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Area Studies > Requirements

Area Studies Major
Because of the wide range of possible concentrations within the major, each student works out an individual study plan in consultation with an Area Studies advisor. The study plan must include examination of the following aspects of the chosen area: history, social structure and social dynamics, economy, political system, and culture. Where instruction in the language appropriate to the area is offered on campus, proficiency in that language is required. Each major is required either to write a senior thesis or to complete an approved program of study abroad in the region of specialization. All concentrations within the major require a minimum of 11 course credits, and some require more. Some of these credits may be independent study (tutorials and research projects, including the senior thesis) or may be language courses at the intermediate level or above (beginning with third-semester college-level courses). Study-abroad opportunities include Lake Forest College foreign programs and programs of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest as well as other approved programs. Students are encouraged to consult with members of the Area Studies Committee regarding appropriate study plans, courses, and foreign programs.

Examples of possible Area Studies concentrations:

African Studies
Combines courses in politics, economics, history, literature, sociology and anthropology, and  religion.

European Studies
Combines work in a language (e.g., French, German, Spanish) with courses in history, politics, literature, art, economics, and philosophy.

Middle Eastern Studies
Combines courses in politics, economics, and religion with work in history and sociology and anthropology.

Russian and East European Studies
Combines courses in history, politics, economics, religion, and literature.

Area Studies Minor
An Area Studies minor requires the same range of courses covering a country or region as for the major, minus the thesis and foreign language requirements. A minor must include at least six courses on the history, social structure, economy, political system, and culture of the chosen area of study, such as Africa, the Middle East, or Western Europe. These six courses, as in the case of the major, may be taken as tutorials or programs of study abroad, but at least one course must be at the 300 level or above. The courses are to be chosen in consultation with members of the Area Studies Committee.