Degree Type Offered: B.A. Major
A bachelor of arts degree consisting of 43 credit hours distributed as follows:
Core Courses
(19 Credits)
ECON-200 Principles of Macroeconomics
Credits: 3 Term Offered: Fall and Spring
Introduces scarcity, opportunity cost, and supply and demand analysis, with special emphasis on aggregate economic growth, unemployment, inflation, and fiscal and monetary policies. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW FILA general education: social sciences
PSCI-200 Introduction to Global Studies
Credits: 3 Term Offered: Fall Only
Introduces key concepts, themes, and issues of global studies. Topics include globalization, security, development, health, agriculture and food, and the environment. Critically examines contemporary issues such as global inequality, climate change, and the power of multinational corporations. Corequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW
PSCI-230 Introduction to Global Politics
Introduces students to the world as a site of political activity. Examines institutions and processes on a global scale. Topics include sovereignty, power, globalization, war, multilateral institutions, the environment, trade, development, poverty and a variety of current events. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW FILA general education: global dynamics
PSCI-240 Introduction to Comparative Politics
Credits: 3 Term Offered: Spring Only
Introduces the diversity of political structures, processes, cultures, ideologies and change (revolution, democratization, etc.), as manifested in multiple national political systems in the global community. Introduces the application of social science methods to political phenomena. Considers the outcomes of political systems for human well-being. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW FILA general education: global dynamics
PSCI-250 Methods of Research and Data Analysis
An introduction to the production of knowledge about political phenomena. Topics include the relationship between theory and research, formulation of research questions and research design, and quantitative and qualitative methods. Students will understand and evaluate scholarly research in the field and conduct their own research projects.
PSCI-400 Professional Development
Credits: 1 Term Offered: Spring Only
This course is designed to prepare the political science student for entry into the job market, or further study at the graduate level. This class meets once a week and addresses issues of relevance to the political science professional. Topics of relevance to postgraduates, including graduate exams, graduate applications and resume and interview preparation will be discussed. Students will prepare a career portfolio, individually designed to meet their specific needs, in which professional and graduate school application materials will be collected. The portfolio will be fully assessed at the end of the semester. Prerequisite: Junior standing
PSCI-470 Seminar in Global Studies & Political Science
Examination of significant professional literature in political science and international studies through preparation and presentation of a major research paper.
Global Processes
(12 Credits)
COMM-334 Intercultural Communication
Theoretical and practical survey of intercultural communication processes. Examines intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, and mass media dimensions of intercultural communication. The course specifically focuses on the distinctive cultural behaviors, expectations, values and power dynamics that affect our abilities to communicate effectively and people from diverse cultures. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW FILA general education: world cultures
ECON-440 International Economics
Theory of international economic interrelationships, including trade, finance, and monetary policies and institutions. Prerequisite: ECON-200 or ECON-210 FILA general education: global dynamics
GEOG-195 World Regional Geography
A human geographic exploration of all world regions, emphasizing population, cultural, economic and political geographies. Prerequisites: Completion of the FILA general education history requirement and one of the following: ECON-200, ECON-210 or SOC-101, or permission of instructor
HIST-330HX Modern Britain and Oxford
Credits: 3 Term Offered: May Term
Examines political, economic, and culture trends in British history from the "Glorious Revolution" of 1688 to the present day. Modern Britain stands as one of the cornerstones of the contemporary world, and its politics and culture influenced global society in countless way, ranging from soccer to modern environmentalism to constitutional law. The course focuses on several major themes, including the role of religion, finance, and industry, the royal family, sport, and, most important of all, "social class," in building British society. Flory Honors students will acquire a basic understanding of the major driving forces of modern British history and the ways that they compare and interrelate with Europe, the United States, and the world while studying at Oxford. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW and ENG-110; and membership in the Flory Honors Program FILA general education: world culture and experiential learning
HIST-370 Genocide
This courses explores the history of genocide. Examines origins of and paths to genocide, including dynamics tied to imperialism, race, and nationalism; also investigates the conception of the word 'genocide' and the development of critical genocide studies as a field of inquiry. Specific case studies that occurred in modern history as well as broader themes give students the opportunity to wrestle with and compare historical dynamics, historiographical discussions, and theoretical conceptions. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW FILA general education: world cultures Offered alternate years
HIST-430 European Imperialism
Europeans' relationship with the rest of the world from the origins of modern European empires in the 19th-century, to the process of decolonization in the 20th-century, to current debates about neo-imperialism and neo-colonialism. Examines the effects of empire on both the colonizers and the colonized. Offered alternate years
PSCI/SOC-205 Global Identities
Interdisciplinary exploration of the power and dynamics of human similarities and differences on a global scale. Covers globalization from the perspective of identity and difference, and provides opportunities to question contemporary assumptions, values and patterns of behavior with the goal of making global interactions more constructive ad more peaceful. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW FILA general education: global dynamics
