2008 Woodie Awards
University Considers New International Studies Major
Bryanna Lindblom: Muleskinner
Issue date: 2/21/08 Section: News
International Studies is among the many minors offered at UCM. This outlet opens doors into other cultures and allows students to gain a solid background in diversity.
With society's growth in international business and affairs, UCM is trying to keep up with a globalized world by considering an International Studies major.
Donald Wallace, professor in the criminal justice department, said Gersham Nelson, dean of the college of arts, humanities and social sciences, has been a big part of initiating this major.
He has gathered a committee to figure out what objectives and masteries they want students in this area to have. This means evaluating language requirements, study abroad requirements and finding the perfect mix of classes.
"Primarily working on this is faculty seated across several disciplines. We don't come in representing the departments; we represent our different perspectives," Wallace said.
Nelson said with UCM's combination of the International Studies minor and their vibrant international center, it made sense to add this major.
"When I came on board, it became clear we have the necessary infrastructure for a major; we are ready," Nelson said. "We continually try to look at demands and meet them."
The International Studies program has been looked at along with the UCM campus, and Nelson said there are a "number of courses that might contribute to a robust International Studies major."
A few classes that will contribute to the strength of the new major are African History, Geography of Europe, Asian Government and Politics, and Geography of Latin America. Nelson said there would also be classes in the major focused on language skills and classes dealing with issues on interactions of international organizations.
Another aspect of this new major may include the participation in an internship with an international company or on Capital Hill. Wallace agreed that the new major might encourage or require students to have "international exposure."
"It is not enough for a student to sit in a classroom and be told what's happening on the other side of the ocean," Wallace said.
Scott Edwards, junior business major and current exchange student, said an International Studies Major would be beneficial and gain a lot of interest, especially among those who plan on studying abroad.
"A lot of people aren't aware of what is going on in other countries. This major may better their perspective of global issues," Edwards said.
The details of an International Studies major are still not complete but Dean Nelson said they are "hoping to get paperwork in place for approval by the end of the semester." If all goes well, the new major could be in the Spring 2009 catalog.
With society's growth in international business and affairs, UCM is trying to keep up with a globalized world by considering an International Studies major.
Donald Wallace, professor in the criminal justice department, said Gersham Nelson, dean of the college of arts, humanities and social sciences, has been a big part of initiating this major.
He has gathered a committee to figure out what objectives and masteries they want students in this area to have. This means evaluating language requirements, study abroad requirements and finding the perfect mix of classes.
"Primarily working on this is faculty seated across several disciplines. We don't come in representing the departments; we represent our different perspectives," Wallace said.
Nelson said with UCM's combination of the International Studies minor and their vibrant international center, it made sense to add this major.
"When I came on board, it became clear we have the necessary infrastructure for a major; we are ready," Nelson said. "We continually try to look at demands and meet them."
The International Studies program has been looked at along with the UCM campus, and Nelson said there are a "number of courses that might contribute to a robust International Studies major."
A few classes that will contribute to the strength of the new major are African History, Geography of Europe, Asian Government and Politics, and Geography of Latin America. Nelson said there would also be classes in the major focused on language skills and classes dealing with issues on interactions of international organizations.
Another aspect of this new major may include the participation in an internship with an international company or on Capital Hill. Wallace agreed that the new major might encourage or require students to have "international exposure."
"It is not enough for a student to sit in a classroom and be told what's happening on the other side of the ocean," Wallace said.
Scott Edwards, junior business major and current exchange student, said an International Studies Major would be beneficial and gain a lot of interest, especially among those who plan on studying abroad.
"A lot of people aren't aware of what is going on in other countries. This major may better their perspective of global issues," Edwards said.
The details of an International Studies major are still not complete but Dean Nelson said they are "hoping to get paperwork in place for approval by the end of the semester." If all goes well, the new major could be in the Spring 2009 catalog.
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