The Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies (JSIS) is dedicated to interdisciplinary and comparative teaching and research about the peoples, cultures, and religions of the world and their interactions with one another. The Jackson School sponsors speakers, major conferences, career workshops, and other public- service activities that support and further our mission.
The program in Comparative Religion is known for its unusually large range of course offerings in the religious traditions of both the East and West. The faculty has particular strength in history, anthropology, and sociology. Participants in the program have an opportunity to enroll in small classes and interact with a faculty that puts emphasis on maintaining close contact with students. Comparative Religion has four tracks: History of Religions-Western Emphasis; History of Religions-Eastern Emphasis; Religion and Society; and Religion and Symbolic Expression. The program offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative Religion.
Suggested First- and Second-Year College Courses: JSIS C 201, JSIS C 202. Courses that develop writing proficiency. Courses in particular religious traditions such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Courses in the history of civilizations such as Chinese, South Asian, and Western.
Students in good academic standing may declare this major at any time.
The program in Comparative Religion is known for its unusually large range of course offerings in the religious traditions of both the East and West. The faculty has particular strength in history, anthropology, and sociology. Participants in the program have an opportunity to enroll in small classes and interact with a faculty that puts emphasis on maintaining close contact with students. Comparative Religion has four tracks: History of Religions-Western Emphasis; History of Religions-Eastern Emphasis; Religion and Society; and Religion and Symbolic Expression. The program offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative Religion.
55 credits
The Jackson School combines the social sciences, humanities, and professional fields to enhance understanding of our increasingly interconnected world. The International Studies program equips students with the skills (including writing and foreign languages) and the disciplinary tools needed to analyze global and regional issues and challenges. Students can choose from a variety of thematic and regional concentrations in shaping their course of study. The program's capstone experience provides students with a bridge between their academic and professional pursuits, either by participating in a team-based creation of policy reports and recommendations that are evaluated by external policy experts or by deepening their research and publication skills.
Students in good academic standing may declare this major at any time.
The Jackson School combines the social sciences, humanities, and professional fields to enhance understanding of our increasingly interconnected world. The International Studies program equips students with the skills (including writing and foreign languages) and the disciplinary tools needed to analyze global and regional issues and challenges. Students can choose from a variety of thematic and regional concentrations in shaping their course of study. The program's capstone experience provides students with a bridge between their academic and professional pursuits, either by participating in a team-based creation of policy reports and recommendations that are evaluated by external policy experts or by deepening their research and publication skills.
Competency in a language other than English through the second-year college level (proficiency requirement prior to graduation), plus 50 credits as follows:
The International Studies (Asia) major provides students with the background and analytical tools to understand the history and contemporary issues in Asia's many regions and countries. Students in this major can choose a general and cross-regional course of study, or they can concentrate in one of five countries/regions: China, Korea, Japan, South Asia and Southeast Asia. Students may select any Asian language to fulfill the programs two-year college-level language requirement. Students who are native speakers of an Asian language may satisfy this requirement by demonstrating proof of fluency or proficiency through the second year college level.
Suggested First- and Second-Year College Courses: Either JSIS 203 or JSIS A 207, and two introductory Asian civilization courses (see major requirements, below). Progress toward two years of a relevant Asian language. Courses that develop writing skills, especially in the social sciences.
Students in good academic standing may declare this major at any time.
80 credits
The Canadian Studies Program is an interdisciplinary program designed to promote the understanding of Canada, of Canada’s relationships with the United States, and of Canada’s major role in the Commonwealth and in the United Nations. Core courses introduce the student to the origins and evolution of the Canadian people, their society and culture; interdisciplinary courses broaden the student’s scope of understanding. Canada-related courses are offered as well in many of the university’s professional schools. Language competency in French through the second year is required for completion of the B.A. degree.
Suggested First- and Second-Year College Courses: ECON 200, ECON 201. Progress toward two years of French language. Canadian history courses. Courses that develop writing skills.
Students in good academic standing may declare this major at any time.
30 credits or second-year-equivalent French language training, plus 53 credits as follows:
The European Studies major prepares students to pursue careers requiring an understanding of all the forces, both material and cultural, contemporary and historical, that are shaping Europe today. These include the legacies of the Cold War and the complex dynamics of European political and economic integration. Students gain analytical and writing skills that can be applied widely in a wide variety of professional areas. The equivalent of second-year proficiency in a European language is required by the time of graduation, either through language study or placement testing.
