Global Studies
Courses in Global Studies are interdisciplinary in nature and devoted to various aspects of global studies, intercultural communication and contemporary global issues. They are taught by faculty members from a number of academic departments and, in some cases, team taught.
Several INT courses are required for students majoring in Global Studies. The INT major is more fully described in the section of the catalogue dealing with undergraduate programs of study. INT courses can be used to satisfy degree requirements in other programs as indicated in the descriptions below. If you have questions about the INT program or INT courses, please contact the Department of Global Studies for more information.
Courses
GO 100 American Government (3 credits)
Introduces the institutions, background and processes of American national government. Surveys the governmental structures created by the Constitution as well as the informal substructures (parties, interest groups, etc.) that animate our political system.
GO 105 City and State Government and Politics (3 credits)
Examines U.S. city and/or state governments, including their political institutions, processes, and decision-makers. Considers their interaction with other governmental, organizational, and individual actors. Includes case studies focused on rustbelt versus sunbelt, crime, poverty, growth and decline, fiscal crisis, tax policy or other contemporary issues.
GO 120 Comparative Government (3 credits)
Looks at the various types of political systems in the modern world ("Western democracies," one-party states, military regimes, etc.) and compares them in terms of public policy processes, social and economic structures and basic institutions. Focuses on how each type of system deals with common problems such as the connection between domestic and foreign policy, economic modernization and competition.
GO 211 Political Parties and Interest Groups (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): GO 100, GO 105 or GO 120, or instructor's permission
Looks at the changing role of parties and interest groups in the American political system. A central concern is whether their influence over elections and public policy serves or subverts the public interest and our democratic system. General and specific examples will be used to consider membership, organization and the impact of money from Political Action Committees (PACs).
GO 212 The Politics of Constitutional Law (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): GO 100, GO 105 or GO 120, or instructor's permission
An examination of the role of the Supreme Court in our political system. By studying representative cases and selected topics (with the emphasis on contemporary issues rather than historical development), the course seeks to focus on the impact constitutional law has on our political system.
GO 216 The American Presidency (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): GO 100, GO 105 or GO 120, or instructor's permission
Considers the central role the presidency plays in our political system. Topics studied include the growth of presidential power, the instruments of presidential control and their limitations, the "Presidential Establishment," the rise and possible fall of the "Imperial Presidency," and relationships with Congress, the media and the bureaucracy.
GO 218 Media and Politics (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): GO 100, GO 105 or GO 120, or instructor's permission
Examines the role of the press in American politics as it investigates, interprets and influences public affairs and opinion. Also addresses government's impact on the press through laws, leaks and lies. The focus will be on government/press relations under recent presidential administrations.
GO 220 European Politics and Integration (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): GO 100, GO 105 or GO 120, and permission of the instructor
Introduces the student to governments, politics and major current issues that concern the people of the European Union. Through its "virtual classroom," students will be able to discuss the issues brought up in class with their colleagues at other European universities and thus be able to hear their opinions first hand. By examining the European Union and its effect on the disparate group of major countries, the course will focus on several policy areas to explore the positive and negative effects of integration. During spring break, the class will travel to Brussels to visit the EU institutions themselves, hear guest lecturers on EU integration, and possibly meet up with some of the European students with whom they have been corresponding. After the trip, the class will participate in a simulation where the students will represent the EU member states in a mock session of the Maastricht negotiations on the Common Foreign and Security Policy. I
GO 230 Current Political Issues (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): GO 100, GO 105 or GO 120, or instructor's permission
Focuses on a specific current event or public policy debate at the forefront of U.S. or international politics. The course will examine current issues in their political context, with emphasis on the actors, institutions or organizations, and processes that shape them.
Topic changes: With department approval, course may be taken more than once.
