Integrative Studies is a basic component of the 53 semester credit hour Liberal Studies Requirements. It elicits from faculty and students a commitment to analyze and interpret a body of knowledge that links the perennial questions of human life with the greatest works of history, literature, art, philosophy, and the sciences. It challenges faculty and students to view learning as an integrative process by suggesting conceptual bridges which span historical moments, cultural perspectives, and various disciplines of study.
Integrative Studies emphasizes critical and analytical ability in dealing with events, individuals, ideas, artifacts, and texts that have contributed to human achievements. The program consists of seven seminars, four of which are required of all baccalaureate degree-seeking students not enrolled in the Whitney M. Young, Jr. College of Leadership Studies. Three of these courses (IGS 200, 201, and 300) are organized as a sequence, giving students the opportunity to encounter a variety of cultural and intellectual perspectives. The sequence begins with ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, and Greece and extends to the 20th century. The fourth course required is selected by the student from courses exploring specific world cultures (IGS 301, 302, 303, or 304). In addition to those required courses, Integrative Studies also offers a Senior Seminar (IGS 499) for students who are interested in exploring a specific interdisciplinary theme. The program became an integral part of the curriculum in the fall of 1983. Faculty from all disciplines are invited to participate. Completion of ENG 101 with a grade of "C" or better is a prerequisite for all IGS courses.
The number of Integrative Studies semester credit hours required of transfer students varies in accordance with the number of transfer credit hours accepted by the University toward fulfillment of graduation requirements. The University follows the guidelines for the transfer of general education requirements as established by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. Transfer students should read the section of the Catalogue that deals with the transfer of credits, particularly the section discussing the “33-Hour Core Component” of the Certification of General Education Blocks. It is the basis for the Integrative Studies requirements for transfer students. Those requirements are as follows:
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Blocks. It is the basis for the Integrative Studies requirements for transfer students. Those requirements are as follows:
Students who transfer with courses similar to the University's Integrative Studies offerings may be exempted from these courses, with the consent of the Coordinator of Integrative Studies or the Dean of the Whitney M. Young, Jr. College of Leadership Studies. Those exemptions will be determined on an individual basis.
In view of the emergence of a new world order and of an increasing international interdependence, students at Kentucky State University need to be prepared to participate in this new world. They need to be exposed to an international curriculum; one which enables them to interact effectively with people from other countries; one which enables them to understand and appreciate a culture other than their own, and one which enables them to compete effectively in a global arena.
In view of the above, Kentucky State University offers a minor program in International Studies. A minor in International Studies requires the completion of 21 semester credit hours. To pursue an International Studies minor, the student must take a preliminary language proficiency test in French, Spanish, or (by petition) another language relevant to the focus area. The minor includes a course in Geography (GEO 102) and a two-semester foreign language course sequence.