International Studies (BA)
The interdisciplinary International Studies major, housed in the Department of World Languages and Cultures, allows students to combine the in-depth study of global issues, with intermediate proficiency in a second language, and a concentration in another discipline with an international focus such as history, economics, political science, or sociology. Students choosing to major in International Studies are strongly encouraged to complete an additional major. The major requires students to study abroad for a semester or summer in the second language of study. The Florence program does not fulfill the study abroad requirement.
Program Mission
The mission of the International Studies Program is to develop proficient communicators in the world language of study. Learners will also be able to demonstrate their knowledge of the cultures, literatures, and structure of the language of study, and make connections between disciplines through interdisciplinary study.
Program Outcomes
- Graduates will demonstrate proficiency in interpersonal communication in the world language studied.
- Graduates will demonstrate proficiency in presentational communication—writing in the world language studied.
- Graduates will use the world language studied in interpersonal communication that is appropriate to the context and the intended audience.
- Graduates will demonstrate an awareness of the cultures of the languages studied and how they shape perceptions, practices, and cultural products, particularly with regards to the area of concentration.
- Graduates will be able to recognize and express understanding of difference, express a respect for the perspectives of others, and critically reflect on their own worldview.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | ||
| HIST-1101 | World Civilization Since 1500 | 3 |
| POLS-2010 | Comparative World Government & Politics | 3 |
| ECON-2090 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| NASC-2300 | World Regional Geography | 3 |
| THEO-3820 | Christianity & World Religions | 3 |
| INST-COMP | Senior Comprehensive Exam | 0 |
| One additional international elective, from any department, as approved by the student’s international studies advisor | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Foreign Language Proficiency
Proficiency in a foreign language to include three courses (or 9 hours) numbered above FREN-2010 Intermediate French / SPAN-2020 Intermediate Spanish II. For Spanish these courses should include SPAN-3040 Introduction to Hispanic Lit & Lit Analy, and two additional upper-level courses. For ESL, these courses should include ESLG-2040 Listening & Speaking, ESLG-2050 Intermediate Composition, and one additional course numbered above 2050. Students who wish to study another language abroad to satisfy this requirement must obtain approval from the chair of the Department of World Languages and Cultures. At least 50% of the 3000-level and above French and Spanish courses required for the major must be taken on campus at Benedictine College and not through study abroad or transfer credit.
International students who enter the program with native proficiency in a language other than English may obtain advisor approval from the chair of the Department of World Languages and Cultures to plan courses to substitute for the nine hours of upper-level language. Native speakers of a language other than French or Spanish may take a proficiency test (available through the Department of World Languages and Cultures) to determine if their skills and knowledge are at an appropriate level to waive the foreign language requirement. These students are still required to complete three approved upper-level courses that give them a comparable appreciation of another culture.
Foreign Language Placement
Students who have completed three or more years of Spanish, French, or Latin in high school are required to take the language placement exam before taking a course in those languages. Students who took two years of Spanish, French, or Latin in high school in a strong program are highly recommended but not required to take the placement exam. Students who received dual enrollment or AP credit, or who transferred in college credit in Spanish, French, or Latin are not required to take the exam. It is highly recommended that students take the placement exam within one year of enrolling at Benedictine College, as this is when their previous language experience will be strongest. Students may not take the placement exam more than once. The placement exam is regularly scheduled at the beginning of the semester, during registration, and during SOAR weekends. See the academic calendar for dates. For more information, contact the Chair of the Department of World Languages and Cultures or Admission Office.
Study Abroad
The major requires students to study abroad for one semester or summer in the second language of study. The department sponsors study abroad opportunities in Spanish in Spain, and opportunities in French in Lyon, France. Students also have the option of participating in an exchange program through the College’s affiliation with ISEP, or through the exchange program at ICES in La Roche-sur-Yon, France. These programs are administered by the Study Abroad office.
Required Concentration Courses
International Studies majors must complete a concentration by taking any four approved courses from one of the disciplines below; other courses not listed here may be approved by the major advisor:
Concentration in History
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select four of the following: | 12 | |
| United States Diplomatic History | ||
| Medieval Travelers | ||
| Modern Asian Survey | ||
| History of Latin America | ||
| Ancient Greece | ||
| Ancient Rome | ||
| Greek & Roman History | ||
| Medieval History | ||
| Byzantine History | ||
| The Renaissance | ||
| The Reformation Era | ||
| Early Modern Europe 1600-1800 | ||
| French Revolution & Napoleon | ||
| Ninteenth-Century Europe | ||
| Europe 1954 - Today | ||
| World War I | ||
| World War II | ||
or another approved history course with an international focus | ||
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Concentration in Economics
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select four of the following: | 12 | |
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Contemporary Economic Thinking | ||
| Macroeconomic Activity | ||
| Intermediate Microeconomic Theory | ||
| International Economics (required for the economics concentration) | ||
| Catholic Social Teaching | ||
| Seminar in Economic Development | ||
or another approved economics course with an international focus | ||
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Concentration in Political Science
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select four of the followng: | 12 | |
| European Politics | ||
| International Relations | ||
| Development of Political Thought | ||
| Applied Politics | ||
or another approved political science course with an international focus | ||
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Concentration in Sociology
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select four of the following: | 12 | |
| Social Problems | ||
| Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Sociological Theory | ||
| Population & Society | ||
| Race & Ethnicity | ||
| Sociology of Religion | ||
| Social Stratification | ||
| Population & Society | ||
| Urban Sociology | ||
or another approved sociology course with an international focus | ||
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Suggested Sequence of Courses for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Studies
| Freshman Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours | |
| GNST-1000 | BC Experience | 1 |
| Foreign Language | 4 | |
| ENGL-1010 | English Composition | 3 |
| Natural World Foundation with Lab | 4 | |
| EXSC-1115 | Wellness for Life | 1 |
| THEO-1100 | Introduction to Theology | 3 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| Foreign Language | 4 | |
| Aesthetic Foundation | 3 | |
| PHIL-1750 | Principles of Nature | 3 |
| HIST-1101 | World Civilization Since 1500 | 3 |
| NASC-2300 | World Regional Geography | 3 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| International Studies Course | 3 | |
| Foreign Language | 4 | |
| POLS-2010 | Comparative World Government & Politics | 3 |
| Philosophical Inquiry Foundation | 3 | |
| Aesthetic Foundation | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| Foreign Language | 3 | |
| Faith Foundation | 3 | |
| ECON-2090 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| Aesthetic Foundation | 3 | |
| Mathematical Reasoning Foundation | 3-4 | |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| Concentration Area Course | 3 | |
| Foreign Language | 3 | |
| THEO-3820 | Christianity & World Religions | 3 |
| International Studies elective | 3 | |
| Oral Communication Course | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| Concentration Area Course | 3 | |
| Foreign Language | 3 | |
| Western Perspective course | 3 | |
| International Studies Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Fitness Activity course | 1 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| Concentration Area Course | 3 | |
| Philosophical Inquiry Foundation | 3 | |
| Faith Foundation | 3 | |
| Electives | 4 | |
| Foreign Language | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| Concentration Area Course | 3 | |
| Concentration Area elective | 3 | |
| Electives | 12 | |
| INST-COMP | Senior Comprehensive Exam | 0 |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Total Hours | 128-129 | |