6.2 International Bachelor of Arts (iBA) Degree Regulations
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The International Bachelor of Arts (iBA) Degree program is designed for students who are interested in the study of global dynamics and worldwide issues from the perspective of the Humanities and Social Sciences. The program’s objectives are to provide knowledge and analytical skills essential for research and work on cultural, economic, political, religious and social processes on a global scale. An iBA degree requires, in addition to the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree, a combination of additional university-level language study, successful completion of designated courses with a clear international focus, and participation in either an international study or internship placement requiring residency outside of Canada.
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The process for declaring an International Bachelor of Arts (iBA) is the same as for declaring a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). However, admission to the International Internship Option is limited and competitive.
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The iBA program is available exclusively to students who complete a Major or Honours program in one of the following Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences programs: Anthropology, Archaeology, Classics, Economics, English, Folklore, French, Gender Studies, Geography, German, History, Law and Public Policy, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political Science, Religious Studies, Russian, Sociology, and Spanish.
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The iBA is not available with a Major in an interdisciplinary program (Communication Studies, Criminology, Medieval and Early Modern Studies) or a Faculty of Science program (Computer Science, Psychology, Pure Mathematics, Statistics) unless the student also completes an eligible Honours or Major program.
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The iBA is not available to students who are enrolled in a Co-operative Education degree program.
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Unless otherwise specified, normal Bachelor of Arts regulations apply with respect to Joint programs and Minor programs, including those offered by other Faculties and Schools.
6.2.1 International Bachelor of Arts (iBA) Admission and Registration
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A student shall declare a Major in the Humanities and Social Sciences, normally within the first 45 credit hours, or shall apply for admission to an Honours program in the Humanities and Social Sciences as outlined under Academic Advising and Declaring a Bachelor of Arts.
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A student who wishes to enter an iBA program is strongly advised to consult an academic advisor and international exchange director early in their university career, as it may not be possible to complete the requirements for the degree in the normal time if the decision to embark on the program is delayed beyond the end of the second year.
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In accordance with UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS - General Academic Regulations (Undergraduate), Degree and Departmental Regulations - Further Credentials, no student shall obtain more than one undergraduate degree from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
6.2.2 International Bachelor of Arts (iBA) Degree Components
A student for the Degree of International Bachelor of Arts (iBA) must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours in courses subject to the following regulations:
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A student is required to complete the Core Requirements as detailed in the Regulations for the General Degree of Bachelor of Arts. These include:
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A student is required to complete a Major Program including a minimum 60% average, or alternatively an Honours Program including an average of 75% or better;
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A student is required to complete a Minor Program including a minimum 60% average, or alternatively a second Major including a minimum 60% average;
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A student is required to complete general Electives; and,
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As part of the minimum 120 credit hours, an iBA student is also required to complete the following requirements, for which credit hours may be used to jointly satisfy other requirements of the degree:
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A student must complete all iBA requirements, subject to the following conditions:
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All students are required to follow the regulations pertaining to the Bachelor of Arts unless otherwise specified
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Grenfell Campus courses and courses successfully completed at other eligible academic institutions may be eligible to satisfy the International Studies (IS) Courses Requirement. As outlined in Limited Enrolment Courses and Transfer Credits, some Grenfell Campus courses may be eligible to fulfill the Core Requirements. A university-level course that involves international study may be eligible if it is demonstrated that it follows the IS course guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/IS. The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences' Undergraduate Waivers and Appeals Committee is responsible for assessing the eligibility of these courses, in consultation with the applicable academic Unit Head; refer to Waiver of Regulations for Undergraduate Students, Other Regulations.
