Stories Units: 3

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program.

The ability to analyze regional and global issues from economic, political, and cultural perspectives
Linguistic competency in a second language
Cultural competency in diverse international environments
The ability to gather information and use interdisciplinary analysis skills to critically evaluate regional and global issues
Proficiency in formal written and oral communication
The skills you need to build an international career.

Miscellaneous

Students are encouraged to complement the International Studies program and concentrations by selecting electives related to the international studies field that will fulfill the total number of units for graduation.

Equivalent or Special Topic courses offered by any department may fulfill requirements for any concentration. Prior advisor approval is required.