International Studies

Course No: LST 302
Course Title: Methods of Inquiry in the Humanities
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)

Catalog Description

An in-depth exploration of humanities-based research methods, this course prepares humanities majors for Senior Thesis I and II. The course addresses contemporary modes of inquiry, including the role that race, class, gender, and nation play in interpretation and analysis. Other methods examined include: textual analysis, phenomenology, archival historical research, oral history, and ethnography. The process of discovering a senior thesis topic, writing a literature review, and selecting methodologies are integral to the class.

Course No: LST 315
Course Title: Intercultural Communication
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)

Catalog Description

This course is an exploration of the interdisciplinary field of intercultural communication. Emphasis is on increasing communicative competencies in cross-cultural settings. Drawing from the fields of anthropology, communication, linguistics, psychology, and sociology, this course is designed for students who wish to gain the practical skills necessary to communicate effectively in today’s interdependent international community. Satisfies World Cultures General Education requirement.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this course a student will:

1. Value and appreciate cultural diversity.

2. Develop lingua-cultural awareness and flexibility.

3. Develop skills to work and study within culturally diverse contexts.

4. Apply the theories of intercultural communication to daily encounters.

5. Identify the challenges and barriers to effective intercultural communication.

6. Communicate effectively with those from different cultural backgrounds.

Course No: IST 325
Course Title: World Geography
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)

Catalog Description

A comprehensive study of regional world geography. The focus is on both physiographic characteristics of each region as well as their human culture traits such as population, economics, language, religion, and urban space. Emphasis is placed on the interaction between the culture and environment of various regions.

Course No: LST 489
Course Title: Senior Thesis I
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)

Catalog Description

Senior Thesis I is the first phase of a two-semester thesis sequence through which students lay the groundwork in an area of interest for the original work they are expected to undertake in Senior Thesis II.  Students refine their topics, review and synthesize literature related to their areas of focus, conduct research, and develop research proposals or plans for creative projects.  The final course outcomes consist of both a literature review and a Senior Thesis II project proposal.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Identify focused and manageable topics.

2. Synthesize in-depth information from relevant sources representing various points of view and approaches.

3. Develop research proposals or plans for creative projects.

4. Organize and synthesize information and evidence to reveal insightful patterns, differences, and similarities related to the topic’s focus.

5. Write comprehensive papers that incorporate a literature review, the research proposal or plan to be implemented in Thesis II, and other discipline-specific criteria.

Course No: LST 490
Course Title: Senior Thesis II
Credits: 3 US (6 ECTS)

Catalog Description

Developing the concept explored in Senior Thesis I, students will investigate a topic related to international studies, in which they have a particular interest. The outcomes of the project are a scholarly paper and presentation.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Undertake scholarly inquiry within his/her area of concentration, including

a) the delimitation of an appropriate topic related to a problem or issue confronting professionals in the field;

b) a thorough review of primary and secondary research related to the problem; 

c) synthesis of the research findings into a researchable question and/or hypothesis;

d) engaging in scholarly inquiry into the question based upon the review of the literature, using accepted social science methodology and/or a grounded critical analysis.

2. Write up their findings following conventions established for academic writing in the University, including

a) clearly organized content that reflects coherent and logical development of ideas with concrete and relevant supporting evidence for generalizations and conclusions;

b) substance as measured in length of paper of not less than 25 pages, at least ten of which will be devoted to a comprehensive literature review, five to a presentation of the problem and research methods, with the remainder devoted to a presentation of the findings with a conclusion.  Depending on the subject matter, the conclusion may present an analysis of findings, and a discussion of options for social action and/ or further areas of inquiry;

c) APA format and style that is consistent with guidelines for written term papers and research reports;

d) grammar and syntax such that sentence structure and paragraph development clearly convey the development of ideas and the paper is free of mechanical errors such as weakness in spelling, misuse of pronoun references or faulty punctuation. 

3. Effectively present and defend findings and recommendation(s) orally to an audience of peers, faculty and professionals in the field, which includes

a) a professional, rehearsed rhetorical presentation in a formal setting of approximately ten minutes duration; and

b) effective use of digital and/or other audio/visual supports as necessary. 

4. Provide additional original supplemental materials necessary to support the thesis or arguments made in the final paper.  These materials will be agreed upon in advance with the instructor and may include assessments, audio-visual presentations, instructional manuals or other forms of documentation.