A major in Regional Studies provides students with both a global perspective and an in-depth understanding of a geographic region of the world. Our majors develop their expertise in a world region by creating a course of study with the help of an advisor. Students can choose to focus on Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East for their major or earn a certificate in one of these geographic areas.
- Africa: Students will become aware of global disparities and the challenges facing the African continent, including unequal development, environmental degradation, and inequity in access to democratic rights, and how social movements are confronting these challenges.
- Asia: Students will develop a deep understanding of the cultures and politics of East, South, and Southeast Asia and the rapid transformations taking place in the region.
- Europe: Students will gain an understanding of the range of diverse historical, political, economic, and cultural experiences and values that shape European identity and become able to critically evaluate various consequences of Europe's interaction with the rest of the world as well as sources of tensions that are causing political upheavals in Europe.
- Latin America: Students will gain insight into the histories, languages, and diverse societies of Latin America, including indigenous peoples and experiences and, will demonstrate an understanding of how legacies of colonialism, imperialism, and capitalist development have produced Modern Latin America.
- Middle East: Students will draw upon multiple perspectives to analyze the diverse historical, political, economic, linguistic, and cultural experiences and values that exist in the Middle East and understand the legacy of colonialism and imperialism within the region and how it continues to shape conflicts, crises, and social issues.
Learning Outcomes