At which campus can I study this program?
Program Description
This interdisciplinary minor is designed for students who wish to supplement their major field of study with international understanding and study. It introduces students to global concerns and multicultural issues and broadens students' understanding of the critical forces molding their nation and their lives in the twenty-first century. The Transnational Perspectives Minor is proposed for students planning international careers in their professional fields, careers in organizations engaged in international activity, and those with a general interest in global studies. The minor consists of 18 to 30 credits, at least 6 of which must be at the 400 level. Twelve credits or evidence of third-semester proficiency of a foreign language is required. The program of study is to be developed by the student in conjunction with an International Studies adviser.
What is Transnational Perspectives?
Transnational Perspectives is a minor designed to help students better understand how they fit into the complex world of the 21st century, a world consisting of almost 200 countries and more than 100 major international organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union. This understanding adds a vital additional dimension to virtually any field of study. It introduces students to the interconnectedness that defines the modern world and helps students to realize that differences among countries do not imply inferiority or superiority.
You Might Like This Program If...
- You recognize you will live in an economically, politically, and socially interdependent world.
- You are interested in languages and how they relate to history and politics.
- You envision working abroad at some point in your career.
- You realize that virtually any career will be transnational, reaching beyond the boundaries of the U.S.
- You’d like to add liberal arts balance to a business or engineering major program.
Program Requirements
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| Requirements for the Minor | 18-30 |
Requirements for the Minor
A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the minor, as specified by Senate Policy 59-10. In addition, at least six credits of the minor must be unique from the prescribed courses required by a student's major(s).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| INTST 100 | Introduction to International Studies  | 3 |
| INTST 400 | Seminar in International Studies | 3 |
| Select 12 credits of a foreign language or evidence of third-semester proficiency | 12 | |
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 12 credits (at least 3 credits at the 400 level outside the student's major) of internationally oriented courses in consultation with adviser 1 | 0-12 | |
- 1
A list of recommended courses is maintained by Penn State-Behrend's Transnational Perspectives Committee. Credits earned through approved academic study abroad may be counted in this category.
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university’s academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
Erie
Lena Surzhko-Harned, Ph.D.
Assistant Teaching Professor of Political Science
149 Kochel
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-6074
lms557@psu.edu
Career Paths
The minor in Transnational Perspectives can be pursued by students in most Penn State Behrend degree programs. Penn State Behrend has a comprehensive support system to help you identify and achieve your goals for college and beyond. Meet with your academic adviser often and take advantage of the services offered by the Academic and Career Planning Center beginning in your first semester.
Careers
A minor in Transnational Perspectives is desirable for all careers and essential for many. Virtually all departments of the federal government have international divisions, as do many at the state level. Many nonprofit organizations have international objectives, and it’s difficult to find a private sector company not linked to the globalizing economy.
Opportunities for Graduate Studies
A minor in the liberal arts, particularly when added to a major program outside of the liberal arts, demonstrates to graduate school admissions committees your commitment to interdisciplinary thinking.
Contact
Erie
SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
170 Irvin Kochel Center
4951 College Drive
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-6108
HSSOffice@psu.edu