Global Studies Minor

Global Studies students use a wide-angle lens to cultivate broad perspectives on the contemporary world. For example, you will learn to think of climate change not only in terms of CO2 levels in the atmosphere, but also in terms of politics, ecologies, social movements, and global inequalities. When you examine migration, not only will you study laws and non-governmental organizations analyses of mobility trends, but the geopolitical upheavals and food systems failures that drive these trends. And students will always keep in view the grassroots and community initiatives that address these problems on the ground, since that is where the impacts of these issues are most powerfully felt and creative solutions worked out. In short, Global Studies is a major for students who are committed both to understanding the world they live in and to making that world a better place.

Global Studies courses traverse geography and time. Some analyze the workings of global institutions and explore the operations of the global health, food, and financial systems. Others use works of art and philosophy from around the world to expose students to cultural forms like indigenous art and prison literature. Still others explore long-term historical trajectories, such as the growth of global communications, media, and tourism industries. You will also have the opportunity to study abroad, intern, and engage deeply with on and off campus communities. In capstone projects you will bring together what you’ve studied to define, explore, and create new visions of the world. You will learn both critical thinking and practice the empathy needed to construct global citizenship for the 21st century.

All learning experiences offer ample opportunities for developing the communications and organizational skills that support success in future careers in any number of sectors including nonprofits, government, and industry, as well as for graduate study in a number of arenas in law, policy, social sciences, and the humanities.