It's a major question-and one asked by relatives over Thanksgiving break.
What is your major?
And with such a bevy of options, UW-Madison students, usually have an answer. But, in the major-centric society, what about minors?
The Global Cultures Program offers a certificate-the equivalent of a minor at UW-Madison-designed to supplement any major. It was created almost 15 years ago on the perception that a number of undergraduate students wanted a certificate in the field, according to Cathy Meschievitz, associate dean of the division for international studies.
And although the certificate is supplemented and affiliated with the Integrated Liberal Studies program, classes that give credits toward the certificate can be found in more than 30 departments.
The Global Cultures certificate has a few prerequisites. First, a student must have five years of one language, or three years of two foreign languages, to receive the certificate. Exceptions can be made, however, if English is the second language, or if the language of choice is only offered to fourth semester. Second, students must take ILS 209, Introduction to Global Cultures. Six of the 21 required credits must come from classes at the 300 level or higher. And, students must complete a capstone requirement, usually in the form of a senior seminar.
The study abroad program also lends itself easily to the certificate. Courses taken while abroad can count towards language requirement, elected courses, or capstone requirement of the program. A total of 12 of the 21 required credits can come from studying abroad, up to six a semester. Although, it should be noted that studying abroad at a non-UW-Madison program will count for credit only if the courses taken transfer back as equivalent UW-Madison courses.
Of course, this doesn't appeal to all students. UW-Madison freshman Paul Kleinman, a film major who is taking the prerequisite ILS 209 said, \by the time I got to register ... there weren't many options. I personally don't want a minor, or whatever it is, in global cultures.""
However, if this does seem appealing, enrollment is handled by completing the College of Letters and Science major/certificate declaration/cancellation and returning it to the Global Cultures advisor. Students looking to enroll can find the form in room 261 Bascom Hall, in the Office of International Studies and Programs, and finally add a little spice to those dull ""what's your major?"" conversations.
