Major Requirements
To earn a major in global studies, students take three courses required of all majors and also complete the requirements for one concentration. Students may choose to complete two concentrations.
The requirements for a major in global studies are 32 to 44 credits, depending on the concentration chosen (certain electives require additional prerequisite credits):
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Global Studies Courses | ||
| GS 117 | International Issues and Global Governance: An Introduction to Global Studies | 4 |
| GS 118 | Culture, Identity, and Dialogue: An Introduction to Global Studies | 4 |
| GS 410 | Special Topics (Global Studies Senior Seminar) | 4 |
| Concentration | ||
| Global Studies majors must choose at least one concentration | 20-32 | |
| Total Hours | 32-44 | |
Concentrations for a Major in Global Studies
Thematic Concentrations
Culture and Identity in Global Affairs Concentration
Culture and Identity in Global Affairs Concentration requires 24-28 credits:
This concentration is intended for students who are interested in focusing on how culture and identity create and shape a variety of issues faced by communities around the world. In addition to learning to analyze the interaction of different cultural and identity groups, students will learn how cultural/identity differences can be navigated in order to address difficult problems. Examples of relevant issues and themes include ethnic tensions, religious nationalism, conflict and conflict resolution, peacemaking, immigration, migration, and tensions among local, regional, and global identities. Students in this concentration will improve their intercultural competency and acquire tools that will help them to work on issues involving culture and cross-cultural dialogue.
In a very few cases, courses included in the different lists of elective choices below have prerequisites; that is so noted wherever it is the case. No specifically required courses have prerequisites.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational Theories, Concepts, and Tools Courses | ||
| Select 8 credits from the following courses that focus on providing foundational theories, concepts, and tools used in the study of culture, identity, and cross-cultural interaction (courses must be from two different departments): | 8 | |
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Global Literature and Human Experience | ||
| Pre-Study Abroad: France | ||
| Thinking About Values | ||
| Global Political Islam | ||
| Psychology and Culture | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Religions of East Asia | ||
| World Christianity | ||
| Religions of India | ||
| Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Class, Race, and Ethnicity | ||
| Comparative Cultural Encounter | ||
| Colonialism and Postcolonialism Courses | ||
| Select 4 credits from the following courses with a substantial focus on colonialism and postcolonialism: | 4 | |
| Native American Literatures | ||
| Postcolonial Literatures | ||
| Race, Gender, and Power in the Francophone World | ||
| World in Perspective since 1500 | ||
| Indigenous Peoples of North America | ||
| Latin American History | ||
| Islam and the West: Historical Encounters | ||
| World Christianity | ||
| Religion in the Postcolonial World | ||
| Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Regional or Local Expertise and Experience Courses | ||
| Select 5-8 credits from the following courses that provide regional or local expertise and experience: | 5-8 | |
| Topics in Chinese Society (taught in Chinese) | ||
| Race, Gender, and Power in the Francophone World | ||
| French Culture and Civilization (taught in French) | ||
| German Cultural History in Overview (taught in German) | ||
| Germany, Austria, and Switzerland Today (taught in German) | ||
| Academic Internship (An approved cooperative education course with a community organization working on issues and tasks relevant to the concentration) 1 | ||
| Arts of Asia | ||
| Mexican American Border Studies | ||
| Black American History | ||
| Latin American History | ||
| Modern East Asian History | ||
| History of the Japanese Islands | ||
| Arab-Israeli Conflict | ||
| Comparative Politics | ||
| Russian Politics | ||
| Chinese Politics | ||
| Religions of East Asia | ||
| Religions of India | ||
| The Culture of Spain (taught in Spanish) | ||
| Latin American Historical and Cultural Perspectives (taught in Spanish) | ||
| Modern Spain: A Critical Look | ||
A language course at the 212 level or above | ||
Study Away – 4 credits from an approved study away experience 1 | ||
Portal Seminar – 1 credit from an approved Portal Seminar study away program 1 | ||
| Tools and Intercultural Competencies Courses | ||
| Select 8 credits from the following courses focused on providing the tools and intercultural competencies needed to take action to address social problems and to bridge cultural/identity- based divisions: 1,2 | 8 | |
| Social Activism: Making Change Happen | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Global Political, Social, Economic and Environmental Issues in the French-Speaking World | ||
| Academic Internship (A 4-credit approved cooperative education course focused on taking action to address problems and bridge divisions) 1 | ||
| Seeking Justice in an Unjust World | ||
| Environmental Ethics | ||
| Environmental Policy-Politics | ||
| Cross-Cultural Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Interfaith Studies | ||
| Religion, Violence, and Nonviolence | ||
| Social Change in Theory & Practice | ||
| Comparative Cultural Encounter | ||
Portal Seminar – An approved Portal Seminar study away program 1 | ||
PEAK – An approved PEAK experience 1 | ||
| Total Hours | 25-28 | |
- 1
For a GS 390 Academic Internship, Portal seminar, PEAK, or study away course/experience to count in the concentration, the student must make a written proposal that describes how the course/experience fits within the concentration. The director of the global studies program will evaluate the proposal, seeking advice from the Steering Committee if necessary. Only one credit portal seminar or PEAK may be counted in the concentration.
- 2
A portal seminar or PEAK experience may be used in place of one 4-credit course.
- No more than two courses counted in the concentration may be from any one department.
