Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Minor in International Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in international studies (BAIS) is an interdisciplinary program that offers students a chance to explore the interrelations among nations and peoples and to study world affairs from a variety of perspectives. The BAIS major and minor center on studies in foreign languages, geography, history, and political science. Students have considerable flexibility to structure their academic programs to meet their particular needs and interests or to focus in a variety of geographical or topical fields.

Website: http://web.odu.edu/al/artsandletters/bais/index.html

Minor in Latin American Studies

The minor in Latin American Studies will focus on the study of several aspects of Latin American culture, language, politics, geography and history. Students may declare a minor in Latin American Studies upon successful ompletion of SPAN 311U, 312U or the equivalent. (Proficiency in Portuguese will also be accepted.) An additional 12 credit hours must be taken from three of the following program areas: Political Science, Spanish, History, and Geography. Credits can also be earned by studying abroad in Latin America. The student's course of study will be determined in consultation with an advisor from the Foreign Languages and Literatures Department.

Minor in Japanese Studies

The minor in Japanese Studies will focus on the study of several aspects of Japanese culture, language, politics, geography and history. Students may declare a minor in Japanese Studies upon successful completion of JAPN 311 and JAPN 312 or the equivalent. An additional six credit hours must be taken from two different programs in the following areas: Japanese, Political Science, History, and Philosophy. Credits can also be earned by study abroad in Japan. The student's course of study will be determined in consultation with an advisor from the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures.

Minor in American Studies

American studies offers a unique opportunity to explore the culture and society of the United States from a perspective that is inherently interdisciplinary. A minor in American studies provides a structured program to encourage students to cross traditional academic boundaries and to integrate the arts, humanities, and social sciences. The minor in American studies is an effective program complement for those majoring in the related fields of art, music, dance and theatre; communication, English, and foreign languages; history, geography, and political science; philosophy; anthropology, sociology, and criminal justice; as well as interdisciplinary majors in women's studies, ethnic studies, and international studies. The minor is also effective for international students, who may wish either to better understand American culture or to acquire an expertise useful in their home countries.

Minor in European Studies

The minor in European Studies will focus on different aspects of European culture, language, politics, geography, philosophy, and history. Students may declare a minor in European Studies upon successful completion of French, German, or Spanish 311U or 312U or the equivalent.

Minor in African American Studies

The minor in African American studies is administered by the Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity. Students who wish to qualify for the program must submit a minor declaration form to the African American studies program office. A variety of African American studies courses are offered through number of departments and programs in the University. Interdisciplinary in nature, the African American Studies minor provides an opportunity for students to investigate the history and culture of people of African descent as well as the current political, social, and economic interaction among all members of society. The minor in African American studies is a 15 credit-hour program.

Minor in Asian Studies

The minor is administered by the Institute of Asian Studies. Students who wish to qualify for the minor in Asian studies must file an approved minor program declaration with the director of the Institute of Asian Studies and complete a total of 15 credit hours, of which at least 12 credits must be taken at the 300-400 level, including ASIA 460. No more than two courses may be taken from any one discipline. For completion of the minor, a student must have a minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 2.00 in all courses taken toward the minor and complete a minimum of six hours in upper-level courses inthe minor requirement through courses offered by Old Dominion University. In addition to the Asian studies core and Asian studies topics courses, courses with significant Asian content are offered regularly in the following disciplines: business anagement/marketing, foreign languages, geography, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, and sociology. Still others are offered from time to time in anthropology, art, economics, English, ethnic studies, women's studies, and other departments. Students are encouraged to include study abroad in Asia as part of their program.

Minor in Jewish Studies

The Jewish studies program coordinates lectures, symposia, reading groups, and courses related to the study of Jewish society, history, and literature, as well as the cross-cultural dimensions of Jewish experience from its ancient Near Eastern origins to the present day. Hampton Roads is the home for an energetic and diverse Jewish community, and the Jewish studies program seeks to foster a deeper appreciation for the rich array of cultural programming already provided by local agencies and universities. The web site http://www.odu.edu/al/jewishstudies/ provides bibliographies, transcripts of invited lectures, and other online resources for those unable to attend regularly scheduled events.

Minor in Middle Eastern Studies

The minor in Middle Eastern studies focuses upon the study of several aspects of Middle Eastern culture, language, politics, geography and history. The minor consists of 15 hours of course work. Students can elect Track I which would include three hours of 202-level Arabic, French or any other language used in research in the region. Languages such as Hebrew, Farsi and Turkish could meet this requirement upon the taking of a proficiency examination. Students can also choose Track II, which is a non-language option.

Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity

In support of the mission of Old Dominion University to place special emphasis upon understanding the perspectives of women, minorities and non-Western cultures, the Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity (ISRE) seeks to develop, promote and implement academic, research and public service programs that focus on the study of race and ethnicity in the region, the nation, and throughout the African and Asian diasporas. The political, social, economic, and cultural experiences of African Americans, Filipino Americans and other communities of color are emphasized in the work of the institute. ISRE seeks to establish itself as a major archive and research center in Virginia and the southeastern region of the United States by providing archival resources through the ISREResource Center (317 Batten Arts and Letters Building) and engaging in the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data and research focusing on the experiences of African Americans, Filipino Americans and other racial and ethnic groups.

Institute of Asian Studies

Old Dominion University seeks to promote an expanded awareness and understanding of the nations and cultures of Asia, to support and encourage research on Asia, and to make available resources to enable better understanding and more effective interaction between organizations and individuals in the Hampton Roads area and those in Asia. To achieve these goals, the Institute of Asian Studies initiates and coordinates the operation of special programs and administers a minor in Asian studies. It also maintains cooperative relationships with higher education institutions and other organizations within the United States and throughout Asia. The institute director works closely with the Office of International Programs regarding scholarships and study abroad programs and opportunities.