Global Studies Major (BA)

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Major Program

A student graduating with a global studies major will be able to:

Analyze transnational/transcultural issues using field specific concepts
Apply methodological approaches from more than a single discipline
Formulate a global studies research question
Work in a language other than his/her first language
Communicate in depth knowledge of a region of the world or cultural group.
Use technology as a resource for research and communication.

Majors can specialize in the following thematic tracks:

Global Governance
Global Economy and Development
Global Environmental Sustainability
Global Justice
Global Cultural Flows

This can be done through their choice of Upper-Level Electives. Majors must work with their Global Studies advisor to determine which courses fall under each thematic track.

To link the global to the local, majors will pursue thematic tracks in conjunction with a regional concentration in one of the following geographic areas:

Africana
East Asia
Europe
Latin America
Middle East

Major Requirements and Expectations

Language

Equivalence of at least four semesters of a language other than the student’s first language (with a certificate of proficiency where offered, highly recommended).

Foundational Courses

GLOB 1910 - Introduction to Global Studies (ideally taken in the first year)
GLOB 3020 - Interdisciplinary Research Methods

Regional/Cultural Concentration

Three courses focused on a specific global region or culture.

Disciplinary Breadth/Depth

Students will be held accountable for Hamline Plan designations earned and brought into upper-level interdisciplinary courses; students are strongly encouraged to pursue at least a minor in a discipline (and a disciplinary major if they are considering graduate work).

Off-Campus Study

An off-campus study experience is required. This could be fulfilled through local internships or international study away.

Upper-Level Elective Courses

Three interdisciplinary, thematic, transnational courses from a designated list of GLOB area of study offerings. These are normally taken in junior and senior years.

Capstone Seminar

One of the following, normally taken senior year:

Summary of Course Requirements for the Major

Language (0-4 courses)–requirement can be met in whole or part at matriculation; can be met in part through off-campus study.
Foundational courses (2 courses)
Regional/Cultural Concentration (3 courses)–requirement can be met in part through off-campus study
Off-Campus Study (domestic or international)
Upper-Level Electives (3 courses)
Capstone Seminar/Project (1 course)