As interactions between states, societies, and cultures increase, so too do the responses to these interactions multiply. The Global Studies major allows students to explore such interactions and their outcomes. By bringing in both historical and contemporary material, the major provides students with the tools that they need in order to make sense of the world in which they live—as well as understanding how it got to be that way. Students pursuing an undergraduate degree in global studies will engage in thinking critically about how global change has (and can) come about during the course of their lifetimes. The major aims to have students focus on relevant issues to them in a way that provides intellectual flexibility. The major will offer solid training in how to use acquired knowledge to become agents of positive change on the global issues that matter most to people here, and elsewhere around the world.
The Global Studies major requires students to choose a concentration and a geographic region in which to become an expert. It connects this regional specialization to language training. Global Studies majors will choose one of three concentrations: (1) Global Development; (2) Global Peace and Conflict; or (3) Global Societies and Cultures. This will allow students to focus their studies on a specific aspect of the “global.” At the same time, those pursuing this major will choose one of five regions (Asia, Africa, Europe/Russia, The Americas or the Middle East) in which to specialize, both in terms of content and language. In doing so, students have an opportunity to become a specialist in a specific region, especially as it relates to larger questions that arise from global interaction. In addition, the major requires training in critical thinking–that is how to study a particular problem in a consistent and rigorous way. Students will work with faculty and the Global Studies advisors to devise a program that best captures their interests and allows them to reach their intellectual and professional potentials.
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
Lower Division:
5 Courses
- Global Studies 10A: Introduction to Global Studies.
- Global Studies 10B: Critical Issues in Global Studies.
- IAS 45: Survey of World History.
- Econ 1 or 2 or C3: Introduction to Economics handbook.
- Statistics 2, 20, or 21 OR Data Science 8
Foreign Language
All students must demonstrate a proficiency equivalent to four college-level semesters in a modern language other than English. This language must be linked to the student’s regional focus within the major.
Equivalency can be achieved through coursework, AP credit, examination, and/or study abroad. For more information on how to complete the language requirement, please consult the Global Studies Requirements & Policies handbook. Languages accepted by the College of Letters and Science are not automatically accepted by the Global Studies major. Please check with the department for eligible languages, and to make sure that your language matches your regional focus within the major.
Upper Division:
- Global Studies 100D or 100P or 100S, depending on which concentration you choose to follow.
- Disciplinary Courses: two courses in the same discipline, depending on which concentration you select within the major. The Discipline courses can be selected from Appendices A1-A3 in the Global Studies Requirements & Policies booklet.
- Global Studies 110E or 110K or 110L or 110M or 110Q, depending on which regional focus you choose.
- Regional Courses: three courses selected from Appendices B1-B3 in the Global Studies Requirements & Policies booklet.
- Critical Thinking: one course selected from Appendix C in the Global Studies Requirements & Policies booklet. We have a strong preference that you take GLOBAL 102 before your sixth semester on campus.
HOW TO DECLARE
Applications are accepted during the fall and spring semesters from the third week of instruction until the last day of instruction (not the last day of finals). Applications are accepted during summer sessions beginning in June until the beginning of the fall semester (not the beginning of classes).
To be eligible to declare students must:
- have completed GLOBAL10A with a grade of C or better;
- have completed IAS 45; and
- have completed one of the other three lower division requirements; and
not be in the final semester of undergraduate work; and - have a cumulative GPA over 2.0.
Additionally, students are encouraged – but not required – to complete two semesters of college-level foreign language or the equivalent before applying to the major.
To get declared you must both:
attend a Major Declaration Workshop (check the Calendar for dates), and
meet with an advisor to submit the GLOBAL STUDIES application materials
Bring a completed Application – including all materials and transcripts listed below – to the Workshop. Application materials may be submitted after attending the Major Declaration Workshop. However, students will not be officially declared until they have both attended a Workshop and submitted all declaration papers.
LEARNING GOALS
1) Acquire historical and geographical knowledge, and develop language skills;
2) Develop strong interdisciplinary training, gaining control over key concepts in the social sciences and/or the humanities (see below);
3) Apply an interdisciplinary approach to the study of contemporary global issues;
4) Demonstrate analytical skills, as well as those in critical reading and writing, through research.
5) Synthesize the ways in which local circumstances influence global events, and vice-versa