International Studies, Development 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 Development Studies, 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.

Program Learning Outcomes: Bachelor’s Degrees

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.

Development Studies Concentration (12 units)

ANTH 316 - Anthropology and Development Units: 4
or
ANTH 317 - Gender and Development Units: 4
PSCI 303W - Global Inequalities Units: 3

Elective Courses

Complete at least 5 units. At least one of these electives may need to be taken as part of study abroad. Prior advisor approval is required.

ANTH 316 - Anthropology and Development Units: 4 (if not used to fulfill requirement above)
ANTH 317 - Gender and Development Units: 4 (if not used to fulfill requirement above)
GEOG 472 - Topics in Regional Geography Units: 1-4 *
PSCI 330 - Political Regimes and Political Change Units: 4 *
PSCI 364 - Technology and Development Units: 4
PSCI 376 - Multilateralism and the United Nations System Units: 2
PSCI 377 - Model United Nations Units: 1

Note:

* Course only meets requirements if specific topic is appropriate to the concentration area. Consult with an advisor.

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.