International Studies (INTLS.BA)

This course examines cultural change and cultural regionalism, concepts and models of spatial interaction, and spatial behavior including geographical patterns of languages, religion, ethnic groups, folk and popular culture, and population geographical distribution of economic, urban and political organizations.

This course offers a survey of the history of human societies around the globe. Because of the nature of historical evidence, we will focus on urban cultures with developed writing systems, extensive trade networks, and complex social hierarchies, although we will also pay some attention to other kinds of societies that have flourished. Along with an overview of major historical developments and turning points, we will compare shared features and the most important differences among them in their relationship to the environment, technologies, political organization, religious values, social life for men and women, and dominant systems of ideas, in an effort to understand both the roles of these large-scale structures and the roles of individuals within those structures on the course of historical change over time. As a result, students will gain an appreciation for the diverse foundations of modern human society, and moreover will develop the ability to think critically about historical evidence.

This is the first of a two-course sequence covering research methods and statistics in the behavioral and social sciences. This first section covers primary statistical and research methods, how and when statistics are used, and also helps the student to better understand and evaluate research studies.

An introduction to international politics and the challenges that face the global community including a brief overview of the major subfields of International Political Economy, International Organizations and International Law.

A comparison of differing forms of government in the international community with a look at the science of comparative politics. Recommended: POLS-255.

A course that seeks to provide students the opportunity to integrate the concepts and theories of political science with Christian theology. Students will be challenged to confront and resolve key issues they will face as they seek to live out their biblical faith in their profession and in their civic and personal lives.

Prerequisites

THEO-231 or permission of instructor.

This course facilitates a comparative study in the ethics of the three Abrahamic monotheisms - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.  It surveys the theological and ethical stands of the three religions regarding relevant socio-political issues in light of their sacred texts, distinct traditions, prominent thinkers, and faith-practices.

Prerequisites

THEO-231

A study of the history and teachings of the major non-Christian religions of the world with an attempt to relate them to their cultural backgrounds.