GO 240 International Politics (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): GO 100, GO 105 or GO 120, or instructor's permission
Momentous events occurred in 1989 when the Communist regimes of east Europe collapsed and the Soviet government instituted major reforms. Clearly, with the end of the Cold War, the world was entering a new era of a new order. This course offers an overview of the critical international issues with which policymakers will grapple in the years leading into the 21st century. The course pays special attention to the controversies that illuminate the more perplexing questions that confront U.S. foreign policy, which range from international competitiveness to the conditions requiring U.S. military intervention. I
GO 242 American Foreign Policy (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): GO 100, GO 105 or GO 120, or instructor's permission
Examines briefly the historical trends in U.S. foreign relations. Devotes major attention to the forces affecting the development of foreign policy and the problems facing the United States worldwide since World War II.
GO 243 The Politics of International Business (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): GO 100, GO 105 or GO 120, or instructor's permission
Examines the political, economic and military impact of U.S. based multinational corporations in world politics in general, as well as their impact in particular on both "host" and "home" governments.
GO 250 American Public Policy (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): GO 100, GO 105 or GO 120, or instructor's permission
Examines both the process of policy making in the United States and the implementation of various specific policies. Case studies include such policy areas as health, environment, energy, housing, welfare and education. It also considers the likely direction of American public policy in the 1990s.
GO 252 Politics and the Economy (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): GO 100, GO 105 or GO 120, or instructor's permission
Familiarizes students with some of the various ways in which the public and private sectors interact with one another. The main focus is on the American context, particularly the post-1960 period. The types and extent of the federal government's regulation of business are discussed through the use of several case studies.
GO 255 Political Protest in the United States (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): GO 100, GO 105 or GO 120, or instructor's permission
Explores some of the efforts at bringing about political change in the United States that involve methods outside of the normal channels of voting, lobbying, writing letters to elected officials, etc. Case studies of a number of post-1950 protest movements will be used.
GO 258 The Politics of Immigration (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): GO 100, GO 105 or GO 120, or instructor's permission
Considers America's love-hate relationship with its immigration legacy - a nation of immigrants that now favors stricter immigration policies. Focuses on the country's immigration legacy, immigration institutions, legal and undocumented immigration, political refugees and human rights issues at America's borders. It also examines foreign policy influences on immigration policy and places immigration within a global context to examine the origins of immigration as well as international migration patterns. D
GO 260 Political Thought (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): GO 100, GO 105 or GO 120, or instructor's permission
Investigates the basic requirements and underlying conditions of a democratic society. Examining factors such as the nature of political authority, the social structure of various societies, the role of personal and public morality, and the impact of political and psychological forces, helps explain why democracy is so difficult to establish and maintain.
GO 262 World Order: Crisis Management and Conflict Resolution (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): GO 100, GO 105 or GO 120, or instructor's permission
American presidents define a situation as a "crisis" if it is perceived as constituting a grave and immediate threat to national security or presidential appearances of strength and resolve. A crisis typically provides a supreme challenge to the wisdom and resourcefulness of the decision-makers involved. We live in an imperfect world - a world with terrorist attacks, brushfire wars, environmental threats, dramatic economic shifts and other major crises. Reality is a sobering experience. This course examines crises to see if they may be prevented or controlled so that conflict becomes less, rather than more, frequent in the global arena.
GO 310 Politics of Latin America (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): GO 100 or GO 120
An introductory course on Latin American politics whose focus will be Latin America's experience with democratic governance, especially the swings between democracy and dictatorship in the region. It will examine democracy's historical development, patterns of change, and explanations for cycles of democracy and authoritarianism in the region. Of specific interest will be the interaction among political institutions, society and culture, and patterns of economic development on the one hand, and the origins, development, breakdown and consolidation of democracy on the other. Its goal is to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of Latin America' s rich political tradition, incredible diversity, contradictions, achievements and failings. Why have democracy, self-sustaining economic growth, equity and social justice been too difficult to accomplish and sustain in the region? The countries to be examined include Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Mexico, Columbia and Cuba.
GO 401 Directed Study in Government (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Department chairperson's or instructor's permission
Permits advanced students to study special topics. (Allows repetition for credit.)
GO 402 Seminar in Government (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Department chairperson's permission
Permits advanced students to study selected topics in government. (Allows repetition for credit.)
