Third World Studies

Third World Studies is concerned with those areas and peoples of the world that are less politically powerful, economically developed and/or whose cultural survival is threatened. The approach is comparative and multi-disciplinary, encompassing inquiry into the cultures, economies, histories, societies, and politics of the “third world”. Work sponsored by the Third World Studies Committee is oriented toward inquiry about the “third world” in general. For this reason, the major is designed so that students do not concentrate exclusively on one particular region of the world. Those wishing to do so are advised to work under the appropriate regional curricular committee or program.

Major

Students interested in majoring in Third World Studies should consult the chair or any member of the Third World Studies Committee (see http://www.oberlin.edu/secretary/faculty/colfaccom.html) as soon as possible. Together the student and advisor will work out a proposed program of study. Students declaring Third World Studies as their only major should submit their proposals by the second semester of the sophomore year; double majors should do so by the second semester of the junior year.

Majors must complete thirty hours in courses approved by the committee. These must include courses in two different departments/programs in the humanities and two different departments/programs in the social sciences. The major must also include an advanced seminar or colloquium to serve as a capstone. The major may not include more than four courses from any one of the following regions:

Asia,
Latin America and the Caribbean,
the Middle East and North Africa,
Sub-Saharan Africa.