Global Studies

Global Studies

Get the skills to function in a global market.

Develop the understanding necessary to be a responsible citizen of planet Earth.

Are you ready to engage with the world on a deeper level? The Global Studies Minor is your gateway to understanding the intricate connections that shape our global community. This interdisciplinary program equips you with the skills to navigate the complexities of transnational issues—whether it’s analyzing global politics, examining the impacts of colonialism, or addressing pressing social problems like racism and environmental crises. With 15 credits of electives, the program allows you to tailor your studies to your personal and professional aspirations. By taking this minor, you’ll gain not just knowledge, but the ability to drive meaningful change and advocate for a more just and equitable planet.

What you can learn:

Comparative politics and international relations
Issues related to colonialism and immigration
Social problems such as racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of prejudice, discrimination, and exploitation
The role of capitalism and global financial institutions in shaping the world
Environmental crises and the struggle over resources
Causes and effects of global conflicts

View the Catalog

Explore sample courses in this program.

PO-120 Global Politics

An introduction to comparative politics and international relations. In this course, students learn how different countries around the world govern themselves and how they interact with each other. Topics may include democratic and non-democratic regimes, theories of war and peace, global political cultures, and intergovernmental organizations such as the United Nations.

3 credits

GL-150 Introduction to Global Studies

This course analyzes the forces reorganizing the planet along economic, social, political, cultural, technological, and environmental lines across national boundaries.

3 credits

HI-208 American Immigrant History

Survey of immigration. Topics such as old-world background, impact on the United States, nativism, cultural pluralism, religion, mobility, family and politics. Counts for Europe / United States in the history major.

3 credits

UR-213 Human Identity and Urban Environment

Examination of issues including historical experiences and social advantages and disadvantages of different groups within society, social problems, and diversity of different groups and their changing dynamics.

3 credits

PH-241 Genocide and Human Rights

The ethical, political, and other dimensions of systematic mass violence through case studies and general theoretical analyses.

3 credits

CM-350 Intercultural Communication

Introductory communication theory and practice across cultural groups defined by race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, nationality, politics, and economics.

3 credits

UR-360 Environmental Systems and Public Policy

Examination of urban ecosystems, focusing on land uses designed to effectively utilize water, open space, and other natural resources.

3 credits

SO-425 Global Capitalism

Development of capitalism from a historical, sociological, and critical perspective. Themes may include: imperialism and the underdevelopment of the Global South, urbanization, global financial institutions, war, and environmental crises and the struggle over resources.

3 credits