The Global Studies major helps students develop an awareness of both the diversity and the interconnectedness of the world's peoples and their cultural, economic, linguistic, political, and religious systems. Students in Global Studies also acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to understand global problems and evaluate possible solutions.
The Global Studies major prepares students to interact professionally with a greater diversity of people, as they incorporate themselves into an increasingly globalized society. Students are encouraged to be interdisciplinary and study across various cultures and global issues, which prepares them for careers in international development, health, politics, and science, as well as professions in their local communities that require interaction with people of various cultural backgrounds.
Students must earn a C or better in each course to be applied to the major or minor.
A major consists of 36 hours.
Global and Intercultural Foundations
Interdisciplinary Foundations
Two courses from two different disciplines.
Languages
Two courses beyond the language requirement
- Students can take French or Spanish courses on campus; they can take courses in both languages; or they may take other language courses abroad or at other institutions as transfer credit in consultation with their advisor.
Regional Cultures and Global Issues
Three courses from three different regions; courses listed under more than one region can only count for one of them.
- Africa and its Diaspora: GB/AF160, HI313
- Asia: HI/RE181, HI/RE223, HI/RE224
- Europe: GB150, GB251, GB255, GB256, HI254, HI256, HI292, HI358
- International Political Economy: BU371, FI357, PO387
- Latin America: GB152, GB251
Study Abroad or International Experience
Students are required to complete an international experience that allows them to place their coursework in a practical context. A semester study abroad program is the best opportunity for developing global, intercultural, and bilingual knowledge and skills, so this option is strongly encouraged.
Other possibilities include an international BreakAway, international research, and an international internship. Some domestic intercultural experiences might fulfill the requirement with the approval of a Global Studies advisor. Any experience is selected in consultation with an advisor. All credits earned through the experience may fulfill requirements for the major in consultation with students’ advisors.
Capstone
Students with Global Studies as their only major can fulfill the capstone requirement in a variety of ways: interdisciplinary capstone course; independent research; honors thesis; experiential learning. Students must consult with their advisors.
Students who have another major in addition to Global Studies will fulfill the capstone requirement through that major's capstone experience or through an interdisciplinary learning experience that is selected in consultation with advisors in both majors.
