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.
In order to graduate, you will also need to complete your general education and university requirements.
Complete the following courses to meet MLO 1:
Complete one of the following course combinations to meet MLO 2:
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.
Complete one of the following courses to meet MLO 3:
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:
Complete all of the following courses to meet MLO 4:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
* 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.