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In consultation with an academic advisor, a student is encouraged to follow Table 2 Possible Course Sequencing for the International Bachelor of Arts (iBA) (First 60 Credit Hours) and to consider possible course sequencing in the Program Regulations – General and Honours Degrees. A student interested in a Bachelor of Arts Minor in an eligible program outside of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences should consult an advisor in the appropriate department or suggested course sequencing, in addition to consulting an advisor in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Semester |
Suggested Course Planning |
1 (15 credit hours) |
Follow Table 1 Possible Course Sequencing for the First 45 credit hours of the Bachelor of Arts, including 3 credit hours in each of a CRW course, a LS course and a QR course. |
2 (15 credit hours) |
Follow , including 3 credit hours in each of a course, a course in the same language as completed in Semester 1, and a course. |
3 (15 credit hours) |
Courses #11-15: Consider Major and Minor program requirements, as appropriate (a Major in the iBA is available only in Anthropology, Archaeology, Classics, Economics, English, Folklore, French, Gender Studies, Geography, German, History, Law and Public Policy, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political Science, Religious Studies, Russian, Sociology, Spanish). Choose a first course for International Studies (IS) Requirement from Table 3 International Studies (IS) Designated Courses, which may be eligible to jointly fulfill requirements of the Major or Minor program. Consider another LS course in a language not yet studied within the parameters of the Additional Language Study (LS) Requirement. |
4 (15 credit hours) |
Courses #16-20: Consider and program requirements. Choose a further 3 credit hours in an IS course. Consider a fourth LS course to fulfill the Additional Language Study (LS) Requirement, ensuring a maximum of 6 credit hours in languages not actively spoken. Attend an information session about options available for the International Experience Requirement or the International Internship Option, or speak with an academic advisor. |
5-8 (60 credit hours) |
Follow Table 4 Possible Course Sequencing for the iBA, International Study Option (Final 60 Credit Hours). Alternatively, subject to admission to the International Internship Option, follow Table 5 Possible Course Sequencing for the iBA, International Internship Option (Final 60 Credit Hours). |
Eligible Quantitative Reasoning courses offered at the 3000-level are normally completed after the first 45 credit hours. |
6.2.3 International Studies (IS) Courses Requirement
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Certain courses that are offered by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences are found under Course Descriptions, International (IS). For the purposes of course designation, “international” refers to worldwide processes, institutions and peoples in today’s global society. It does not refer to the study of a country, a multi-country region, or comparisons of countries or nations. For further information, refer to the International Studies course guidelines at www.mun.ca/hss/IS.
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Students must complete a minimum of 24 credit hours in designated IS courses listed in Table 3 International Studies (IS) Designated Courses from a minimum of five disciplines, of which at least 6 credit hours must be at the 4000-level. Disciplines that offer designated IS courses include Anthropology, Economics, English, Folklore, French, Gender Studies, Geography, History, Law and Public Policy, Political Science, Religious Studies, Sociology. As part of their course selections in other areas of the degree, students are encouraged to supplement the International Studies Courses Requirement with the study of related concepts, traditions and phenomena across a variety of disciplines.
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Up to 3 credit hours in an Honours essay course that clearly encompasses the International Studies course criteria may, upon the recommendation of the Head of Department and approval by the Faculty's Undergraduate Waivers and Appeals Committee, be deemed eligible as an IS course for the purposes of that individual student’s program, only.
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A student who is completing the International Bachelor of Arts degree program is required to complete at least 12 credit hours in designated IS courses in Memorial University of Newfoundland courses.
2000-Level |
3000-Level |
4000-Level (Minimum 6 credit hours) |
English 2122 Folklore 2500 Gender Studies 2010 History 2065, 2500, 2510, 2800 Political Science 2200 Sociology 2250 |
Anthropology 3200, 3083, 3260, 3409, 3452 English 3160 French 3654 Geography 3420, 3510, 3620, 3800 History 3030, 3765, 3807, 3811 Law and Public Policy 3210 or Political Science 3210 Law and Public Policy 3215 or Political Science 3215 Law and Public Policy 3260 or Political Science 3260 Law and Public Policy 3290 or Political Science 3290, Law and Public Policy 3295 or Political Science 3295 Political Science 3220, 3230, 3235, 3250, Sociology 3260 |
Folklore 4470 Folklore 4460 or Religious Studies 4460 French 4654 Geography 4300 the former Political Science 4215 |
6.2.4 Additional Language Study (LS) Requirement
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The study of a variety of world languages and cultures is an important component of international study. An iBA student shall complete 12 credit hours in Language Study (LS) courses as follows:
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6 credit hours in university-level study of a single language to satisfy the Language Study Requirement; and,
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6 additional credit hours in any LS courses, ensuring that no more than 6 credit hours used towards fulfilling the Additional Language Study Requirement are completed in languages that are not actively spoken, including those eligible towards the Certificate in Ancient Languages (e.g., Ancient Greek, Latin, and Sanskrit).
