Program Overview

International Studies

Navigating the Global Community

Program Overview

The International Studies program at Community College of Philadelphia is designed to cultivate students' ability to succeed and lead with a global outlook. The program provides a strong foundation in global and international studies, preparing students for transfer to baccalaureate programs with an international or global focus.

Program Details

• Program Duration: 2 Years
• Degree Type: Associate in Arts (A.A.)
• Total Credit Hours: 61

About This Program

The International Studies program focuses on developing skills for speaking, listening, reading, and writing in foreign languages, as well as global perspectives on various world cultures, cross-cultural understanding and communication, and critical thinking skills. The program features the option to study abroad, attend on-campus international festivals, view cinema from around the world, and interact with a diverse student body.

Requirements

• Program Entry Requirements: The program is open to all interested students. Students are required to satisfy placement at the time of admission. Students identified as needing developmental coursework must satisfactorily complete the appropriate English and mathematics courses as part of their degree program.
• General Education Requirements: All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form.
• Program of Study and Graduation Requirements: To qualify for the Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree in International Studies, a student must complete a minimum of 61 credit hours as prescribed and attain a grade point average of 2.0 ("C" average).

Graduation with Distinction

Graduating with "Distinction" sets students apart from their peers and may give them the edge they needs for successful transfer to a four-year college or employment in a desired field. Motivated students may graduate with "Distinction" either in International Studies in general, or with a concentration in Latin America, Africa/Middle East, or Asia Studies.

Course Sequence

Semester 1

• ENGL 101 - English Composition I (3 credits)
• FNMT 101 - Quantitative Reasoning or FNMT 118 - Intermediate Algebra (3 credits)
• World Language (3 credits)
• CIS 103 - Introduction to Information Technology (3 credits)
• EASC 111 - Environmental Conservation or EASC 111H - Environmental Conservation (Honors) (3 credits)

Semester 2

• ENGL 102 - The Research Paper or ENGL 102H - The Research Paper (Honors) (3 credits)
• HUM 101 - Cultural Traditions: Ancient to the 13th Century or HUM 101H - Cultural Traditions: Ancient to the 13th Century (Honors) or HUM 102 - Cultural Traditions: 14th Century to the Present or HUM 102H - Cultural Traditions: 14th Century to the Present (Honors) (3 credits)
• ENGL 118 - Intercultural Communication or ENGL 115 - Public Speaking (3 credits)
• World Language (3 credits)
• GLS 101 - Introduction to Global Studies (3 credits)

Semester 3

• GEOG 103 - Introduction to Human Geography or PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology or PSYC 101H - 101H Introduction to Psychology (Honors) or SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology or SOC 101H - Introduction to Sociology (Honors) (3 credits)
• BIOL 106 - General Biology I or CHEM 105 - Inquiry into Chemistry (4 credits)
• World Language* or ART 103 - History of Art: Ancient to Renaissance or ART 103H - History of Art: Ancient to Renaissance (Honors) or ART 104 - History of Art II: Renaissance to Modern or ART 104H - History of Art: Renaissance to Modern (Honors) or MUS 105 - Music of the Baroque and Classical Eras or MUS 106 - Great Romantic Music or MUS 120 - Music of African-Americans or MUS 121 - Modern American Music (3 credits)
• ANTH 112 - Cultural Anthropology (3 credits)
• HIST 121 - World History: The Distant Past or HIST 122 - World History: The Recent Past (3 credits)

Semester 4

• World Language or RS 151 - World Religions (3 credits)
• GLS 102 - Political and Economic Foundations in Global Studies (3 credits)
• HUM 120 - Introduction to Chinese Culture and Civilization or HUM 130 - Introduction to Japanese Culture and Civilization or HUM 150 - Introduction to Latin American Cultures and Civilizations or HUM 170 - Middle East Cultures and Civilizations or HUM 180 - Introduction to African Cultures and Civilizations (3 credits)
• POLS 112 - Introduction to International Relations (3 credits)
• ECON 181 - Principles of Economics- Macroeconomics (3 credits)

Career Outlook

• Median Salary: $89,248
• Number of Jobs in the Region: 21,231
• 10-year Job Outlook in the Region: +10.8%

Featured Career

• Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies, women's studies, or urban affairs.
  • Starting Pay: $46,727
  • Typical Tasks:
    • Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
    • Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
    • Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
    • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as race and ethnic relations, gender studies, and cross-cultural perspectives.
    • Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.