International and Global Studies (IGS)

IGS 1301. Introduction to International and Global Studies. 3 Semester Hours.

The first of a two-seminar series, to be taken during a student’s first fall semester as a major. This course will teach students how to best utilize the IGS multidisciplinary degree program. Students will be introduced to the program’s respective stakeholder disciplines (Anthropology, Economics, History, Foreign Languages, International Business, and Political Science) and will be introduced to research methodologies in each stakeholder discipline. Students will conduct preliminary research on a global or international topic of their choice and will present their findings at the end of the course. This course must be taken at St. Mary’s University, and it is a pre-requisite for IGS 5399.

IGS 2301. Political Geography. 3 Semester Hours.

This course is an introduction to political geography. It focuses on where the political and spatial converge, illuminating the complex relationship between geography and power on a variety of scales—from local to global. In this course we will explore the theories and methods of political geography to better understand the physical and ideological characteristics of the State and to analyze important historical and modern political phenomena such as territory, nationalism, imperialism, war, terrorism, migration, environmentalism, laws of the sea, and economic development. In addition, the ideas, methods, and perspectives imbibed from the readings and lectures will be used to study contemporary geopolitical issues in select States and regions around the world. At the conclusion of this course, it is expected that students will have developed a greater awareness of the dynamic linkages between geography, international relations, and global affairs; a sound grasp of many key terms, debates, and methodologies that permeate this broad academic field; and the ability to make sense of past and current local and world events through the fascinating lens of political geography.

IGS 2302. Intercultural Engagement in Global Affairs. 3 Semester Hours.

Intercultural engagement promotes honest, authentic, and constructive encounters with people from different cultural backgrounds (languages, traditions, stories, etc.), memories, and experiences, with a goal to develop healthier models of community and coexistence. This course introduces students to many facets of intercultural engagement as they relate to the broad field of global affairs. Through collaborative learning, lectures, readings, and potential field work, students will explore and apply some of the key components of intercultural engagement. Categories of application include peacebuilding initiatives in post-conflict societies, interfaith encounters at inter- and intra-state levels, human rights language and law, and geopolitics/foreign policy. This course also introduces students to techniques and skills helpful for developing and practicing meaningful intercultural communication.

IGS 3351. World Religions. 3 Semester Hours.

A study of the major world religions, their belief systems and their impact on social, economic, political and cultural development. Emphasis will be placed on Christianity (Western and Eastern), Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and primal religions. (Formerly IR3351).

IGS 4301. Special Topics in International and Global Studies. 3 Semester Hours.

Perspectives on cultural aspects of International and Global studies; area studies; or special topics in International and Global studies. May be taken twice with a different topic. The specific topic will be recorded on the transcript. (Formerly IR4301).

IGS 5198. Directed Reading & Research. 1 Semester Hour.

Special studies designed for selected undergraduate students with permission of instructor and chairperson. Prerequisite: senior standing. (Formerly IR5198).

IGS 5298. Directed Reading & Research. 2 Semester Hours.

Special studies designed for selected undergraduate students with permission of instructor and chairperson. Prerequisite: Senior standing. (Formerly IR5298).

IGS 5301. International and Global Studies Internship. 3 Semester Hours.

Experience-based learning in an applied setting with a government or private agency involved substantially in global or international affairs.

IGS 5398. Directed Readings & Research. 3 Semester Hours.

Special studies designed for selected undergraduate students with permission of instructor and chairperson. Prerequisite: Senior standing. (Formerly IR5398).

IGS 5399. Research Seminar in International and Global Studies. 3 Semester Hours.

The second of a two-seminar series, to be taken during a major’s junior or senior year. Students will demonstrate an ability to conduct basic research or applied research within one or more stakeholder disciplines of the IGS major (Anthropology, Economics, History, Foreign Languages, History, International Business, and/or Political Science). This research project will have a modern global or international focus, and its findings will be submitted in written form and orally presented. Pre-requisite: IGS 1301, unless exempted by the IGS Program director.

IGS 5601. International and Global Studies Internship. 6 Semester Hours.

Experience-based learning in an applied setting with a government or private agency involved substantially in global or international affairs. (Formerly IR5601).