International Studies Minor

About the Program

The PSFA International Studies Minor (ISM) is open to any major in the University, and is particularly valuable for any student seeking a career involving global awareness. The Minor seeks not only to provide an international experience for students but to deepen the meaning of students’ experience by providing a process and context for critical awareness/ comparison, self-reflection, as well as the specific professional skills they will utilize in their future careers.

*The ISM consists of six courses (18 units), four of which (12 units) are required.

Core Courses (12 units) – These courses must be taken in sequence:

• PSFA 350 International Studies (3) - Awareness of international surroundings and creation of global citizens in PSFA disciplines. Basic concepts of culture and self-awareness, dimensions of culture, theoretical perspectives, behavioral patterns, and applications in PSFA disciplines.


• PSFA 501 Study Abroad I (3) - Intensive study and practical applications of PSFA-related intercultural issues in a selected international setting. Areas of study within PSFA disciplines.

  Coronavirus Update for Study Abroad

  PSFA501: International Studies Research (3.0 units), fall 2020

  In light of the Coronavirus pandemic situation, SDSU has suspended all study abroad programs in summer and fall 2020. This has caused confusion and panic for students in the International Studies Minor, and especially for those who have planned to graduate in fall of 2020 and spring 2021.

  To help students in this situation, we have proposed a new course with the course number of PSFA501, and titled International Studies Research, to be offered in fall of 2020. The course is 3.0 units and will take place on TThs at 2:00-3:15 weekly. This will allow students in the Minor to conduct research data collection with international students on SDSU campus in the fall, in order to use the data and compare with domestic data obtained in PSFA550.

  The course is going to be taught mainly as a research method course in terms of content. Additionally, students will be engaged in two main activities: 1) participate in small group discussions in PSFA280 (Adaptation to the U.S. Academic Culture) to teach international students about selected topics of American culture; and 2) to connect with a culture of choice in order to conduct research with international students from that culture.

  This very class will replace the study abroad requirement of PSFA501 (study abroad I); and for students who take part in this course, PSFA502 (study abroad II) will be waived and substituted with any electives for the Minor at SDSU.

  For students who are planning to take PSFA550 this fall, you may take PSFA501 concurrently. For those who’re planning to graduate in spring 2021, this will replace your study abroad/data collection semester.

  While we’re trying to find a classroom for the course, please feel free to plan for PSFA501 for fall 2020. Again, TThs, at 2:00-3:15pm weekly.

  Please contact Dr. Mei Zhong for any additional questions: mzhong@sdsu.edu



• PSFA 502 Study Abroad II (3) - Intensive study of global PSFA-related professional career issues in a selected international setting. Focus on careers in disciplines within the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts.


• PSFA 550 International Studies Capstone (3) - Problem-based approach through which PSFA students describe, analyze, compare and contrast the ways that the visited culture/society/ nation addresses a problem or issue relative to PSFA-related approaches taken in the US.

ELECTIVES - Take 6 units from among the following courses that have been identified as addressing international concerns:

*Other courses (especially GE) and courses taken from abroad may substitute for any of these electives.

• ART 357 World Art in Contemporary Life (3) -


• CJ 570 Organized Crime: Domestic and International Perspectives (3) -


• COMM 371 Intercultural Communication (3) -


• DANCE 382 Dance in World Cultures (3) -


• JMS 450 Using Media to Understand Cultures (3) -


• MUSIC 345 World Music in Contemporary Life (3) -


• PA 580 Comparative Public Administration (3) -


• RTM 404 Cross-Cultural Perspectives of Tourism (3) -


• TFM 363 International Cinema (3) -