In order to connect your area of academic interest at Columbia with your courses abroad, Columbia College students are required, prior to the abroad experience, to take a course in the country or region where you intend to study. The regional course provides background knowledge of the country or region where you intend to study—its historical, cultural, and social foundations—and an understanding of its contemporary issues. Developing a focused course of study related to your host country will help you establish a path of academic inquiry that you will build on while you are abroad. Take a look at the list of regional courses and the course descriptions. Please be aware, however, that there are many options, and you should visit consult with Senior Assistant Dean Scott Carpenter to have your selection approved. Special registration procedures are in place for some courses, notably seminars in English and History, so make sure to follow departmental instructions.

Africa

Courses on the politics and history of specific regions and countries in Africa are offered each semester, some of which are also Global Core courses. Students are encouraged to take advantage of lectures and conferences organized by the Institute of African Studies and other SIPA-sponsored events.

Asia

In addition to Global Core courses on the region and on specific countries, a wide array of courses on the politics, history, culture, and religion of Asian countries are available. Some offerings in Islamic civilization may be applicable to your specific host country.

Europe

Part of language preparation involves an engagement in the historical and cultural processes that have helped shape the language under study. Although more advanced language and cultural studies courses are recommended for study-abroad candidates, the following courses cover history and culture in sufficient depth: Advanced German (GERM V3001); Advanced Italian (ITAL V3335); Advanced Language through Content (SPAN W 3300; specific sections on Spain). Students traveling to Spain should also plan to take Introduction to the Study of Hispanic Culture (SPAN W3330).  French Cultural Workshop (FREN W3498) has been designed specifically for students planning on studying in France. English-language options exist in a variety of fields, but remember that students must have a course taught in the target language the semester immediately before studying abroad. Courses focusing on the cultural production and history of your host country are most productive when taken in the target language. In some cases, a course may offer a broader European or comparative perspective, so it would be crucial to focus your work in the course on your future host country. Please consult with Dean Carpenter to have your selection approved.

United Kingdom and Ireland

Though Americans and the inhabitants of the British Isles share a common language, it is important that students prepare themselves for a substantially different cultural context. A wide array of courses drawn from a variety of disciplines will help you focus your area of academic interest on topics related to the history, culture, and society of England, Scotland, and Ireland. In some cases, a course may offer a broader European or comparative perspective, so it would be crucial to focus your work in the course on your future host country. Please consult with Dean Carpenter to have your selection approved.

Latin America

In addition to the Advanced Language through Content course sections devoted to Latin America (SPAN W3300), more advanced students of Spanish can prepare for study abroad by taking Introduction to the Study of Hispanic Culture (SPAN W3330) taught in Spanish. For students in Intermediate Spanish or Portuguese, other viable options include Latin American Humanities II (SPAN W3491) and Global Core courses.

Middle East

Global Core courses on the Middle East and the Islamic world provide students with good preparation for study abroad in the region. Some advanced-language courses combine language study with an analysis of the cultural productions of the Arabic-speaking world. Advanced Hebrew instruction with cultural content and courses focusing on Israel are also available.

Oceania

Comparative approaches to culture and politics, including issues related to indigenous populations, can provide good preparation for study abroad in Australia and New Zealand.  In consultation with the Study Abroad Office, students will undertake individualized readings tailored to their interests and then take at least one course relating to Australian or New Zealand history, politics, or culture on their study-abroad program. 

Please note: As part of the clearance process, you must meet with Dean Carpenter to have your regional course selection approved.