GO 403 Seminar in Government: Model United Nations (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): GO 100, GO 105 or GO 120, or instructor's permission
Note: Offered only in spring.
Participants will work on Bentley's Model United Nations program: attending major Model U.N. meetings and staging a High School Model U.N. at the college each spring. Course credit will also include intensive study of positions of assigned nations. Allows repetition for credit, but only one offering may be applied to the government minor.
GO 421 Internship in Government (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): GO 100, GO 105 or GO 120, and permission of Government Department internship director
Offers students the opportunity to arrange, in conjunction with the college, employment in a public or nonprofit organization. A major paper will be required.
INT 100 Global Regions (3 credits)
Note: Can be used as a social sciences, humanities or arts and sciences elective; required for INT majors. This course satisfies the study abroad requirement.
This introductory course adopts a spatial perspective for understanding global physical and human landscapes. Reading assignments and class discussions provide a broad-based overview of world regions as defined by physical geography impact their economic and political realities. Each module introduces themes associated with specific regions (for example: Southwest Asia/ North Africa and the economics of oil; or Europe's simultaneous and competing themes of Supranationalism and Devolution). Coverage of world regions is supported by student case studies that reinforce concepts by narrowing the scale of inquiry. The overarching goal of the course is to build a solid basic knowledge of the regions of the world that will, in turn, facilitate successful interaction with individuals both in the United States and aboard. As our basic survey course, INT 100 provides the foundation for all other International Studies courses at Bentley. I
INT 104 Cross-Cultural Understanding (3 credits)
Note: Can be used as a social sciences, behavioral sciences, humanities or unrestricted elective; option for INT majors and minors. This course satisfies the study abroad requirement.
Offers an introduction to effective communication between people of different cultures. Helps students develop and clarify their own concept of culture, and see how differences and similarities in this concept affect communication. Students learn to identify cultural assumptions and perceive how differences in assumptions affect cross-cultural communication. Cultural elements of several specific countries are examined, and strategies for effective communication are developed and applied through readings, case studies and experiential exercises. The course also includes guest speakers, films, and small-group discussions. I
INT 106 International Relations (3 credits)
Note: Required for INT majors. May also be used as a social sciences, humanities or unrestricted elective. This satisfies the study abroad requirement. (Formerly INT 260 Global Issues and Interdependence.)
Provides students with a broad introduction to international studies. A variety of contemporary international issues is examined to present an overview of the changing nature of the global system. Issues selected may include the role of the nation state, the implications of increased global economic integration, environmental issues and economic development, relations between developed and developing regions, business in the global economy, and the nature of conflict in the post-Cold War global system. Multidisciplinary in nature, the course presents issues in their historical and geographical context, and draws on readings in economics, other social sciences, the humanities and business. Guest speakers and films may supplement assigned reading and classroom discussion. Writing assignments develop research skills and increase knowledge of specific issues, countries and regions in their contemporary international context. C I
INT 220 Introduction Geographic Information Systems (3 credits)
Note: May be used as an elective for INT majors and minors. May also be used as a social sciences, humanities or unrestricted elective for other students.
Introduces students to business and government applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and provides instruction and feedback that facilitate the development of desktop computer mapping skills. Students learn about GIS as a leading information technology industry, then focus upon fundamental interactive mapping operations that address real-world spatial problems. Instruction is provided on the merits and limitations of common international data providers before moving on to geographic data handling, and the ethical use and presentation of spatial data. Concurrent hands-on laboratory exercises develop and reinforce the skills necessary to employ desktop mapping software effectively in the business workplace. Upon completion students will be able to generate high-quality maps to use in reports, presentations, manuscripts, and Internet postings as well as have the ability to use GIS for data analysis, identifying business opportunities, and solving real world problems. I
INT 243 The Developing World (3 credits)
Note: Can be used as a social sciences, behavioral sciences, humanities or unrestricted elective; option for INT majors and minors. This course satisfies the study abroad requirement.
