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Global Studies

Program Requirements

Curriculum  for the Global Studies Program


Program Description


The Global Studies Program aims to encourage and enable students to achieve global literacy defined as a multidisciplinary approach to contending perspectives on global problems, their historical origins, and their possible solutions. To this end, the Global Studies program offers courses and experiences designed to equip students with the factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to comprehend, and engage with, foundational questions of global analysis (e.g., the commonalities and variations between human cultures), identifiable global themes (e.g., war and peace, economic development, globalization and trade, environmental sustainability), and the specifics of particular contemporary global problems (e.g., regional conflicts, weapons proliferation, environmental degradation, movement for political integration and autonomy, the AIDS crisis).


Course of Study


Students electing the Global Studies major are required to declare a primary major before they declare a Global Studies major. No more than two courses (8 semester hours) can be taken in any one discipline to fulfill the requirements for the issue concentration for the Global Studies major. In addition, students may not apply more than two courses (8 semester hours) from each other major or minor.


REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR IN GLOBAL STUDIES


A. Global Studies Core (16 semester hours)

    » Anthropology/History/Political Science 210 Global Perspectives (4 credits)

    » Select two courses from the following three:

            Anthropology 102: Human Cultural Diversity (4 credits) 

            Economics 111 Global and Environmental Economic Principles (4 credits)

            History 215 Modern World History (4 credits)

    » Global Studies 499 Research Seminar (4 credits)


B. Issue Area Concentrations (16 semester hours)

Four courses must be taken from one of the five concentrations outlined below. At least 3 of the 4 courses counted toward a concentration must be at the 300 level or higher.


C. Language

Students must demonstrate proficiency in a language relevant to their coursework and at a level consistent with Option 1 of the College of Arts and Sciences foreign language requirement. This may be accomplished through a proficiency examination or through the equivalent of 16 semester hours of coursework.


D. Off-Campus Study Component

Majors are required to participate in an off-campus study program overseas. While abroad students must earn 8 semester hours of credit related to the global studies core or the student’s global studies concentration. At least 4 credits must relate directly to the student’s global studies concentration. For example, this study abroad requirement could be met by taking two appropriate J-term courses, or by 8 semester hours of appropriate coursework taken during a semester abroad. Language study coursework does not necessarily count for this requirement; coursework must deal with the contemporary world and its issues. Obtaining pre-approval for credit is encouraged. Local internships related to an area concentration and involving a cross-cultural setting may be allowed in exceptional circumstances. The Global Studies chair must approve exceptions.

E. Senior Research Project 

The senior project is a general university requirement in all programs and majors. Students will normally satisfy this requirement by completing a research project or paper in Global Studies 499.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN GLOBAL STUDIES

A.     Anthropology/History/Political Science 210

B.     One course from ANTH 102, ECON 111, or HIST 215

C.     Three courses in one concentration

D.     Foreign Language: One semester of 200-level college coursework in a foreign language, or equivalent proficiency.

E.     Study Away:At least 4 credits of study abroad coursework related to the contemporary world and its issues. For example, one appropriate J-term course.


THEMATIC CONCENTRATIONS*, **


*Students may petition the Chair of Global Studies for the inclusion of courses that meet issue concentration requirements but that are not taught regularly enough to be listed here.

Development and Social Justice

Responses to International Violence and Conflict

World Health


Globalization and Trade


Transnational Movements and Cultural Diversity



*Students may petition the Chair of Global Studies for the inclusion of courses that meet issue concentration requirements but that are not taught regularly enough to be listed here.