There are certain academic disciplines in which knowledge of a specific geographic area would provide a competitive edge. This area studies minor allows students to concentrate in the politics, culture, and economic structure of a specific geographic region. This minor will enable students to apply their academic experience in their major discipline to a geographic region. This allows students to present a broader academic portfolio to potential employers or graduate schools. This Area Studies minor requires 18 semester hours. Additionally, students are encouraged to undertake the study of a language appropriate to this geographic area.

Minor Objectives

Upon successful completion of this minor, the student will be able to:

General Knowledge of Regional Politics and Security

• Investigate the concepts and theories of comparative analysis of different political regimes and economic markets.
• Explain the role of international, regional, and non-governmental organizations in the regional context.
• Compare and contrast the political, economic, social, and military components of national and regional power.
• Articulate the importance of key nations to the strategic interests of the United States.

Economics

• Determine the significant political, economic, security, diplomatic, and social challenges facing a selected region -- individually as separate nations and collectively as a region.
• Describe the economic policies, challenges, and opportunities facing a particular region.

History

• Examine the origins, course, and character of the civilization of a selected area from pre-written history until the present.
• Describe the key historical events that shape the region’s current policies and processes.

Philosophies, Religions, and Popular Culture

• Evaluate the importance of philosophical, cultural, and religious schools of thought underlying development in the selected area of study.
• Identify the role culture plays in the political, cultural, economic, and social policies of a region.
• Analyze the rise and spread of the major philosophies and religions in the selected area of study.
• Describe the impact of the predominant religions in the selected region.
• Analyze the role of literature as an expression of culture and politics of the selected region through a reading of the national literature.

Minor Requirements (18 semester hours)