Suggested First- and Second-Year College Courses: Progress toward two years of a modern European language. A survey course on modern Europe.
Students in good academic standing may declare this major at any time.
50 credits plus language proficiency
Modern European language through second year, either through proficiency test or successful completion of an applicable second college-level year (e.g., Spanish 203). See approved list.
The Jewish Studies major offers students from varied backgrounds and disciplines a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on the study of Jews and Judaism. Students learn about the geographic, historical, philosophical, and cultural diversity of the Jewish experience, including contemporary. They also gain critical and analytical skills that can be applied widely, including to the understanding and study of current challenges facing Jews and Judaism in the world.
Suggested First- and Second-Year College Courses: JSIS C 145; JSIS C 250/HSTCMP 250; JSIS C 201; JSIS 200, JSIS 201, or JSIS 202. Courses that develop critical analysis skills and writing proficiency. Courses in modern or biblical Hebrew.
Students in good academic standing may declare this major at any time.
The Jewish Studies major offers students from varied backgrounds and disciplines a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on the study of Jews and Judaism. Students learn about the geographic, historical, philosophical, and cultural diversity of the Jewish experience, including contemporary. They also gain critical and analytical skills that can be applied widely, including to the understanding and study of current challenges facing Jews and Judaism in the world.
50 credits
The Latin American and Caribbean Studies major provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of this major world region, emphasizing themes such as economic development, the role of the region in the global economy, the indigenous experience, popular movements, and relations between the region and the United States. Students will need second-year proficiency of one regional language, and first-year proficiency year of another regional language, by the time they graduate.
Suggested First- and Second-Year College Courses: Substantial progress toward completing the language requirement described below. Courses in any of the following disciplines that deal with Latin America and the Caribbean: history, literature, economics, geography, sociology, political science.
Students in good academic standing may declare this major at any time.
52 credits plus language training, as follows:
*See department website for list of approved courses.
The Minor in Arctic Studies offers students a structured opportunity to study the Arctic Region's role in global affairs, particularly in light of climate change. The program explores the impact of melting ice on maritime routes, access to resources, and geopolitical tensions. It also delves into the effects of climate change on northern communities, particularly Arctic Indigenous communities and infrastructure. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the circumpolar world through a combination of required and elective courses focusing on climate change ethics, international relations, cultural studies, language training, and more.
Arctic & International Relations is a Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies (JSIS)-wide initiative, led by the Canadian Studies Center since 2008, to address the Arctic as an emerging global region and actor on the world stage. JSIS and the Center are working in partnership with a parallel initiative, Future of Ice – a College of the Environment, College of Arts and Sciences, and Applied Physics Laboratory initiative – to enhance the University of Washington’s (UW) profile in research, education and public engagement about the polar regions. JSIS and School of Oceanography proposed a minor in Arctic Studies that has been signed; the Office of Global Affairs, and the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of the Environment have sponsored a Canada Fulbright Visiting Chair in Arctic Studies; and, the Center, JSIS and a number of units in both colleges are collaborating on several projects.
Minimum 25 credits
The program in Comparative Religion is known for its unusually large range of course offerings in the religious traditions of both the East and West. The faculty has particular strength in history, anthropology, and sociology. Participants in the program have an opportunity to enroll in small classes and interact with a faculty that puts emphasis on maintaining close contact with students. Comparative Religion has four tracks: History of Religions-Western Emphasis; History of Religions-Eastern Emphasis; Religion and Society; and Religion and Symbolic Expression.
30 credits as follows:
The minor in Hellenic Studies is designed for students interested in acquiring a comprehensive study of the Greek world, from antiquity to the present. The curriculum of the Hellenic Studies program draws on the histories and methodologies of the Social Sciences and the Humanities, encompassing a broad range of courses in the disciplines of Classics, Comparative Literature, Classical Archaeology, History, Art History, Comparative Religion, Political Science and Philosophy. Hellenic Studies enables students to study the Greek world in depth and from a variety of scholarly perspectives.
