Global Studies B.A.

The Global Studies curriculum stresses a critical analysis of complex and controversial global issues, social research, oral and written communication, intercultural relations, community service and social action.

You will start by learning core theory in globalization, culture, history, political economy and global politics. Then, you will specialize in a thematic area such as: Global Culture and Ideology, Global Politics/Peace and Conflict, Global Political Economy, and International Development/Humanitarian Action or construct a faculty-approved focus relevant to your future. You will also develop global competency through service learning and international experience. Finally, you will synthesize and present your learning through a Capstone project.

To learn more about the major, visit the Social, Behavioral & Global Studies website.

required courses

In order to graduate, you will also need to complete your general education and university requirements.

Complete the following courses to meet MLO 1:

• GS 206: Understanding Globalization
• GS 214: Global History I: Ancient Times to 1500 ORGS 215: Global History II - World History Since 1500
• GS 300: Major ProSeminar
• GS 300L: Global Studies Lab
• GS 330: World Views
• GS 370: Global Political Economy
• GS 390: Global Politics
• GS 316: Approaches/ Global Histories

Complete one of the following course combinations to meet MLO 2:

• SBS 361: Introduction to GIS and SBS 361L: Introduction to GIS Lab
• SBS 362: Rsrch Mthd for SBS: Qual Emph and SBS 362L: Rsrch Mthd SBS: Qual Emph Lab
• SBS 366: Rsrch Mthd for SBS:Quant Emph and SBS 366L: Rsrch Mthd SBS:Quan Emph Lab

Complete three courses in the MLO 2 Area of Focus: The options listed here are only suggestions for clusters of GS courses. For your Area of Focus please consult GS faculty.

Global culture and ideology

• GS 332: Religion/Post Secular World
• GS 340: Social Medial and Global Comm
• GS 349: The West/Arab/Muslim World
• GS 350: Global Gender Issues
• Any advisor-approved approved upper division course

global politics

• GS 332: Religion/Post Secular World
• GS 326: US Foreign Policy & Empire
• GS 335: Comparative/Gov'ts & Politics
• Any advisor-approved upper division course

global political economy

• GS 335: Comparative Governments & Politics
• GS 339: Sweat/Service/Solidarity
• GS 342: Economic Thought: History and Contemporary Interpretations
• GS 375: Ecological Political Economy
• GS 385: Global Ecology
• Any advisor-approved upper division course

international development/humanitarian action

• GS 317: Global Migrant Workers
• GS 322: Dilemmas in Humanitarianism
• GS 325: International Development
• GS 349: The West/Arab/Muslim World
• GS 350: Gender/Violence in Global Life
• Any advisor-approved upper division course

religion, peace, and conflict

• GS 332: Religion/Post Secular World
• GS 349: The West/Arab/Muslim World
• GS 360: Religion/Violence/Peacemaking
• Any advisor-approved upper division course

Complete one of the following courses to meet MLO 3:

• GS 380S: Int'l Organizations & SL
• GS 339S: Sweat/Service/Solidarity SL

In addition to the required Service Learning course, students may choose to acquire more global competency through travel seminars, a semester abroad, or a course such as:

• GS 349: The West/Arab/Muslim World
• GS 396: Field Studies
• GS 397: Independent Study

Complete all of the following courses to meet MLO 4:

• GS 400: Capstone Proposal Seminar
• GS 401: Capstone Seminar

learning outcomes

mlo 1: core curriculum

Ability to comprehend and apply various concepts, sources of information and perspectives in the analysis and evaluation of the historical context, philosophical and epistemological dimensions, contemporary economic and political conditions of globalization. It will also address networks and skill-based service learning for effective global citizenship.

mlo 2: global area focus

Ability to understand and analyze global theory and relevant research methods through an Area of Focus. Suggested Areas of Focus include, but are not limited to, Global Culture and Ideology, Global Politics/Peace and Conflict, Global Political Economy, and International Development/Humanitarian Action.

mlo 3: global competence

Global competence is an “appreciation of other cultures and the ability to interact with people from foreign lands. It is the ability to become familiar with an environment, not causing a rift while experiencing something new, and reflection upon the experience at its completion.” A globally competent person understands the interconnectedness of today’s world and the importance of responsible decision making.

mlo 4: capstone

Students synthesize and evaluate their learning experiences associated with Global Studies and prepare a cumulative portfolio that demonstrates they have fulfilled their learning objectives. In addition, students synthesize, research and write a Capstone project that integrates experiential learning and knowledge of the theory, methods and philosophy of the major.

course pathways

These pathways are examples of how you might complete all the requirements for your degree in an order that makes sense given prerequisites. They are meant to give you a general sense of what your education will look like.

Your own unique situation and a number of other factors may mean your actual pathway is different. Perhaps you'll need an extra math or language class, or one of the courses we've listed isn't offered in a particular semester. Don't worry - there is flexibility built into the curriculum. You'll want to work closely with an advisor and use the academic advisement report to take all that into account and develop a pathway that's customized for you.

In the meantime, use this example as a starting point for choosing classes or discussing your plans with an advisor. Your advisor is your best resource when it comes to figuring out how to fit all the courses you need, in the right sequence, into your personal academic plan.

freshman pathway

fall freshman

* This FYS class is just an example. The FYS class you choose might meet a different GE area, so you would have to adjust your actual pathway accordingly.

spring freshman

fall sophomore

spring sophomore

fall junior

spring junior

fall senior

spring senior

transfer pathway

fall junior

spring junior

fall senior

spring senior

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