The Major: Connecting human interest to your career
Is asking
“what does it all mean?” your passion? What does it mean when museums are asked
to return works of art to their countries of origin? When Native Americans
protest a ski center’s proposal to make artificial snow on a mountain they hold
sacred? When schools battle over the teaching of evolution?
Our Bachelor
of Arts degree in Comparative Cultural Studies can help you begin to discover the answers to the complexities of life,
human nature, and the diversity of cultures.
Where do
your ideas and values come from?
What are
the implications of those values—for your life and the lives of others?
What
does it all mean?
Here,
you’ll learn about yourself and others through critical thinking, challenging courses,
study abroad opportunities, internships, and more.
The Emphases: Digging deeper into your passion
You will take nine hours (typically three classes) of core
courses and choose one—or even two—of three emphases: Art History, Humanities,
or Religious Studies.
Art History
Through formal analysis, iconology, and historic themes,
you’ll uncover the "what" behind a work of art, the cultural context
from which it comes, and the "why" that’s behind the work.
Humanities
By studying the natural world, technology, and art, you’ll
explore the bigger picture of “learning to live together.” Your studies will
compare and contrast the relationships between fine and popular arts, nature
and the city, politics and the arts, music and commerce, and identity and
history.
Religious Studies
Have you ever wondered how the world's great cultures
imagined the universe, and how they lived in it? Dive deeper into some of the
enduring questions humans have asked for ages while learning about your world:
the ideas, values, and spirituality of Native American, Asian, European, and
other traditions.
Each of the emphases requires 33 hours (typically 11
classes) of coursework.
The Minors: Additional education for further prep
The Comparative Cultural Studies degree doesn’t require a
minor, although you can gain complementary skills and a competitive edge in the
marketplace by minoring in:
Other educational opportunities
Study Abroad
Think outside of the classroom. We encourage you to enrich
your education and global engagement by studying abroad for a
summer, semester, or year. Learn first-hand about global diversity in a program
in Italy, India, Japan, or Spain—just a few of the countries with programs
ideal for CCS majors. Best of all, you’ll still be able to graduate in four
years.
Internships
Build your resume while practicing the theories covered in
class with an internship in your junior or senior year.
For more information about internships, talk with your
faculty adviser.
Teaching Assistantships
Apply your learning while helping out in the classroom.
For more information on teaching assistantships, talk with
your faculty adviser.