As the forces of globalization increase the flow of goods, services, capital, people, ideas and images across borders, many social, political and economic consequences have arisen for developing, as well as developed, countries. This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to examining the dynamic interaction of the social and political factors with regional and transnational economic forces in the developing world. More specifically, it discusses the social and political conditions for successes or failures of development as well as the consequences of development and underdevelopment. The United Nations Human Development Index is used to analyze the consequences of global socioeconomic interactions. Students in this course will acquire a deep understanding of the global and socioeconomic interactions measured by HDI and develop skills to analyze the multifaceted impact of globalization on the developing world. I
INT 251 East Asian Political Economy (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Sophomore-level standing
Note: May be used as an elective for INT majors and minors. May also be used as a social sciences, humanities or unrestricted elective for other students.
This course examines the rise of East Asia in world economy and international affairs since World War II. In learning about the transformation of East Asia, we will explore various theoretical models such as modernization theory, neoclassical interpretation, developmental state thesis, as well as cultural and world system approaches. We will also analyze several informative documentaries about the history, culture and political economy of East Asia. This course begins with an introduction to the Asia Pacific region with basic facts and existing theoretical literature. It also discusses the historical interaction between the West and Asian countries. It then focuses on the rise of East Asian economies since 1945. This course ends with some theoretical reflections on the lessons and significance of the East Asian development experience. I
INT 270 Geographic Perspectives: Contemporary Europe (3 credits)
Note: May be used as an elective for INT majors and minors. May also be used as a social sciences, humanities or unrestricted elective for other students.
The course offers a topical and regional approach to the geography of contemporary Europe. The topical, or thematic portion examines Europe's complex physical, cultural, economic, and political landscapes. We also focus upon other contemporary issues, including the juxtaposed forces of devolution and supranationalism, followed by the challenges of sustaining the welfare state, promoting tourism, and protecting the environment in this complex and densely populated realm. Finally, we discuss elements of cohesion in Europe's broadly-defined regions, supported by students' country case studies. The ultimate objective of the course is to build a fundamental understanding of Europe's landscapes, diverse populations, and contemporary issues and for each student to develop a high level of expertise on an individual European state. I
INT 285 Global Transportation and Tourism (3 credits)
Note: May be used as an elective for INT majors and minors. May also be used as a social sciences, humanities or unrestricted elective for other students.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of international tourism and hospitality, widely recognized to be the world's largest industry. The semester is organized into five segments: introduction to the principles of tourism, organization of the industry, understanding travel behavior, tourism development, and tourism research and marketing. In preparation for senior positions in the tourism industry, the student gains a broad-based knowledge of the contemporary tourist industry and its economic, social and environmental impact on the world. Special emphasis is placed upon international tourism as a major growth area in the industry. Finally, each student develops research skills by building an expertise on a single international tourist destination and applying to that location the geographical concepts and methods covered in the course. I
INT 290 Contemporary Latin America (3 credits)
In the past quarter of a century, Latin America has experienced many dramatic transformations in the social, economic and political spheres, yet many traditional characteristics of Latin America, suchas pervasive income inequality, persist. This course seeks to provide students with an introduction to contemporary Latin America. Throughout the course we explore the interaction of historical, social, economic and political factors. While the course provides an over view of Latin America generally, it also emphasizes the great degree of variation in the region with regard to issues such as ethnic diversity, level of economic development and political stability. The course will highlight a few countries as case studies. I
INT 303 Democratization (3 credits)
This course explores why some countries are democratic while others are not, and why some democracies survive while others return to authoritarian rule or hover in an ambiguous state of neither true democracy nor outright authoritarianism. The course analyzes how and why transitions from authoritarian rule toward democracy occurred in many countries around the global in the late-20th and early-21st centuries, such as in southern Europe, the ex-communist world and the developing world, and it explores the quality of the new regimes, the challenges they face and their prospects for survival. I
INT 310 Perspectives On Global Commerce (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Junior-level standing
Note: May be used as an elective for INT majors and minors. May be used as a social sciences, humanities or unrestricted elective for other students.
