New Major at St. Bonaventure

International Studies put its name on the map this semester at St. Bonaventure, receiving status as one of the university’s undergraduate courses of study. The multidisciplinary major provides opportunities for students interested in global issues and expects to draw heavily from students torn between various disciplines and from those seeking a second major.

International Studies coordinator Dr. Joel Horowitz said initial planning on the new program began nearly two years ago. Committee and Faculty Senate approval at the university took place before the New York State Department of Education was approached. The state’s approval of the curricula took less than one month, according to Horowitz.

“The idea is to be interdisciplinary, to use St. Bonaventure’s resources,” Horowitz said of the new bachelor of arts degree.

International Studies comprises 22 faculty and staff members from the theology, modern languages, political science, philosophy, history, sociology, marketing, management sciences and accounting departments, as well as University Ministries. Horowitz said that the major encourages wide faculty involvement and this should allow the program to expand.

“We work to create a real interdisciplinary focus on separate regions of the world,” Horowitz said.

In addition to the Clare requirements, a math course and electives, the curriculum for the new major consists of five areas of study. Three classes are required in the major: Introduction to International Studies, Global Catholicism and Senior Thesis. Three classes are also to be chosen from a group of foundational courses selected from three categories: World Comparisons, Social Issues or International Business. Each student majoring in International Studies chooses a regional concentration, taking courses on Asia, Latin America, the Middle East or the Transatlantic. A methodology course in a discipline must also be taken. Proficiency in a foreign language is stressed, as well, and incorporated into the requirements.

There are currently three international studies majors this semester.

Horowitz is excited about the future of the program. He believes that students will realize the major’s pertinence and broaden their international knowledge, and in this way prepare for a career in this interconnected world.

“To compete in this world of growing globalization,” he said, “you need to know more about what is beyond our borders and this new major is one good way to do this.”

For more information, visit www.sbu.edu.