PSCI-335W Peace, War and World Politics
Examines human understanding of the institution of warfare and alternative means of managing large-scale conflict. Also studies the concept of peace, including the personal and policy implications of the various definitions of the term. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW and ENG-110 FILA general education: global dynamics and writing intensive Offered alternate years
PSCI-336 United Nations
History, structures, issues and politics of the United Nations, and a consideration of the organization's role in world politics. This course may include travel to New York City or Washington DC. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW FILA general education: global dynamics Offered alternate years
PSCI-356 United States Foreign Policy
Examines the continuity and changes in the contexts, structures, processes, actors and issues of U.S. foreign policy in the 20th and 21st centuries. Offered alternate years
PSCI-360 Population, Immigration, and Politics
This course takes a surveying view of the political, social and economic consequences of population movement phenomena focusing on two central elements: Migration and Identity Politics. In an effort to accommodate the broad theme, the course will view population movement phenomena from the perspectives of immigrants, host and origin nations, as well as global state and non-state actors. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW and ENG-110; PSCI-240 is recommended FILA general education: global dynamics
PSCI-365E Politics of Human Rights
An examination of conceptions of human rights, the global discourse around human rights, and efforts to protect those rights. Topics include why governments violate the rights of their citizens, the role of human rights activism in shaping global public discourse and affecting the practices of governments, international human rights law, and the human rights dimensions of foreign policy. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW and ENG-110 FILA general Education: global dynamics and ethical reasoning
PSCI-370 Issues in Global Politics
Major themes, questions, problems and events in global politics as chosen by the instructor. Students will engage in written and public discourse concerning topics that are global in scope and important to understanding politics in the twenty-first century. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW FILA general education: global dynamics
PSCI-375 United States and the World
Examination of major foreign policy issues facing the United States and consideration of policy options available. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW FILA general education: global dynamics
PSCI-420W International Law & Organization
Explores the nature of international law and its similarities and differences with domestic law. Examines the institutions, rules, and organizations that provide the context for global interactions in an increasingly globalizing world. Case studies include issues such as human rights, the International Criminal Court, the World Trade Organization and the World Bank, and International Monetary Fund. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW and ENG-110 FILA general education: writing intensive Offered alternate years
PSCI-430 The International Arms Trade
The international arms trade is a long-time instrument of foreign policy. States have used conventional arms to influence the policies of other governments, sway the course of foreign wars, and boost their own military and economic security. Access to weapons, however, also contributes to repression, human rights violations, the onset of armed conflict and regional instability, and depresses economic development. The course will examine these complexities and trace normative instruments that have been created to control the arms trade. Students will grapple with the interplay of norms, institutions, and state interest. In addition, the course will emphasize qualitative social science research skills, and will be geared toward helping students find research questions, design research, and locate and evaluate evidence. Prerequisite: PSCI-230 Offered alternate years
PSCI-440W Global Political Economy
Political implications of global economic relations, including such topics as the politics of trade, monetary relations, financial crises, development, global systems of production and consumption and multinational corporations. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW and ENG-110 FILA general education: global dynamics and writing intensive Offered alternate years
PSCI-480X Internship
Credits: 3 Term Offered: All Terms
Provides an opportunity for a student to gain field experience in an area related to the student's program of study or career goals. The learning objectives for internships include connecting academic knowledge and problem-solving processes to experiences and problems in professional settings. Supervision of an intern is provided by an appropriate faculty member and by a site supervisor of the agency or business in which the student is an intern. A student who wishes to engage in an internship must consult with the appropriate faculty member at least eight weeks in advance of the start of the term in which the internship is to be completed. A description of the internship, signed by the student and the faculty sponsor, must be filed with the director of internships by the first day of the semester prior to the start of the internship. Approval of each application for an internship is made by the director of internships based upon approved policies and guidelines. Internships are graded on an S or U basis. Students must complete 120 hours of internship-related work as well as weekly journal entries and a final reflective paper completed in accordance with approved requirements. A student may enroll in an internship program for 3 credits per semester, and internship credit may be earned in subsequent semesters subject to the limitations that no more than two internships may be pursued in any one agency or business and a maximum of 9 credits in internships may be applied toward graduation. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW, junior or senior standing, and a minimum 2.0 grade point average FILA general education: experiential learning
SOC-314 World Justice Systems
Comparative study of justice systems derived from major legal traditions. The development and application of these systems is examined, with an emphasis on historical trends and social forces that shape them. Comparative themes include the role of political power, public perceptions, systems of morality, constructions of guilt, and corrections philosophies. Prerequisite: SOC-101 Offered alternate years