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A student who successfully completes university-level study of language at another institution may apply for LS transfer credit, including the study of a language not taught at Memorial University of Newfoundland for which unspecified LS credit hours may be awarded.
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A student whose first language is not English, who does not meet the standards for entry into regular first-year English courses, and who uses English 1020 and 1021 to satisfy the Language Study Requirement, is required to complete 6 credit hours in LS courses to satisfy the Additional Language Study Requirement.
6.2.5 International Experience Requirement
Studying or working outside of Canada provides an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the culture, politics and society of another country. During the program of study and while residing outside of Canada, a student for the iBA degree is required to complete either university-level study (INTL 312L or equivalent) or an approved international internship (INTL 399W). The International Experience Requirement will normally be completed prior to the final semester of the iBA program so that a student may build on the learning experience in remaining courses.
6.2.5.1 Student Responsibilities
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Careful course planning is essential for a student enrolled in the iBA program. Students are encouraged to consult with an academic advisor and international exchange director.
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A student will normally have completed at least 60 credit hours with a minimum 70% average, including a minimum of 6 credit hours in designated LS courses and 12 credit hours in designated IS courses, prior to commencement of study outside of Canada.
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Students must thoroughly research and comply with visa requirements of the county they intend to visit. Visa processing times and requirements may vary depending on the student’s nationality, the international experience location, and the nature of the visit.
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It is assumed that, by virtue of studying at Memorial University of Newfoundland, a student who is not a Canadian citizen has international experience; equally, many Canadian citizens will have acquired international experiences for diverse reasons. Notwithstanding their prior experiences or home country, all students must satisfy either the International Study Option or the International Internship Option while actively enrolled in the iBA program.
6.2.5.2 International Study Option
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The International Study Option is designed for students who have completed 60 credit hours or more. In consultation with an academic advisor, a student is encouraged to follow Table 4 Possible Course Sequencing for the iBA, International Study Option (Final 60 Credit Hours).
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Between their first registration at Memorial University of Newfoundland and the time of their graduation, a student will complete courses in an approved international study program, or complete an international exchange semester at one of Memorial University of Newfoundland’s approved partner institutes. These courses will require residency outside of Canada and are normally to be completed in 12 consecutive weeks.
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Information about study abroad programs offered by Memorial University of Newfoundland is available at Go Abroad (Harlow Campus and International Field Schools) and from the Office of the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences.
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Students must register for INTL 312L at the start of the international study program. Successful completion of this non-credit hour course will designate fulfillment of the International Study Option. Alternatively, students may successfully complete an appropriate combination of INTL 301L-311L, or the former INTL 399L, to meet the requirement of a minimum of 12 weeks of university-level study while residing outside of Canada. Registration for any of these courses uses the Course Change Form, requiring approval from a member of the Office of the Registrar and an Associate Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences (or designate). The Office of the Registrar must confirm the student’s enrollment in approved university-level courses requiring residency outside of Canada (normally a minimum of 9 credit hours). The course shall be added to the transcript upon documentation of successful completion of such a program of study, normally involving residency outside of Canada a period of 12 weeks, being provided to the Office of the Registrar. Clarification about interpretation of eligibility for INTL 312L (or equivalent) shall be referred to the Faculty’s Curriculum and Programs Committee.
