Global Studies
What is Global Studies?
Global Studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines the forces that tie the world together. This involves analysis of the global connections of the past and also careful attention to how these connections developed and changed over the centuries in response to economic and technological innovations. Recognizing pre-national, national, and post-national historical conditions, Global Studies focuses on the social, economic, cultural, and political processes that link disparate regions and localities to one another.
Why major in Global Studies at Benedictine University?
When you choose to major in Global Studies at Benedictine University, you will learn:
- The social, economic, historical, cultural and intellectual traditions that inform various regions of the globe;
- How to live, work, and participate in the interrelated and interdependent world of the twenty-first century;
- How to apply disciplinary methodologies of analysis and research in global studies in their quantitative and qualitative dimensions;
- How to communicate within and across academic disciplines and cultures;
- How to confront moral and ethical issues facing the global community to develop a clear understanding of, and commitment to, personal values and beneficial change;
- How to think critically about the tension between globalizing forces and those that promote regional and cultural identity.
How does the program work?
The Interdisciplinary Global Studies major combines Benedictine University’s unique cultural heritage sequence with classes from many disciplines to provide you with a broad liberal arts background that will prepare you to act as a responsible global citizen in the 21st century. The major allows you to choose one of four areas of concentration: Latin American, American, Middle East or Mediterranean studies. Two lower division courses introduce all Global Studies majors (regardless of the concentration selected) to the theoretical and research tools needed to pursue interdisciplinary global studies. There are two upper division courses as well, the junior year seminar treats specific issues of global concern (e.g. poverty, AIDS, hunger and global economics) and a senior capstone allows students to do guided research on a topic of interest to the student. This allows you to interact with those who choose a different area of concentration so that a comparative approach is encouraged from the time you begin your studies. You will then choose courses that will provide a thorough understanding of the societies of your chosen area of concentration. You are encouraged to view your area of concentration from a global perspective so you can relate your knowledge of your area to the larger trends and issues that affect the contemporary world.
What careers are open to Global Studies majors?
A major in Global Studies will prepare you for a career in law, government service, work with NGOs (Non Governmental Organizations), diplomacy, foreign service, or international business. The major is also an excellent preparation for graduate and professional schools