SOC-361 Development and Underdevelopment in the Modern World
Dilemmas, tensions, and theoretical and policy issues related to the position of Third World countries in the modern world. Questions of urbanization, industrialization, modernization, westernization, and distribution of economic resources are discussed. Various theories of development and underdevelopment are critically examined. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW and SOC-101 FILA general education: global dynamics
Comparative and Regional Studies
FREN-300 From Indochine to Vietnam, Cultural Reps
Study of French and American Films and fiction to explore competing narratives and representations that have shaped perceptions of Viet nam in France and the United States. Special attention given to literature, cinema, and art by overseas Vietnamese in France and in the Unuited States. Readings and documentaries provide historical background and critical orientation to discuss how art reflects and influences society. Taught in English. Credit available for French majors and minors upon completion of a French language component. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350 FILA general education: global dynamics
FREN-325 Art of Conversation
Reinforces more advanced syntactical structures of the language. Further develops these and vocabulary through expository, persuasive, argumentative and debate style speaking. Prerequisite: FREN-202 or permission of instructor
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HIST-385 Topics in French History
Covers key topics in the modern history of France since 1871. Survey of the modern period of French history through the lens of a special topic. Topics may include France at war in the 20th century, French intellectuals and the world, multicultural France, or social transformation in modern France. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW FILA general education: world cultures
HIST-321 Europe Since 1789
Surveys developments in European history from the French Revolution to the present day. Major topics include the French Revolution and Napoleonic Europe, industrialization, the rise of new ideologies and systems of thought, the new Imperialism, the World Wars and the Holocaust, rise and fall of communism, and the place of Europe in the world in the early 21st century. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW FILA general education: world cultures Offered alternate years
HIST-325 Modern Britain Since 1688
Examines political, economic, and culture trends in British history from the "Glorious Revolution" of 1688 to the present day. Modern Britain stands as one of the cornerstones of the contemporary world, and its politics and culture influenced global society in countless way, ranging from soccer to modern environmentalism to constitutional law. The course focuses on several major themes, including the role of religion, finance, and industry, the royal family, sport, and, most important of all, "social class," in building British society. Students will acquire a basic understanding of the major driving forces of modern British history and the ways that they compare and interrelate with Europe, the United State, and the world. Prerequisites: FILA 150 or FILA 350EW FILA general education: world cultures Offered alternate years
HIST-335 Women's History in Asia
Explores women's histories in Asia. Stresses the construction of gender norms and their evolution over time and encourages comparison of women's lives and experiences across various cultural contexts in Asia. Topics include women's political rights and participation, women's education and literacy, women's sexuality and reproduction, and women's work. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW FILA general education: global dynamics Alternate years: offered 2021-2022
HIST-345 Crusades and Terrorism
Analyzes the connection between the medieval crusading movement and modern Middle Eastern terrorism by analyzing the historical context for claims used to justify violent Islamic extremism. Students work to build a balanced historical perspective and engage their social responsibility to present reasoned opinions in the public discourse over modern terrorism. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW FILA general education: global dynamics Offered alternate years
HIST-350 Afghanistan, Central Asia, and the Great Powers
Examines the history of western intervention, imperialism, and "nation building" in Central Asia and Afghanistan from the initial periods of Russian and British expansion into the region in the early eighteenth century to the American and NATO intervention in Afghanistan in the twenty-first century. Major themes include cultural and political interaction between local societies and the British, Russians, Soviets and Americans. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW FILA general education: world cultures Offered alternate years
HIST-360 Modern Africa
Surveys the history of Modern Africa from the era of the trans-Atlantic slave trade to the present and places special emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa. It approaches the history of the continent through consideration of the nature and impact of European intrusion into African societies and African responses to European imperialism. Moreover, the course examines how independent African nations have addressed the legacies of their history and the challenges independence has posed for African nations. Special topics include Apartheid, the struggle against segregation, African women, feminism, development, and the difficulty in creating viable democracies and stable economies in the late twentieth-century. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW FILA general education: world cultures
HIST-390 War and Peace Across the Pacific
Examines key events in the relations among Japan, China, and the United States since the mid-19th century, exploring not only diplomatic and political but also cultural relations among the three societies. Topics include migration, WWI, internationalism of the 1920s, WWII, Chinese Civil War, and Cold War. By exploring Asian and American experiences of these key events from international and transnational perspectives, nationalistic narratives that are prevalent in all societies will be challenged. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW FILA general education: world cultures
HIST-410 Modern India & Pakistan Since 1700
