Bachelor of Arts in International Studies major in American Studies (AB-ISA)

AB-ISA Curriculum

Program Background

The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies program is an interdisciplinary program that equips students with the foundations of international relations and global society, the theoretical and practical knowledge from country, region, or area studies, and a cosmopolitan mindset that engages with diverse cultures and perspectives to cultivate an awareness of contemporary global issues and innovations and to proficiently navigate and meaningfully contribute to the globalized world.

Majoring in the American Studies Program (AB-ISA) will provide students with a deep and critical understanding of the United States as a global actor, politically, economically, historically, and culturally. The program offers courses that explore the historical evolution of American society, its government institutions, economic systems and business practices, foreign policy, literature, and popular culture, among others. The program also covers the United States’ dynamic social topics, such as race, gender, class, and immigration, that continue to influence American state formation and global politics. Apart from these topics encompassing the program’s specialized courses, students will also undertake rigorous research training courses and a practicum program to reinforce their academic, analytical, and practical skills.

Graduates of the program are well-prepared to pursue careers in international relations, public policy, media and cultural studies, diplomacy, civil service, and development work, among others, or continue through graduate education (MA and PhD) in global, regional, or area-focused fields related to the discipline of International Relations.

Program Learning Objectives

1. Demonstrate big picture thinking in analyzing global phenomena that shape the interactions and dynamics of global actors and institutions
2. Initiate meaningful agendas for inclusivity by generating platforms for diversity, multiculturalism, cosmopolitanism, and empowerment of minorities and marginalized sectors
3. Apply theoretical and practical knowledge from country/region/area studies in solving issues and problems encountered across industries and institutions
4. Exhibit effective communication skills, including written and oral foreign language competencies, to impart perspectives, analyses, and insights from socially relevant and policy-based research and creative works, demonstrating an immersive understanding of foreign cultures and languages
5. Develop a cosmopolitan mindset by engaging with diverse cultures and perspectives to cultivate an awareness of and adapting to contemporary global issues and innovations, to proficiently navigate and meaningfully contribute to the globalized world