Third World Studies is concerned with those areas and peoples of
the world that are less politically powerful, economically developed
and/or whose cultural survival is threatened. The approach is comparative
and multi-disciplinary, encompassing inquiry into the cultures, economies,
histories, societies, and politics of the third world. Work sponsored
by the Third World Studies Committee is oriented toward inquiry about
the third world in general. For this reason, the major is designed
so that students do not concentrate exclusively on one particular
region of the world. Those wishing to do so are advised to work under
the appropriate regional curricular committee or program.
Major. Students interested in majoring in Third World Studies
should consult with Marc Blecher, Chair of Third World Studies Committee,
or another member of the Third World Studies Committee as soon as
possible. Together the student and advisor will work out a proposed
program of study. Students declaring Third World Studies as their
only major should submit their proposals by the second semester of
the sophomore year; double majors should do so no later than the
second semester of the junior year.
Majors must complete thirty hours in courses approved by the committee.
These must include courses in two different departments/programs
in the humanities and two different departments/programs in the social
sciences. The major must also include an advanced seminar or colloquium
to serve as a capstone. The major may not include more than four
courses from any one of the following regions: (1) Asia, (2) Latin
America and the Caribbean, (3) the Middle East and North Africa,
(4) Sub-Saharan Africa.
Minor. There is no minor offered in Third World Studies.
Honors. Students interested in honors work in Third World
Studies are encouraged to pursue it within the Honors Program of
the department in which they may be double-majoring. If Third World
Studies is their only major, the Committee will consider formulating
a program of Honors work for qualified students in accordance with
the procedures outlined by the Independent Majors Committee. Proposals
to the Third World Studies Committee to pursue honors work should
be made no later than the start of the second semester of the junior
year.