Examines the history of India and Pakistan from the beginning of British rule in the early 1700s to the present. A region of the world that is by the day becoming more important to the Unites States and the West, this class explores the major issues of modern South Asian history, including the rise of British dominion, the Indian revolt of 1857-58, the escalation of religious communalism, growth of nationalism, India's partition and independence, and the current nuclear standoff between India and Pakistan by focusing on the complex interplay between nationalism, imperialism, and the three major religions of the region - Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism - over the last 300 years. Offered alternate years
HIST-415 History of China Since 1600
A survey of the history of China since around 1600. While chronologically surveying political, economic, social, and cultural changes that took place in Ming and Qing China, Republic of China, and the People's Republic of China, the course explores key themes including revolutions, projects of building a modern nation-state, wars, gender, and family. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW Alternate years: offered 2021-2022
HIST-420 Modern Germany and Its Empires
This course is a survey and examination of modern German history and its empires from 1871 until the present. Explores major issues and broader dynamics tied to Imperial Germany, Weimar Germany, Nazi Germany, and a divided post-WWII Germany as well as current conversations. Discusses more specific dynamics including the German colonial empire, WWI, WWII and the Holocaust, and the East German dictatorship. Offered alternate years
HIST-425 History of Japan Since 1600
Examines the history of Japan in the early modern and modern times. While chronologically surveying political, economic, social, and cultural changes, the course explores key themes including projects of building a modern nation-state and empire and of rebuilding the society after World War II, and the roles played by gender, family, and nationalism in those projects. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW
PSCI-310 Latin American Politics
Comparative analysis of contemporary Latin American politics and governments. Considers political and economic themes, noting especially the challenges of democracy, development and inequality. Examines the region's relationship with the rest of the world, including the United States. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW and PSCI-240, or permission of instructor FILA general education: world cultures
REL-340 Religions of the Near East
Major living religions of the Near East stressing a sympathetic understanding of the illumination, which is provided the adherents of each for daily living, as well as some of the cultural expressions of each in those societies where they flourish. Religions studied include Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW and ENG-110 FILA general education: world cultures Offered alternate years
REL-350 Religions of the Far East
Major living religions of the Far East stressing a sympathetic understanding of the illumination, which is provided the adherents of each for daily living, as well as some of the cultural expressions of each in those societies where they flourish. Religions studied include Hinduism, Buddhism, and native Chinese religion. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW and ENG-110 FILA general education: world cultures Offered alternate years
SOC-363 Cultures of Japan
An historical and cultural study of Japan, with particular attention to religion, government, and the arts. Consideration is given to daily life in Japan and current problems and changes. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW and SOC-101 FILA general education: world cultures
SOC-365 Cultures of Africa
The racial, social, and cultural history of Africa in ancient and modern times. Attention is given to the impact of urbanization and to African responses to Western values and institutions as carried to the continent by the Colonial powers. Contemporary political and socioeconomic trends and problems. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW and SOC-101 FILA general education: world cultures
SPAN-300 Latin American Cultures Through Film
Provides students with a general understanding of the history, politics, socioeconomic make-up, and the vast array of cultural forms of Latin America through a historical overview of the region enhanced by film analysis. Course fee will be used to cover the cost of visits to local restaurants in the Shenandoah Valley and a day trip to Washington D.C., where students will visit the Organization of American States and tour Hispanic exhibits at the Smithsonian. Students completing the course for credit in a Spanish major, minor, or concentration will complete special assignments in the target language. Course will be taught in English. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW FILA general education: world cultures
SPAN-340 Spanish Culture and Civilization
The historical development of Spain, including consideration of geography, as well as political, social, economic, intellectual, and artistic factors. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisites: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW, and SPAN-202 or permission of instructor FILA general education: world culture
SPAN-345 Latin American Culture and Civilization
The historical development of Spanish-speaking and Latin America including consideration of geography as well as political, social, economic, intellectual, and artistic factors. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisite: FILA-150 or FILA-350EW, and SPAN-202 or permission of instructor FILA general education: world cultures
Students may take one Internship (PSCI-480X) toward the requirements for the major and apply the credits to either global processes or comparative and regional studies.
One international travel course (such as ART-307X) or cultural exploration course (such as COMM-333X, ENG-240, FCS-250, FREN-305X, SOC-363 or SOC-365, or SPAN-306 or SPAN-308X) may be used toward the comparative and regional studies requirement.
Students may substitute SOC-322 for PSCI-250.
Students may not double major in political science and global studies. Political science majors may minor in global studies, but the 15 credits from non-core areas must be taken in disciplines other than political science.
Students pursuing a global studies major are strongly encouraged to study abroad, to explore a minor relevant to their area of interest (world languages and cultures, economics, business, philosophy and religion, etc.), and to participate in an internship. Relevant internships through PSCI-480 earn credit toward the major.