Nov 21, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Global Affairs BA


How does game theory apply to international relations? Can we use economic policies to solve environmental issues? What are the best ways to influence behavior using social networks? Do social policies affect aging populations around the world? If these are the types of questions you’re interested in, then come find the answers-and much more-as a global affairs major. This program is designed for students who are interested in the intersections among politics, economics, communications and sociology-all on an international scale.

Visit the Global Affairs academic program page for more information about the academic experience, who you will learn from, opportunities outside of class and what you can do with this degree.

Visit the Political Science department page  for contact information, a brief overview of the department and the curricular options.

Admission Criteria


Current UB students seeking admission to the Global Affairs BA will be added to the major upon request by completing the College of Arts and Sciences Major/Minor Change Request Form.

Course Requirements


Two Additional Political Science Electives Courses (6 credits)


Notes


  • Students must complete at least 24 credits at the 300/400 level from among the above major requirements.

Total Credits Required for Major: 36-38


Additional Degree Requirements Include:


  • Additional coursework to fulfill UB Curriculum requirements
  • Elective courses as needed to complete the 120 credit hour total

Total Credits Required for Graduation: 120


Total Credit Hours Required represents the minimum credits needed to complete this program, and may vary based on a number of circumstances. This should not be used for financial aid purposes.

Academic Requirements


Minimum GPA of 2.000 overall and in the major required for graduation.

Curricular Plan


A Curricular Plan provides a roadmap for completing this academic program and the UB Curriculum on time. Your actual plan may vary depending on point of entry to the university, course placement and/or waivers based on standardized test scores, earned alternative credit and/or college transfer credit.

First Year Fall


Total Credits: 15 or 16


First Year Spring


Total Credits: 15 or 16


Second Year Fall


  • Pathway Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Scientific Literacy and Inquiry 1 Credits: 3
  • Conflict/Political/Social Dynamic Course Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15


Second Year Spring


  • Methods of Inquiry Course Credits: 4
  • Global Areas Course Credits: 3
  • Scientific Literacy 2 Credits: 3
  • Scientific Literacy Lab Credits: 1
  • Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 14


Third Year Fall


  • Upper-division International Relations or Comparative Politics Credits: 3
  • Political Science Elective 300/400 level Credits: 3
  • Communication Literacy 2 Credits: 3
  • Global Areas Course Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15


Third Year Spring


  • Political Science Elective 300/400 level Credits: 3
  • Credits: 1
  • Upper-division International Relations or Comparative Politics Credits: 3
  • International Law, Organization, or Communication Course Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 2

Total Credits: 15


Fourth Year Fall


  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15


Fourth Year Spring


  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15


Total Credits Required: 120


Note: Some classes may count toward both a major and UB Curriculum requirement.

Learning Outcomes


Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have knowledge of:

  • Developing writing skills to intellectually communicate their ideas and research findings about domestic and international political, social, communicative and economic topics.
    • Develop the ability to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively in writing.
    • Develop the ability to effectively take a position and defend an argument against criticism.
    • Be able to write an essay or paper presenting a  clear thesis supported by relevant research.
  • Develop the analytical skills necessary to think critically about political, social, communicative and economic behavior.
    • Be able to identify and critically evaluate the arguments of scholarly research in global affairs and political science.
    • Engage in conceptual analysis and theoretical interpretation political, social, communicative and economic ideas and phenomena.
    • Develop the ability to analyze a scholarly question in study areas by drawing logical inferences from qualitative and/or quantitative data.
  • Develop an understanding of their role as an engaged citizen in domestic and international political systems.
    • Be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of domestic and international political and economic policies.
    • Develop an awareness of the global dynamics that influence the context of domestic and international politics.
    • Develop an understanding of international communication, laws, and organization.
    • Develop the ability to apply social scientific reasoning in the analysis of a wide range of domestic and international issues and problems.
    • Develop an awareness of political systems, governments, institutions and policies around the globe.

 

(HEGIS: 22.10 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, CIP30.2001 International/Globalization Studies)