Interested in learning about other cultures? 3 things to do this semester

International Affairs

Begin your studies with a survey of the most compelling global issues of the day. You’ll then go on to detailed analyses of international relations and economics. Courses also focus on problems of international development, the environment, international economic relations and United States foreign policy. This major prepares you for careers in the federal government, international organizations and agencies, international nonprofit organizations, international businesses and the Peace Corps.

History

While learning about the intellectual, political, economic, cultural and social forces that have influenced today’s world, the study of history also develops your ability to read critically, ask intelligent questions and express ideas orally and in writing. This program provides you with an intellectual framework and practical skills that will serve a wide range of future pursuits. CU­ Boulder history graduates have careers in public relations, banking, consulting, journalism, marketing, education and the government.  Also, libraries, museums, historical societies and national parks may offer attractive history­-related career options.

Art History

Art history courses encourage you to consider stylistic, historical, intellectual and critical analyses of works of art from many different historical and contemporary periods and cultures. Students in this program become adept writers, thinkers and cultural leaders. Curatorial positions in museums and galleries, library work, public relations, commercial illustration, advertising, marketing and publishing are areas that use skills acquired by art graduates.

Ethnic Studies

This program initiates and promotes interdisciplinary research and teaching in African­ American studies, American studies, Asian­ American studies, Chicana/o studies, and cross-cultural and comparative studies. In addition, you’ll develop skills in oral and written expression, research design and critical thinking. This program provides you with training for fields such as law, education, medicine, public health, social work, journalism, business, urban planning, politics, counseling, international relations and creative writing, as well as university teaching and research.

Foreign language programs

These majors and minors help you learn skills and information that are relevant to careers in nearly every area. A knowledge of foreign language is extremely useful in business, industry, commerce, the civil or foreign service, law, library science, the media, the natural sciences, economics, public administration, government, the health professions, the social sciences and teaching.

• Asian Languages & Civilizations
• Germanic & Slavic Languages & Literatures
• French & Italian
• Spanish & Portuguese

Geography

Geography is the study of human activity and the natural environment. Geographers are interested in a wide range of phenomena and often focus on environmental change, global development and other social and economic issues. The skills and knowledge of geographers are in demand, leading you to entry-level positions in areas like land use planning, urban and regional planning, environmental analysis and monitoring, location analysis for the siting of facilities, remote sensing using satellite imagery, international development and a wide variety of spatial analyses of issues in transportation, recreation, population and resources.

Religious Studies

Religion is a major force in shaping human culture, and religious factors are prominent in many current social, ethical, cultural and political issues. You’ll acquire the critical thinking and communication skills valued by employers in diverse fields, like finance, law, medicine and the nonprofit sector. Additional possible careers include those in secondary school teaching, publishing, social service, journalism and law.

Sociology

Sociology is the scientific study of human social behavior. It considers how society influences individuals, and how individuals influence society. Sociology majors may work as government researchers or data analysts, business managers, writers or editors, public health interviewers or demographers or conflict resolution mediators. You could also work in social services, or in community relations as neighborhood organizers.

Women and Gender Studies

This major or minor offers you a rigorous but flexible program of study that examines women, gender and sexuality in relation to race, class, national identity and ability. Graduates have gone on to careers in fields such as law, medicine, government, public health, public policy, social work, teaching, counseling, advocacy, media, public relations, education, politics, fundraising, small business development, librarianship and arts administration.

Native American and Indigenous Studies certificate

This certificate program allows you to study the history, cultures, languages, arts, policies and rights of Indigenous peoples from the Americas and around the globe. It encourages intersectional study that develops your awareness of the diversity and complexity of Indigenous peoples, cultures, and nations. It also encourages you to link their academic study of Indigeneity with community outreach and service learning.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer Studies certificate

This certificate program is the academic investigation of sexuality in established fields such as literature, history, theatre, law, medicine, economics, sociology, anthropology and political science. As an academic discipline, LGBTQ Studies examines the history of queerness, the politics of sexual oppression and empowerment, the relationship of sexual identity, the representation of sexualities in music, literature and art and the meaning of queerness in individual identity and the examined life.

Peace, Conflict and Security Program certificate

This certificate program is designed to help you explore why conflict and violence occur and to learn how conflict can be managed and transformed to accomplish constructive ends. After graduation, career paths may lead you to graduate study and a growing number of organizations working to moderate conflict and build peace and justice at all levels of national and global society.

Visit your advisor to find out more on how your interest in other cultures can shape your journey at CU Boulder.