2008-09 Catalog - Saint Mary's College of California

International Area Studies CurriculumInternational Area StudiesThe international area studies (IAS) major is designed for students preparing for an increasingly global environmentthrough multidisciplinary study of a region of the world. The course of study integrates several academic disciplines,language proficiency, cultural literacy, and residential experience abroad.The major has been created for the independent student. It requires maturity and a sense of adventure and is designedfor those who look forward to living in a larger world. It appeals to those who have an inquiring mind and a desire toexperience a different culture. This is a highly individualized major, aimed both to satisfy students’ interests and to preparethem for positions of responsibility.Students work closely with a faculty advisor throughout the course of their program. Advisors help each student organizethe details of their personalized program.Faculty Advisory BoardJennifer Heung, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Anthropology,Director of International Area Studies.Ron Ahnen, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of PoliticsRavi Bhandari, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of EconomicsCatherine Marachi, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Modern Languages (French)Alvaro Ramirez, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Modern Languages (Spanish)Maria Luisa Ruiz, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Modern Languages (Spanish)Paola Sensi-Isolani, Ph.D., Professor of AnthropologyMajor RequirementsREGION SELECTIONStudents select a region of the world in which they have a particularinterest. Three choices are available: Europe, Latin America, and studentdefinedregion such as Asia/Pacific or Africa that is selected by thestudent with the approval of the director of international area studies.Lower DivisionStudents must complete the following five courses:Anthropology 1: Introduction to Social and Cultural AnthropologyEconomics 3: Principles of Micro-EconomicsEconomics 4: Principles of Macro-EconomicsHistory 2: World HistoryPolitics 1: Introduction to Comparative PoliticsUpper DivisionIAS 100 Cultural Geography and Global SocietiesIAS 196 Independent Study – Senior ThesisStudents must also select four of the suggested courses in the followinginterdisciplinary areas that focus on their chosen region: anthropology,economics, literature and art, history, and politics. Students must see afaculty board member for a list of approved courses.113