Overview: The ability to communicate and learn about communities beyond our immediate social circle has been the one of the biggest gifts of globalization. The tools that have made it possible are language and information technology. Students who declare KCIS as a thematic area work towards the understanding of these information and communication chains and how they create global knowledge systems and information systems. They explore the role of language, education and information technology as enablers of social, economic and political change around the world. A student might take coursework that helps them understand the interrelated processes of globalization, communication and knowledge disbursement through various medium such as internet, education, tourism and news and popular media. Students who are interested in understanding the logistics of information transfer, knowledge flows and effective communication strategies might also declare KCIS as a thematic area.

Coursework example: Of the varied topics completed by students with KCIS as their thematic area, one could be secondary education. A student eager to become a teacher could take classes in linguistics, English as a second language, education, communication and psychology. Alternatively, a student who wishes to work with a MNC can choose business communication or international business as a topic and take courses in business, communication, computer science etc. There are several course options for this thematic area; please speak with an academic advisor to discuss possibilities!

Possible career paths: Some possible career tracks for students of KCIS would include curriculum and instruction, information technology, business, public relations, non-profit sector, translation, interpreting, sales, tourism, advertising, technical writing etc. For more information, visit the career prep section.