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World Cultural Studies (B.A.)

The World Cultural Studies concentration is a humanities-based program designed to address global issues and expand students’ and professionals’ career opportunities. Graduates become valuable assets in a rapidly globalizing workforce by demonstrating the ability to effectively and creatively work and think across cultures and disciplines. This concentration prepares students to communicate effectively through training in intercultural understanding and fluency. Students learn to navigate cultural codes that take into account local, national, and global identities, to demonstrate adaptive leadership skills, and to facilitate global collaboration in solving worldwide challenges.

World Cultural Studies (B.A.)


Description


What is World Cultural Studies at ODU like?

The World Cultural Studies concentration is a humanities-based program designed to address global issues and expand students’ and professionals’ career opportunities. Graduates become valuable assets in a rapidly globalizing workforce by demonstrating the ability to effectively and creatively work and think across cultures and disciplines. This concentration prepares students to communicate effectively through training in intercultural understanding and fluency. Students learn to navigate cultural codes that take into account local, national, and global identities, to demonstrate adaptive leadership skills, and to facilitate global collaboration in solving worldwide challenges.

Program Highlights


What makes World Cultural Studies at ODU unique?

  • The core courses in this program integrate active local and international partnerships in the form of distinguished guest speakers and off-campus opportunities for students

  • This program facilitates immersion in local multicultural experiences

  • Students work closely with a faculty mentor to select an individualized platform of courses suited to the student’s interests and desired sub-specialty

  • Study abroad courses at the 300-400 level that offer three credits can fulfill at least one course requirement

  • Excellent double major adding a degree of global competitiveness to all students as almost all fields and related careers are impacted by globalization today

  • Students have access to the Language Learning Center as a resource

Careers


What are some careers in this field?

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Public Relations and Fundraising Managers

$127,690

MEDIAN SALARY


Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client; or if engaged in fundraising, plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

Social and Community Service Managers

$70,530

MEDIAN SALARY


Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

$75,950

MEDIAN SALARY


Teach languages and literature courses in languages other than English. Includes teachers of American Sign Language (ASL). Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

$98,620

MEDIAN SALARY


Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Courses


What are some courses offered in World Cultural Studies at ODU?

WCS 321:
Human Rights and World Literature and Cultures


Struggles for human rights and social justice often find their most evocative expression in literary works from around the world. In this course, students will work toward an understanding of different cultural perspectives that inform world concepts of human rights. We will focus on novels, short stories, and poetry. We will also consider the fundamental value of these artistic expressions as both spaces of empathy and agents of change in society. As we discover texts from around the world we will also delve into important socio-political contexts that inform each work. Lastly, this course will turn the lens toward the reader's own values and ideas, and inspire a reconsideration of our place in this world. Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in ENGL 110C.

WCS 400:
Global Cultural Studies


This course will examine selected cultural studies perspectives on mass communication. It will cover cultural studies philosophies, theories, and/or approaches to the study of cultural artifacts and practices that may include some of the following: postmodernism, deconstruction, feminism, and post-colonialism. The readings will include theoretical texts as well as artistic or cultural texts that will more clearly illustrate the theoretical positions. Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in ENGL 110C.

WCS 495:
TPCS:FR AFRIC CARRIB and DIASP C


This course invites students to discover approaches to global problems and concerns through an analysis of cultural expressions from around the world. Students will consider the ways in which literary and artistic expression (literature, film, visual art, music) draw from and impact broader social and political contexts. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENGL 110C.

Requirements


What are the requirements to apply for World Cultural Studies at ODU?

Students entering the Bachelor of Arts program in World Cultural Studies should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Undergraduate Admission)

  • Requirements for graduation include a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 overall and in the major, 120 credit hours, which must include both a minimum of 30 credit hours overall and 12 credit hours of upper-level courses in the major program from Old Dominion University, completion of ENGL 110CENGL 211C or ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C, and the writing intensive (W) course in the major with a grade of C or better, and completion of Senior Assessment.

Cost

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Virginia Resident


Per Credit:

$ 374

Non-Resident


Per Credit:

$ 1,039

Active Duty Military Rate


Per Credit:

$ 250

Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States


Per Credit:

$ 407

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid

Next Steps


I like this program. What are the next steps?

Contact


Need help applying?

Meet Your Enrollment Team

Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.

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MASTER LECTURER


Name:

Lee Slater PhD


Location:

4045 BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS, NORFOLK, VA, 23529



Office:

757-683-5183


Undergraduate Admissions


Location:

1004 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529


Phone Office:

757-683-3685


Fax:

757-683-3255


Email:

admissions@odu.edu


International Admissions


Location:

2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529


Phone Office:

757-683-3701


Fax:

757-683-3651


Email:

intladm@odu.edu

Transfer


I like this program and want to transfer. What are my next steps?

At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful transition, engagement, and academic achievement of transfer students. The services and programs offered to you as a Monarch are endless so take advantage of every opportunity. Even before you set foot on campus, we encourage you to Explore, Experience, and Engage! Visit our Transfer Students page for more information.

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