The minor in Hellenic Studies is designed for students interested in acquiring a comprehensive study of the Greek world, from antiquity to the present. The curriculum of the Hellenic Studies program draws on the histories and methodologies of the Social Sciences and the Humanities, encompassing a broad range of courses in the disciplines of Classics, Comparative Literature, Classical Archaeology, History, Art History, Comparative Religion, Political Science and Philosophy. Hellenic Studies enables students to study the Greek world in depth and from a variety of scholarly perspectives.
25 credits
The Jackson School combines the social sciences, humanities and professional fields to enhance understanding of our increasingly interconnected world. The International Studies (General) program equips students with the skills and tools needed to analyze global issues and challenges. The minor exposes students to a variety of regional and thematic classes and allows them explore issues of global reach in an interdisciplinary course of study.
The International Studies (general) minor combines study of the social sciences to understand global issues. Using a multidisciplinary approach the minor encourages students to look at our increasingly interdependent world in order to learn how to study it and better understand its politics, societies, economies, and cultures.
30 credits:
African Studies involves a cross-campus, interdisciplinary group of faculty, staff, and students who have an interest in questions relating to Africa and the African Diaspora. Africa-focused courses are taught in a variety of scholarly disciplines and programs, including Aquatic & Fishery Sciences, American Ethnic Studies, Anthropology, Architecture, Art History, Bioengineering, Comparative History of Ideas, English, Ethnomusicology, Forest Resources, French, Genome Sciences, Geography, Global Health, Health Services, History, Honors Program, Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences (UW-Bothell), Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences (UW-Tacoma), International Studies, Linguistics, Marine Affairs, Music, Near Eastern Languages & Civilizations, Nursing, Public Affairs, Political Science, School of Law, School of Nursing, School of Public Health, Social Work, Sociology, and Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies.
African Studies involves a cross-campus, interdisciplinary group of faculty, staff, and students who have an interest in questions relating to Africa and the African Diaspora. The minor in Africa and the African Diaspora offers students a wide variety of courses on Africa and on the historical and current experiences of peoples and communities with historical roots in Africa.
30 credits
The Canadian Studies Program is an interdisciplinary program designed to promote the understanding of Canada, of Canada’s relationships with the United States, and of Canada’s major role in the Commonwealth and in the United Nations. Core courses introduce the student to the origins and evolution of the Canadian people, their society and culture; interdisciplinary courses broaden the student’s scope of understanding. Canada-related courses are offered as well in many of the university’s professional schools.
25 credits
The China concentration in Asian Studies provides students with a sound foundation in one or more aspects of the study of China. The faculty has particular strength in history, both modern and pre-modern, as well as the social sciences. In addition, an extensive range of outstanding courses is available in the areas of language and literature. Students in the China Program are encouraged to take advantage of intensive overseas language training offered by the Inter-University Program in Taipei or the Beijing Chinese Language Program available through Beijing University.
30 credits
*See department website for list of approved courses.
The program in Comparative Religion is known for its unusually large range of course offerings in the religious traditions of both the East and West. The faculty has particular strength in history, anthropology, and sociology. Participants in the program have an opportunity to enroll in small classes and interact with a faculty that puts emphasis on maintaining close contact with students. Comparative Religion has four tracks: History of Religions-Western Emphasis; History of Religions-Eastern Emphasis; Religion and Society; and Religion and Symbolic Expression.
30 credits
The purpose of the curriculum in European Studies is to help prepare students to pursue careers requiring an understanding of all the forces, both material and cultural, contemporary and historical, that are shaping Europe today, in the transitions involved in the post-Soviet era and the movement toward greater political, economic, and cultural integration among the various nations of Europe West, East, North and South. Students may pursue European Studies either as an area concentration for its own sake or as a supplement to the development of particular expertise in a related discipline. Students may also focus, within the major, on Hellenic Studies or Russian, east European and Central Asian Studies.
25 credits
The Japan concentration combines language training with interdisciplinary study to give students a solid background in one or more areas of Japanese studies. Students are offered courses to an advanced level in the following: interdisciplinary studies, economics, business, political science, history, art, literature, and language. Advanced language training is available through the Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies in Tokyo, of which the University of Washington is a sponsoring member.