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Alternatively, and normally with prior written approval from the Head of Department, a student may complete a minimum of 9 credit hours instruction in another university-level program requiring study while residing outside of Canada. Before leaving Canada, the student must research the course offerings at the proposed host institute and obtain the course syllabi. These must be submitted along with a Letter of Permission to the Office of the Registrar. The transferability of the courses will be determined before the student commences the international program of study. Upon completion of the program, the student must request that the host institute send the student’s transcripts directly to the Office of the Registrar in order for the transcripts to be deemed official. The student must provide complete information about the program and complete the appropriate application for transfer credit which can be obtained online at www.mun.ca/regoff/forms.php. Documentation must establish that the course(s) was successfully completed while the student was residing outside of Canada, normally for a minimum 12 week duration. If the transfer credits occur within the final 30 credit hours for the degree, an iBA student will not require a waiver of the University residence requirement, provided that all other requirements and University regulations are observed, and provided that courses were taken at university-level institutions which are included in formal institutional exchange agreements with this University and are not subject to the requirements of this residency requirement clause; or with special permission from the Head of the department. For more information regarding transfer of credit, the student should consult with the Faculty’s International Exchange Director or the Office of the Registrar.
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Courses and programs that do not require residency outside of Canada for a minimum 12 week duration are ineligible for the International Study Option.
Semesters |
Suggested Course Planning |
1-4 (60 credit hours) |
Follow Table 2 Possible Course Sequencing for the International Bachelor of Arts (iBA) (First 60 Credit Hours), including attending an information session about International Experience Requirement. |
5-6 (30 credit hours) |
Courses #21-30 (30 credit hours): While registered for INTL 312L (or equivalent), complete credit hours as part of an approved international study program, or as part of an international exchange semester at an approved partner institute, requiring residency outside of Canada (normally for 12 consecutive weeks). Consider Major and Minor program requirements. Choose 12 credit hours in IS courses, comprised of 3 credit hours in each of four different disciplines. Request a degree audit from the Office of the Registrar and consult an academic advisor for assistance with remaining course selections. |
7-8 (final 30 credit hours) |
Courses #31-40 (30 credit hours): Choose 6 credit hours in IS courses at the 4000-level towards completing the remaining credit hours required for the International Studies (IS) Courses Requirement, ensuring that IS courses have been successfully completed in a minimum of 5 disciplines. Complete remaining requirements for the degree, including the Major and Minor. |
6.2.5.3 International Internship Option
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In lieu of the International Study Option, a small number of internship placements outside of Canada may be available for eligible students during the Fall or Winter semesters. The purpose is to provide a structured work-integrated educational experience that supports the development of intercultural competencies and global citizenship. The educational experience will be completed between a student’s first registration at Memorial University of Newfoundland and the time of their graduation, normally prior to the final semester of the iBA program. The internship should build on a student’s prior coursework, education, employment and personal experiences to allow the student to experience workplace culture in a location outside of Canada.
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Admission to the International Internship Option is limited and competitive, and is available only to full-time students in the iBA program. In consultation with an academic advisor, an admitted student is encouraged to follow Table 5 Possible Course Sequencing for the iBA, International Internship Option (Final 60 Credit Hours).
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Co-operative Education is responsible for administering the International Internship Option, in consultation with the Head of the student’s declared Major(s) and the Office of the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences as applicable.
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A student must apply to Co-operative Education. Deadline dates are January 15 (or next business day) for Fall internships, and May 15 (or next business day) for Winter internships.
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A student will normally have completed at least 60 credit hours, including a minimum of 12 credit hours with a minimum 70% average in designated IS courses and a minimum of 6 credit hours in designated LS courses, prior to commencement of the internship outside of Canada.
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General management of the International Internship Option is the responsibility of Co-operative Education, which provides supports to accepted students, including job search preparation, counselling, monitoring during work assignments and evaluating internships. These supports are available exclusively in preparation for a Fall semester internship or Winter semester internship.
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A student must participate in professional development and debriefing sessions offered by Co-operative Education before and after the placement.
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As part of admission to the International Internship Option, a student is responsible for identifying and securing a prospective internship to be completed during the program of study. Internships must be full-time (normally paid) and must be at least 12 weeks duration within the dates for Fall or Winter semesters as shown at www.mun.ca/coop. Students are strongly advised to complete all arrangements and secure approval before travelling internationally. All internships must be approved in writing by Co-operative Education, in consultation with the Head of the relevant academic unit, before the first day of the internship.
