Jul 04, 2025  
Xavier University Catalog 2021-2022 
    
Xavier University Catalog 2021-2022 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

International Studies, B.A. with a concentration in Latin America


Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Studies


Fields of Concentration: Europe, International Business, Latin America, or Post-Colonial Studies


International Studies is an interdisciplinary program that is inspired by Xavier’s Jesuit tradition to prepare men and women for others as informed, ethically aware citizens who can thrive in today’s global society. By majoring in international studies, you will:

  • Learn to assess international developments, trends, dilemmas and policy issues.
  • Develop critical thinking skills and tools necessary for successful engagement with an increasingly interconnected world.
  • Engage in interdisciplinary study in language, history, political science and economics to shape an informed and comprehensive world view.

Majors choose one of the following concentrations:

Europe, International Business, Latin America, or Post-Colonial Studies.

International studies majors take a variety of courses from many disciplines, including:

  • Language courses that emphasize culture, history and literature
  • Political science courses in comparative politics and international relations
  • History courses that provide in-depth analysis of an area of the world
  • Microeconomics and macroeconomics

Study abroad or an internship in an international business or non-governmental organization is a required component in the program. Students are encouraged to study abroad through one of Xavier’s many programs. They may also participate in Xavier’s academic service learning semesters.

Requirements for the International Studies Major


Requirments in the Core Curriculum:


Undergraduate Core Curriculum  , including:

History

  • Historical Perspectives in the area of concentration (Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America). Students with a concentration in International Business may take any course in any area.

Language:

  • For Spanish, French, or German - Intermediate Proficiency, plus 6 hours of 300-320.
  • For other modern language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Italian, and Japanese: Intermediate Proficiency plus 6 hours when available either at Xavier or another institution, such as the University of Cincinnati.
Study Abroad:

  • Required. Students may study in the country of their choice. Students may choose short Xavier faculty-led summer programs or full semester programs.

Required Courses for All Concentrations


18 credit hours, as follows

3 hours from a choice of either:

3 hours from study abroad:

  • You may study in the country of your choice. A minimum of three credit hours must be taken

15 hours of courses in a chosen concentration:


Latin America:


  • ECON 341 - Economics of Developing Countries
  • HIST 340 -History of Mexico
  • HIST 344 -Contemporary Latin America
  • HIST 345 - History of Central America
  • HIST 429 - Latin American and the U.S.
  • SPAN 205 - Hispanic Literature and Moral Imagination
  • SPAN 351 - Latin American Civilization I
  • SPAN 352 - Latin American Civilization II
  • SPAN 353 -Intro. to Latin American Studies
  • SPAN 427 - Spanish American Literature and Civilization I
  • SPAN 428 - Spanish American Literature and Civilization II
  • SPAN 429 - Spanish American Literature and Civilization III
  • SPAN 440 - Hispanic Poetry
  • SPAN - Literature and Civilization Classes related to Latin America
  • SPAN 446 - Identity and Nationality in Caribbean Literature
  • THEO 306 - Liberation Issues and Theology
  • UNST 300 - Service Learning:Nicaragua

Note(s):


  •  A 2.000 cumulative average must be attained in these required and concentration courses.
  • Concentration courses must come from two or more disciplines; no more than three courses in Modern Languages and English combined or three courses from History may count toward the Concentration.

Additional Major Requirements:


 6 credit hours, as follows:

  • Advanced competency in at least one foreign language, as well as an academic study abroad experience or an international internship.
  • Additional language courses required beyond the intermediate proficiency of the 202-level in French, German or Spanish (300-320) (Refer to Course Descriptions ) is one way to meet this requirement.
  • For other languages, a cultural immersion of at least 6 hours is required with approval of Director.

TOTAL Minimum Hours Required for Degree: 120 Semester Hours


B.A. International Studies


This block serves as a guideline for progress toward a degree. See your academic advisor.

Field of Concentration — Latin America


 

Freshman Year


 

First Semester

  • ENGL 101 - English Composition or ENGL 115 - Rhetoric
  • PHIL 100 - Ethics as Intro to Philosophy
  • POLI 120 - Comparative Govt and Politics
  • Spanish Language
  • First Year Seminar

Total (15)

Second Semester

  • POLI 277 - International Relations
  • THEO 111 - Theological Foundations
  • Mathematical Perspectives
  • Spanish Language
  • Lit. & Moral Imagination

Total (15)

Sophomore Year


 

First Semester

  • ECON 200 - Microeconomic Principles
  • Spanish Language
  • Scientific Perspectives
  • Concentration Elective #1
  • POLI 374 - U.S. Foreign Policy

Total (15)

Second Semester

  • ECON 201 - Macroeconomic Principles
  • POLI 372 - International Political Econom
  • Quantitative Elective
  • Spanish Language
  • Historical Perspectives (Latin America)

Total (15)

Junior Year


  • Study Abroad recommended Junior Year
First Semester

  • Concentration Elective #2
  • Spanish Language
  • Natural Sciences + Lab
  • Philosophic Perspectives 
  • Free Elective
Second Semester

  • Concentration Elective #2
  • Spanish Language
  • Theological Perspectives
  • Free Electives (6 hours)

Senior Year


 

First Semester

  • International Seminar (POLI 390 or Hist.)
  • Concentration Elective #4
  • Free Electives (9 hours)
Second Semester

  • Concentration Elective #5
  • Creative Perspectives
  • Free Electives (9 hours)

Scheduling Notes:


  • Consult the “Undergraduate Core Curriculum ” requirements of the Catalog.
  • The E/RS Focus Elective requirement may be used to satisfy another element of the core or the major.
  • Diversity Curriculum Elective may be used to satisfy other elements of the core or major.