The Japan concentration combines language training with interdisciplinary study to give students a solid background in one or more areas of Japanese studies. Students are offered courses to an advanced level in the following: interdisciplinary studies, economics, business, political science, history, art, literature, and language. Advanced language training is available through the Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies in Tokyo, of which the University of Washington is a sponsoring member.
30 credits
*See department website for list of approved courses.
Jewish Studies offers students from varied backgrounds and disciplines a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on the study of Jews and Judaism. In learning about the geographic, temporal, philosophical, and cultural diversity of the Jewish experience, students gain critical skills that complement any direction of study and can be applied to myriad future aspirations.
The Jewish Studies minor offers students from varied backgrounds and disciplines an interdisciplinary perspective on the study of Jews and Judaism. Students learn about the geographic, historical, philosophical, and cultural diversity of the Jewish experience, including contemporary.
30 credits as follows:
The Paull Shin Korea Studies Program focuses on Korea within the broader context of East Asia. While it concentrates on the history, society, and language of Korea, courses on China and Japan are also an important part of the curriculum. In addition, visiting professors in other disciplines regularly complement the resident faculty.
30 credits
*See department website for list of approved courses.
The Latin American and Caribbean Studies minor provides an interdisciplinary understanding of this major world region, emphasizing themes such as economic development, popular movements, the role of the region in the global economy, and the indigenous experience.
30 credits as follows, plus foreign language:
*See department website for list of approved courses.
Middle East Studies offers interdisciplinary programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. Students take courses through the Jackson School of International Studies and other departments on campus, covering Middle East issues and challenges in a variety of social science and humanities disciplines.
The undergraduate curriculum in Middle East studies provides a grounding in the modern Middle East and a view of how this region fits into the world community politically, historically, and economically. To achieve this understanding, students in the minor take courses in the social sciences and the humanities related to the Middle East.
28-30 credits
Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies offers interdisciplinary programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. Students take courses through the Jackson School of International Studies and other departments on campus, covering issues and challenges in the region in a variety of social science and humanities disciplines.
A minor in Russian, East European, and Central Asian Studies (REECAS) allows students to select courses from a diverse range of courses involving history, politics, economics, languages and cultures. Drawn from Jackson School courses, as well as other departments, the REECAS minor is a solid complement to anyone interested in enhancing regional knowledge for future career placement.
30 credits from courses in at least three disciplines
*See department website for list of approved courses.
South Asia includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan and Tibet. Students are expected to gain proficiency in a South Asian language (Hindi, Urdu, Bengali and Sanskrit are offered regularly at all levels) and to pursue a course of study that includes both disciplinary concentration and interdisciplinary breadth. Students have opportunities to pursue language study in India through the program’s membership in the American Institute of Indian Studies. Other organizations provide similar opportunities for study in many of the other countries of the region.
South Asia includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan and Tibet. Students are expected to gain proficiency in a South Asian language (Hindi, Urdu, Bengali and Sanskrit are offered regularly at all levels) and to pursue a course of study that includes both disciplinary concentration and interdisciplinary breadth. Students have opportunities to pursue language study in India through the program’s membership in the American Institute of Indian Studies. Other organizations provide similar opportunities for study in many of the other countries of the region.
30 credits
*See department website for list of approved courses.
The Southeast Asian Studies concentration promotes the study of Viet Nam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Burma, Singapore, Brunei, Timor Loro’sae and the Philippines. Core courses introducing students to the cultures and societies of the region are offered in the Jackson School and in the Departments of Anthropology and History. Additional courses are offered by the Departments of Geography, Asian Languages and Literature, Political Science, Sociology, and in the School of Public Health. Language instruction in Thai, Indonesian, Tagalog, Khmer, Burmese and Vietnamese is offered at beginning and intermediate levels, and Thai, Indonesian, Tagalog and Vietnamese offered at the advanced level.
30 credits
*See department website for list of approved courses.
The Minor in Luso-Brazilian Studies offers a combination of Portuguese language classes with elective courses with a focus on the Luso-Brazilian world. The elective classes are offered in Latin American and Caribbean Studies, African Studies, Cultural Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Film, History, Global Health, and other related areas.
25 credits
Student Outcomes and Opportunities
Jackson School undergraduates can draw upon an extensive roster of more than 500 UW Study-Abroad programs and exchanges, in 70 countries, to enrich their studies.
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