Interdisciplinary Studies

European Studies Major

Description of the Major. The European studies major is designed to allow students to combine an interest in modern languages with an interdisciplinary exploration of culture and history. Using demonstrated competence in French, German or Spanish as a foundation, students will undertake coursework in the humanities and social sciences in order to develop an understanding of and appreciation for the complexities of a given European (culture/nation/region) and its place on the world stage.

The major will be supervised by faculty drawn from the departments of Art History, French, Economics, German, Spanish, History, and Political Science.

Distinctive Features of the Major. The European studies major is intentionally interdisciplinary. To complete this course of study, students will engage faculty and peers in several departments: modern languages, history, art, anthropology, philosophy, economics, and political science. This major is also attentive to both individual interests and disciplinary concerns. Students are encouraged not only to pursue their unique interest in each of these fields, but to become conscious of the methods and assumptions that differ from discipline to discipline. Finally, the European studies major integrates an off-campus semester into the student’s experience, affording opportunities to hone language skills, take courses within a European educational context, and benefit from immersion in a foreign culture.

Career Choices. Students pursuing a major in European studies develop a range of skills and sensibilities that are valuable assets in the worlds of business, arts, civil service, ministry, and education. Linguistic facility, historical understanding, and cultural sensitivity are invaluable, whether one’s interests lie in the field of international business, mission work, politics, or teaching.

Course Template. Students will complete one semester of 14-16 units in an overseas program determined by their foreign language proficiency and approved by their major advisor in consultation with the off-campus program office. This semester should include at least three courses that would count toward their major.

Requirements for a Major: 46-48 units

Students will select courses appropriate to their geographic area of study in consultation with their academic advisor.

8 units of appropriate foreign language, at least 4 of which must be in literature. This may assume additional prerequisite language study.

8 units of upper division history: two appropriate upper-division history courses from among the following:

Appropriate courses are courses selected in consultation with the student’s academic advisor and relevant for the student’s geographic area of emphasis (Spain, Germany, France).

Ethnic Studies Minor

Description of the Minor. The ethnic studies minor is designed to provide students with the opportunity to study the cultural, historical, political, and social dimensions of a variety of national racial and ethnic groups. The minor is interdisciplinary in nature and draws upon various departments for its course offerings.

Requirements for a Minor: 24 units

Required Courses: 8 units

Electives: 16 units

Gender Studies Minor

Description of the Minor. The gender studies minor is designed to be an interdisciplinary exploration of gender in contemporary and international life. Students will study gender and its importance to politics, culture, history, philosophy, psychology, theology, communication, language and religion.

Requirements for a Minor: 24 units

Required Courses: 24 units

Lower-Division Course Descriptions

IS 16, 17 World Civilization I, II (4,4) A two-semester survey of world civilization from earliest times to the present. (IS 16: Pre-history to 1500; IS 17: 1500-Present) Emphasizes the Western tradition and promotes understanding of non-Western cultures. Stresses the development of the Christian church in history and the role of the past in creating the circumstances of the present. Invites the cultivation of a considered Christian world view.

IS 16H, 17H World Civilization I, II: Honors (4,4) Prerequisite: By invitation only. Accelerated and expanded sections of IS 16 and 17.

Upper-Division Course Descriptions

IS 105 History of Science (4) An overview of the origins, nature and development of Western scientific knowledge and thought from antiquity to the present. Particular attention will be given to how scientists and their discoveries have influenced, and been influenced by, culture, religion, technology and public policy throughout history. (GE - Social Science or Natural Science)

IS 121, 122, 123, 124 European Culture and Society, Past and Present (4,4,4,4) Studies various aspects of European history, thought, arts, society, culture, science, economy and politics while resident in Europe. Special effort is made to understand Europe’s heritage and contemporary society in relation to larger world contexts. Emphasizes thoughtful consideration of Christian and cultural concerns through preparatory readings, lectures, extensive discussion, and essay writing. The courses fulfill respectively the four Common Inquiries requirements: Thinking Globally, Understanding Society, Performing and Interpreting the Arts, and Thinking Historically. At least three of the four courses—to be determined by the faculty team—will be offered during each Europe Semester.

IS 190 San Francisco Urban Program (8) Placements may be in social service agencies, with children, with the aged, in education, business, churches, hospitals, mental health, etc.

IS 195 Seminar in Urban Studies (4) Introduction to various aspects of urban life. Methodology includes seminars, long-term projects, and resource persons. Though San Francisco is the focus for much discussion, experience, and insight, the content of the course is intended to provide a basis for life-significant perspectives.

IS 196 Ethnic and Gender Studies Seminar (4) Prerequisites: Students returning from fall semester Westmont in Mexico program. The seminar course is designed to synthesize the course work of the minor under an interdisciplinary rubric. Main objectives include learning interdisciplinary theoretical perspectives and research methods, further compounding the variables of race and gender with other variables, such as social class and religion, and placing interdisciplinary perspectives and course themes within a Christian context. Students will also learn about the value and practical application of this kind of research within academia and for society.