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Students must register for INTL 399W (International Internship) during the approved internship. Registration for INTL 399W uses the Course Change Form, requiring approval from Co-operative Education and an Associate Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences (or designate). Co-operative Education must confirm that a full-time work or voluntary experience for at least 12 weeks duration in a location outside of Canada has been arranged. Students are required to complete the internship reporting requirements as set out by Co-operative Education. Successful completion of INTL 399W will designate fulfillment of the International Internship Option. The evaluation of the internship by Co-operative Education will result in one of the following grades being awarded: pass with distinction, pass, or fail. Clarification about interpretation of eligibility of a full-time or voluntary experience for INTL 399W shall be referred to the Faculty’s Curriculum and Programs Committee.
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Regardless of the location of an international internship, the employer must have sufficient command of the English language to communicate with Co-operative Education personnel.
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Students who drop INTL 399W without approval from Co-operative Education or who fail to honour an agreement to work with an employer, or conduct themselves in a manner which results in their discharge from the internship, will normally be awarded a grade of fail for INTL 399W and will not be eligible to re-apply to the International Internship Option.
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A student who completes an equivalent internship position outside of Canada as part of another university-level academic program should contact Co-operative Education and the Office of the Registrar about the possibility of receiving INTL 399W as transfer credit.
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In extenuating circumstances, duly authenticated, a student may apply for permission from the Undergraduate Waivers and Appeals Committee to self-initiate and complete a work placement during the Fall or Winter semester within Canada involving an equivalent immersion in international cultures. As per Waiver of Regulations for Undergraduate Students, Other Regulations, a detailed rationale for the request must be must be made in writing to the Secretary of the Undergraduate Waivers and Appeals Committee, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Prior to doing so a student is expected to meet with Co-operative Education to discuss requirements associated with the proposed equivalency placement.
Semester |
Suggested Course Planning |
1-4 (60 credit hours) |
Follow Table 2 Possible Course Sequencing for the International Bachelor of Arts (iBA) (First 60 Credit Hours), including attending an information session about International Internship Option. |
5-6 (30 credit hours) |
Courses #21-30: Consider Major and Minor program requirements. Choose 12 credit hours in IS courses, comprised of 3 credit hours in each of four different disciplines. Request a degree audit from the Office of the Registrar and consult an academic advisor for assistance with remaining course selections. Apply to Co-operative Education for entry into the International Internship Option at least eight months before commencing work for the internship. |
7 (15 credit hours) |
Courses #31-35: Choose 3 credit hours in an IS course at the 4000-level. Consider and program requirements. |
8 (Fall or Winter only) (3 credit hours) |
Course #36: INTL 399W while completing an approved internship outside of Canada. |
9 (final 12 credit hours) |
Courses #37-40: Choose 3 credit hours in an IS course at the 4000-level towards completing the remaining credit hours required for the International Studies (IS) Courses Requirement, ensuring that IS courses have been successfully completed in a minimum of 5 disciplines. Complete remaining requirements for the degree, including the Major and Minor. |
6.2.6 International Bachelor of Arts (iBA) as a Second Degree
A student who has been previously awarded a General Degree of Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree is not eligible to complete or be awarded the International Bachelor of Arts (iBA) degree.
6.2.7 Previous Calendar Regulations
An International Bachelor of Arts (iBA) student who, prior to September 2017, successfully completed an eligible course that subsequently received the IS designation may use up to 15 credit hours towards the International Studies (IS) Courses Requirement. Eligible courses successfully completed before September 2017 are limited to Anthropology 2412, 2413, 4416; Anthropology 3260 or Sociology 3260; Economics 3030, 4030, 4031; Folklore 3250, 4470; Geography 2102, 3510, 3800, 4300; History 2500, 2510, 2800, 3030; French 3654; Political Science 2200, 3210, 3220, 3250, 3290,the former 4215, 4230, 4255; Sociology 2250, 4230, 4093. Normal requirements for credit hours from five disciplines and for 4000-level credit hours continue to apply.