Degree Information

Approved Thematic Concentrations

This theme examines the role that art and culture—in all their conceivable manifestations—play in the human experience. Students are encouraged to explore the various ways in which art is used in different cultural environments as a form of human expression and/or communication; how are arts and cultural expression—be it musical, cinematic, literary, dance, visual, or otherwise—conceived of in different societies around the world? Students choosing this thematic may wish to explore if and/or how art serves to bridge spatial and temporal chasms between societies as it migrates with diasporic populations and evolves.

Environment and Sustainability (ENSU)

This thematic concentration calls on students to examine key aspects of the environment as a quintessential transregional/global issue. Students will explore issues such as climate change (replete with its Global North/South inequities), population growth, resource depletion and the sustainability of the planet under the prevailing socio-economic system, which defines 21st-century global relations.

Global Markets and Governance (GMGV)

This theme broadly examines the role of international institutions and as intergovernmental bodies that serve to regulate efforts toward global, regional, or transregional governance. This theme, then, leans heavily toward organizations such as the United Nations, ASEAN, African Union, European Union. Alternatively, students may opt to focus on intergovernmental institutions that focus on economic, trade or financial markets., or economic entities such as the World Trade Organization, the World Bank or the World Economic Forum. This theme allows students to explore evolving trends in intergovernmental judicial, social or cultural integration, or economic changes such as the emergence of digital, or cryptocurrencies.

Conflict, Peace, and Diplomacy (CPDY)

CPAD represents an opportunity for students to explore a broad range of topics related to intra- and international conflict, including the changing nature of both war and peace as well as the evolving diplomatic methods for war/conflict-avoidance and peace maintenance. Students may, for example, examine peace from the perspective of the United Nations’ peacekeeping mandate or the growing role of regional organizations, to oversee peace-making and -keeping duties. CPAD students are encouraged to consider the roots of conflict as it is defined by violence, in its multiplicity of forms.

Rituals, Identities, and Belief (RBIF)

This theme approaches the concept of religion from an interdisciplinary perspective, encouraging students to broaden their personal conception of the term rituals—be they religious ceremonies, trade transactions, or more mundane daily hygiene routines—in order to better understand these dynamic

processes, which help to shape and define human identities and cultures.

Approved Area Studies Concentration

Please make sure you make an appointment with Steve Bishop and/or Kate Merrill or Sarah Volden to make sure you are taking the correct courses!