Surveys the phenomenon of global commerce within a broad interdisciplinary context. Considers the meaning and changing nature of global commerce and examines contemporary trade patterns from a geographic perspective. Reviews the history of global commerce and its impacts, and provides an overview of the development of economic ideas concerning trade and commerce. Examines specific areas of interest such as commerce and culture, the role of government and international organizations, the legal framework of global commerce, selected contemporary issues, and possible future scenarios for trade and commerce. C I
INT 312 International Organizations (3 credits)
Note: May be used as an elective for INT majors and minors. May be used as a social sciences, humanities or unrestricted elective for other students.
This course examines international law and international organizations and the rules and laws governing them in the global society today. The nature of international norms, their influence on the behavior of states and the law applicable to contemporary global political and economic issues are studied. With the increasing interdependence of states and the globalization of the world economy and commerce new international institutions are developing. The course will study the historical development, the contemporary operation, and the contributions of organizations such as the United Nations, European Union and the World Trade Organization to the range of global issues including war-peace questions, global commerce, human rights and the environment. I
INT 320 Case Studies in Transforming Economies of Europe (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor
Note: May be used as an elective for INT majors and minors or as a social sciences, humanities or unrestricted elective for other students. May be taken multiple times for credit.
Examines issues and problems confronting national economies which were formerly part of the Soviet Union's centralized economic system (including Central and Eastern Europe) as they now attempt to develop domestic markets and market-oriented institutions and reintegrate themselves into the world market economy. The specific orientation of this course will change from year to year as this rapidly changing process continues to unfold. The course may include a study tour of a single nation within the region. Although course material will be drawn from many nations in the region, one nation will be chosen as the primary focus of attention for this course to provide a detailed study of the process. I
INT 322 Case Studies in Culture and Commerce of Africa (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor as this is a Study Tour course. The course is open to students at any level.
Note: May be used as an elective for INT majors and minors, or as a social sciences, humanities or unrestricted elective for other students. May be taken multiple times for credit if regions are different.
The course introduces students to the history and culture of South Africa as they relate to economic development and business practices. A former Bentley student from South Africa serves as the local program coordinator. Students visit governmental and nongovernmental agencies engaged in business development and meet with local business leaders. Topics covered include women in development, U.S./South Africa commercial relations, the impact of social issues, such as HIV/AIDS, South Africa's economic role in the continent and others. Students visit the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Coca Cola, a gold mining company as well as cultural sites. The travel portion takes place over spring break. Prospective students are urged to contact Professor Crofts early in the fall semester. I
INT 360 Senior Seminar (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Senior-level standing and permission of the instructor
Note: Can be used as a social sciences, behavioral sciences, humanities or unrestricted elective. Required for majors and minors in international studies.
Focuses on several topics of current global significance. The emphasis is on issues that are rooted in specific geographies and economies but are also affected by the changing world situation. The issues chosen may change from semester to semester. A selective, in-depth approach is taken to examine in an international context topics and cases that are of cultural, political, business or economic significance. Based on their background and interests, students will propose, develop and present their own research project or case. The course is designed to encourage students to contribute and synthesize concepts and ideas gained from previous courses, and to develop more depth and sophistication in applying their ideas and skills in analyzing contemporary global issues. I
INT 401 Directed Study in International Culture and Economy (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor
Allows superior students to pursue independent study in a specialized topic under the guidance of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit.
INT 402 Special Topics (3 credits)
Note: May be used as an elective for INT majors and minors. May also be used as a social sciences, humanities or unrestricted elective for other students.
Permits students to study selected topics in International Studies. (Allows repetition for credit).
INT 421 Internship in International Studies (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): Junior-level standing, 3.0 grade point average and permission of the INT internship coordinator
Allows students to apply in business, government or the nonprofit sector knowledge gained in their academic program. The on-the-job experience, in turn, helps students to clarify their interests and career goals. A final paper based on the internship activities helps students to integrate classroom knowledge with real-world experience. In addition to producing a final paper, students are required to attend pre-internship workshops at the Center for Career Services and to meet regularly with a faculty adviser.
