International Studies B.A.

Requirements for Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Studies

This degree program will prepare BSU’s graduates with transnational competence for enrollment into graduate degree programs in international studies/affairs and/or entry level employment in international affairs, public (foreign) policy, management of social services delivery in worldwide contexts, intelligence and homeland security services, and professional careers in public schools.

Beyond the general studies requirements consisting of 40 hours, students in the International Studies degree program must complete 36 hours of International Studies core courses which include 6 hours of a foreign language, and 44 hours of International Studies specialization, which include compulsory one-to-two semesters of career-related internships and/or country- specific related study abroad. The capstone course, Projects in International Studies Specialization, is part of the International Studies core and is taken during the sixth and seventh semesters.

The International Studies major must complete a total of 120 credit hours and earn a 2.0 quality point average on all work applied to the general studies requirements, the International Studies core, including the capstone course, International Studies specialization, and the internship/study abroad.

A minor in International Studies is available to all majors.

This degree program meets Bluefield State University’s Institutional Student Learning Outcomes:

ILO1. Students will communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

ILO2. Students will select appropriate resources, prioritize information in terms of relevance and
reliability, question and evaluate the complexity of the information environment, and use information
in an ethical manner.

ILO3. Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to use appropriate technology for
communicating, solving problems, and decision making.

ILO4. Students will use mathematical problem-solving skills to investigate, model, and solve real-
world problems at an appropriate level.

ILO5. Students will analyze and compare diverse social and cultural patterns, texts, and performances and will evaluate them from a global perspective.

ILO6. Students will understand and apply scientific concepts and develop science inquiry and research
skills.

ILO7. Students will interpret, analyze, and construct ethical arguments.

ILO8. Students will be able to apply skills necessary to maintain physical and mental wellness.

This degree program manifests the following Programmatic Learning Outcomes:

Critical thinking

P-1. Use analytical intellectual tools to examine global issues in the subject areas
P-2. Critically analyze the complex interrelationships that exist among nations and between peoples and communities in the interdependent modern world.
P-3. Employ methods of interdisciplinary social science research: use library databases to find relevant literature, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of academic arguments, and use evidence to support arguments.
P-4. Adapt and apply a critical and well-grounded understanding of multiple worldviews, experiences, power structures, and ethical and cultural positions in relation to contemporary global problems.

Content knowledge

P-5. Describe, explain and apply basic knowledge of the historic and contemporary role and effects of different international actors in the global system (e.g., multilateral and bilateral organizations, development agencies, nation-states, philanthropic and non-governmental organization).
P-6. Describe and discuss the history, culture, society, geography, and political economy of a major world region.
P-7. Describe, explain and apply basic knowledge of a professional concentration area that maps onto a real-world career objective.

Communication

P.8.Demonstrate receptive and productive proficiency in at least one language other than English.
P-9. Convey complex information and ideas in English that is clear, robust, carefully edited, well organized, and stylistically engaging and accessible.
P.10. Interact with people from a diverse range of cultural, religious, ethnic, national, and other identities in a way that is respectful and informed.
P.11. Use knowledge and skills to develop and advocate for informed, appropriate action to solve complex problems in the human and natural worlds.

General Education Classes

ARTS 101 - Introduction to Visual Arts Credit Hour(s): 3
ARTS 205 - Art History Credit Hour(s): 3
COMM 201 - Basic Communications Credit Hour(s): 3
COSC 102 - Computers and Society Credit Hour(s): 3
ENGL 101 - Composition I Credit Hour(s): 3
ENGL 102 - Composition II Credit Hour(s): 3
ENGL 201 - World Literature I Credit Hour(s): 3
ENGL 205 - World Literature II Credit Hour(s): 3
ENSC 203L - Environmental Science I Laboratory Credit Hour(s): 1
ENSC 201 - Environmental Science I Credit Hour(s): 3
ENSC 202 - Environmental Science II Credit Hour(s): 3
ENSC 204L - Environmental Science II Laboratory Credit Hour(s): 1
HLTH 101 - Personal Health and Wellness Credit Hour(s): 2
MATH 101 - General Mathematics Credit Hour(s): 3
MUSC 150 - Introduction to Music Credit Hour(s): 3

Total Credit Hours: 40

International Studies Core Classes

COMM 340 - Intercultural Communication Credit Hour(s): 3
GEOG 150 - Introduction to Geography Credit Hour(s): 3
GEOG 301 - World Physical Geography Credit Hour(s): 3
HIST 101 - World Civilization I Credit Hour(s): 3
HIST 102 - World Civilization II Credit Hour(s): 3
POSC 210 - Introduction to Politics Credit Hour(s): 3
POSC 300 - Political Thought Credit Hour(s): 3
SOCI 210 - Principles of Sociology Credit Hour(s): 3
SOSC 200 - The Study of Race in the Social Sciences Credit Hour(s): 3
SOSC 230 - Social & Economic Processes Credit Hour(s): 3
Foreign Language I & II Sequence Credit Hour(s) 6
or
LANG 190 and LANG 191 Credit Hour(s) 6

Total Credit Hours: 36

International Studies Specialization Classes

INST 290 - Topics/Projects in International Studies Credit Hour(s): 3
POSC 312 - Comparative Politics Credit Hour(s): 3
POSC 350 - Public Administration Credit Hour(s): 3
POSC 405 - International Relations Credit Hour(s): 3
SOCI 305 - Global Social Problems Credit Hour(s): 3
SOSC 341 - Gender Studies Credit Hour(s): 3
INST 490 - Topics in International Studies Credit Hour(s): 3
INST 491 - Study Abroad Program Credit Hour(s): 3
INST 492 - Soliya Connect Progran Credit Hour(s): 2
INST 493 - International Studies Internship Program Credit Hour(s): 3
Restricted Electives Credit Hour(s): 15

Total Credit Hours: 44

Restricted Electives

LANG 290 - Topics Credit Hour(s): 3
LANG 291 - Topics Credit Hour(s): 3
HUMN 490 - Topics in Humanities Credit Hour(s): 3
ACCT 440 - Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting Credit Hour(s): 3
ENGL 302 - Major British Authors Credit Hour(s): 3
ENGL 321 - Teaching English as a Foreign Language Credit Hour(s): 4
EDUC 160 - Diversity and Education Credit Hour(s): 2
HLTH 309 - Diversity in Health Credit Hour(s): 3
HIST 401 - Diplomatic History of United States Credit Hour(s): 3
HUMN 223 - Introduction to Ethics Credit Hour(s): 3
BUSN 375 - International Business Credit Hour(s): 3

Note:

Foreign language study is a requirement of all International Studies majors.

INST 491 Study Abroad and INST 493 International Internship may be engaged in during the summer but will be scheduled in the fall/spring semesters.

INST 491 Study Abroad, which might include the study of a foreign language and other relevant courses, might be done during the summer at one of BSU’s partner institutions. The Transfer of Credits form must be completed prior to departure by faculty advisors and applicable Deans.
HUMN 490 Cultures and Tradition courses I & II 
HIST 401 Diplomatic History of the United States: Will be taught by adjunct faculty.