Global Studies
Professor Bernd K. Estabrook (German)
Professor Steven M. Gardner (Spanish)
Professor Margaret A. Marek (Spanish)
Professor Winston R. Wells (Political Science)
Associate Professor Devin Bryson (French)
Associate Professor Diana Grullón-García (Spanish)
Assistant Professor Gwendolyn Gillson (Asian Studies)
Part-time Assistant Professor Emily Adams (French)
Part-time Instructor Risa Yamamaka
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.
Language learning is included among these skills. As students in Global Studies learn to speak, read, and write in a language other than English, they gain direct experience of foreign cultures that deepens their understanding of the world. In turn, this close engagement with different cultures encourages students to reexamine their own cultural experiences, applying the unique insights that each language offers across cultural boundaries.
Global Studies majors choose an area of concentration that corresponds to their interests and professional plans. The concentration provides students with in-depth cultural and social knowledge in a specific region of the world or a particular field in Global Studies. Students select from Asian Studies, Caribbean Studies, European Studies, International Relations, or Spanish.
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’ (2.0) or better in each course to be applied to the major or minor.
The Department of Global Studies offers five minors: French, German, Global Studies, Japanese, and Spanish. A minor consists of 20 hours.
Majors & Programs
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Global Studies, Major -
French in Global Studies, Minor -
German in Global Studies, Minor -
Global Studies, Minor -
Japanese in Global Studies, Minor -
Spanish in Global Studies, Minor -
Spanish Teaching License, Teaching Licensure
Courses
GB 101: Introduction to Global Studies
GB 105: Languages and Their Place in the World
GB 115: Rise from Ruins: Japan and Germany after 1945
GB 131: Introduction to Caribbean Studies
GB 150: The Culture and History of Spain
GB 230: The Caribbean and the African Diaspora
GB 231: Puerto Rican Culture & History
GB 235: Hispanic Caribbean Literature
GB 237: Complexities of Cuba
What do you know (or think you know) about tropical Cuba? Common associations in the U.S. include Castro, communism, Cold War, classic cars, and cigars. Close-by, yet closed off. This course unpacks these conceptions and introduces you to Cuba’s social, political, historical, cultural, and artistic complexities. Listen to son Cubano, featuring a blend of indigenous, African, and Spanish instruments. Try ajiaco, a signature Cuban dish that combines Indigenous, African, and Spanish ingredients. Collaborate with students from the University of Pinar Del Rio and meet them in person when you travel to Cuban during Spring Break. Taught in English; prior study of Spanish not required.
GB 250: Introduction to Business in the E.U.
This course is designed to introduce students to the structures and cultural practices typical of interactions with the contemporary EU – the European Union. The course will help the student develop familiarity with current European business/cultural vocabulary through selected readings, written assignments, video programs and interaction with other communications technologies. There will be special segments devoted to the traditions and cultural assumptions of European professionals, information on current economic developments in the European Union, and Germany’s unique role in that union. Students will use the internet to research current economic information on particular companies, as well as investigate possibilities for future business internships in Europe.
GB 251: Torture in Spain and Latin America
GB 255: Spain’s Textual Heritage
GB 256: Cervantes and Don Quixote
GB 267: Research Add-On Course in French, German, Japanese or Spanish
GB 270: Serving 21st-Century Populations within the Health Professions
This course focuses on meeting the needs of the increasingly diverse populations served by the U.S. healthcare system, with particular emphasis on the Hispanic and Francophone populations in the Jacksonville area. Basic medical Spanish and French will be studied, and students will build skills for conversational and written expression needed in health-related situations. The course will address both theoretical issues such as intercultural competency and barriers to healthcare access, as well as practical strategies for working successfully with diverse communities.
GB 367: Research Add-On Course in French, German, Japanese or Spanish
GB 461: Independent Study in Global Studies
GB 462: Independent Study in Global Studies
GB 467: Research Add-On Course in French, German, Japanese or Spanish
GB 480: Honors Thesis in Global Studies
An honors thesis based on extensive research conducted abroad or at intercultural domestic sites, through authentic cultural documents, and, if appropriate, in foreign language(s). Students can take this course in the second semester of their senior year. The thesis will be defended orally (in English) at a public presentation open to the entire Illinois College community. The written thesis can be completed in English or in a second language, in consultation with the supervising professor(s).
SP 101: Spanish for Global Citizens I
Students learn basic sentence structure and vocabulary in Spanish and are introduced to the culture of the peoples who speak Spanish. They also acquire the language skills and cultural knowledge to travel on their own to the countries where Spanish is spoken.
SP 102: Spanish for Global Citizens II
The course is designed for students who have taken 101 or have had some language instruction in high school, building upon what they have already learned. Students learn basic sentence structures and vocabulary in Spanish and are introduced to the cultures of the people who speak Spanish. They also acquire the language skills and cultural knowledge to travel on their own to the countries where Spanish is spoken.
SP 105: Reading in Spanish
Selected reading for summer study.
SP 203: Spanish for the Professions
Students review the fundamentals of Spanish and become acquainted with basic vocabulary related to an array of professions. Students become familiar with the role Spanish and cultural knowledge play in these professions.
SP 205: Reading in Spanish
Selected reading for summer study.
SP 210: Spanish for Heritage Speakers
Heritage speakers of Spanish advance their proficiency for multiple contexts, including professional use. Students build vocabulary, acquire learning strategies, improve oral and written expression, with particular consideration to grammar, and orthography. Special emphasis on cultural topics about the Hispanic/Latino(a) community in the United States. (Not open to students who have taken SP 203.)
SP 301: Spanish Conversation through Film
Students develop conversation skills in Spanish and gain an understanding of the cultures and societies of the people who speak Spanish through discussing and writing about films.
SP 302: Conversation and Composition
Students explore other cultures through readings video, and other media, and they practice Spanish through compositions and discussions
SP 305: Reading in Spanish
Selected reading for summer study.
SP 307: Intermediate Spanish Grammar
Advanced study of Spanish grammar and syntax—verbs.
SP 310: Advanced Spanish for Professions
An introduction to Spanish business vocabulary, forms, economic matters and career possibilities. Comprehension and communication in many common business situations.