Development Studies Concentration
Development Studies Concentration requires 27-28 credits:
This concentration is for students who are interested in issues concerning poverty, inequality and socioeconomic development. The curriculum enables students to gain expertise in the social, political and economic aspects of poverty, inequality and the effort to promote socioeconomic development.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Developmental Studies Courses | ||
| BUS 201 | Principles of Global Economics | 4 |
| Comparative Polical Analysis and International Relations Courses | ||
| Select 4 credits from the following courses on comparative political analysis and international relations: | 4 | |
| International Politics | ||
| Comparative Politics | ||
| Socioeconomic Development Courses | ||
| Select 8 credits from the following courses focused entirely on the subject of socioeconomic development: | 8 | |
| Politics of Development | ||
| Global Development Issues | ||
| The Ethics of Aid and Development | ||
| Global Socioeconomic Development, Poverty and Inequality Courses | ||
| Select 7-8 credits from the following courses with subject matter that is relevant to the study of global socioeconomic development, poverty and inequality: | 7-8 | |
| Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory | ||
| Comparative Education: A Policy Perspective | ||
| Postcolonial Literatures | ||
| Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) | ||
| Race, Gender, and Power in the Francophone World | ||
| Environmental Nutrition | ||
| Women and Development: The Asian Experience | ||
| Petroleum Politics & Planet | ||
| Global Sustainability Issues | ||
| Religion in the Postcolonial World | ||
| Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Urban Communities | ||
| Social Change in Theory & Practice | ||
| Study Abroad or Experiential Learning Opportunity | ||
| 4 credits earned through a study abroad or experiential learning opportunity 1 | 4 | |
| Total Hours | 27-28 | |
- 1
Credits must be approved by the chair of the global studies program. Credits may be earned in the following way:
- completion of a relevant 4-credit Cooperative Education course (390);
- completion of a relevant 4-credit course taken as part of a study abroad experience that is related in some way to the study of development.
Global Environmental Studies Concentration
Global Environmental Studies Concentration requires 32 credits:
This concentration is for students who are interested in gaining the expertise necessary for engaging with the ecological and environmental issues facing humanity. Environmental problems and their solutions are explored from a distinctly global perspective.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Global Environmental Studies Courses | ||
| BIOL 101 | General Biology | 4 |
| BUS 201 | Principles of Global Economics | 4 |
| ENVR 103 | Ecosystems and Human Influence | 4 |
| ENVR/BIOL 360 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) | 4 |
| Ethics Courses | ||
| Select 4 credits from the following ethics courses: | 4 | |
| Environmental Ethics | ||
| Ethics of Sustainable Community | ||
| Environmental Policy Courses | ||
| Select 4 credits from the following courses on environmental policy: | 4 | |
| Environmental Policy-Politics | ||
| Petroleum Politics & Planet | ||
| Global Sustainability Issues | ||
| Social Sciences or Humanities Courses | ||
| Select 4 credits from the following relevant courses in the social sciences or humanities: | 4 | |
| Art and Environmental Activism | ||
| Global Literature and Environmental Justice | ||
| Sustainability in Germany | ||
| Environmental Nutrition | ||
| Nature's Place in U.S. History | ||
| Food in Global History | ||
| Sustainability in History | ||
| Politics of Development | ||
| Environmental Policy-Politics | ||
| Petroleum Politics & Planet | ||
| Global Sustainability Issues | ||
| The Ethics of Aid and Development | ||
| Religion and Ecology | ||
| Global Development Issues | ||
| Political Sociology | ||
| Urban Communities | ||
| Study Abroad or Experiential Learning Opportunity | ||
| 4 credits earned through a study abroad or experiential learning opportunity 1 | 4 | |
| Total Hours | 32 | |
- 1
Credits must be approved by the chair of the concentration. Credits may be earned in one of the following ways:
- completion of a relevant 4-credit Cooperative Education course (390);
- completion of a 4-credit independent study (480) or research project (487) that involves original field research;
- completion of a relevant 4-credit course taken as part of a study abroad experience that is related in some way to the study of global environment issues.
Global Systems and Processes Concentration
Global Systems and Processes Concentration requires 28 credits:
Students pursuing this concentration will explore the contemporary institutions, assumptions, norms and practices that transcend individual states and civilizations and shape the interactions – social, political, economic and religious – of the peoples and states of the world. Students will not only explore the evolution of these various arrangements (including institutions such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization), they will also be encouraged to think about the implications of current trends and developments for the future of these arrangements.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Global Systems and Processes Concentration | ||
| BUS 201 | Principles of Global Economics | 4 |
| HIST 152 | World in Perspective since 1500 | 4 |
| PSC 241 | International Politics | 4 |
| REL 392 | Religion and World Affairs | 4 |
| or REL 339 | World Christianity | |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Global Development Issues | ||
| Class, Race, and Ethnicity | ||
| Social Change in Theory & Practice | ||
| International Perspectives Courses | ||
| Select 4 credits from the following international perspectives courses (explores the social, political, economic, or religious interactions of two or more states or geographic regions with an eye both to discerning areas of disagreement and common ground and to exploring the impact of these relationships on the global system): | 4 | |
| American Foreign Relations since 1900 | ||
| Islam and the West: Historical Encounters | ||
| Arab-Israeli Conflict | ||
| U.S.-China Relations | ||
| U.S. Foreign Policy | ||
| Global Perspectives Courses | ||
| Select 4 credits from the following global perspectives courses (focuses on social, political, and economic problems in a global context, with particular attention to exploring the role of contemporary institutions, assumptions, norms and practices in addressing these various problems): | 4 | |
| World Geography | ||
| Politics of Development | ||
| International Security | ||
| Global Sustainability Issues | ||
| Ethics and International Relations | ||
| The Ethics of Aid and Development | ||
| Ethics of Sustainable Community | ||
| Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Total Hours | 28 | |
Regional Studies Concentrations
Students pursuing these concentrations will focus their study in a particular geographical and cultural region. Attention will be devoted to exploring a region’s unique history, institutions, assumptions and practices. Students selecting this concentration will be expected to complete a language requirement linked to their particular region of study.
Asian Studies Concentration
Asian Studies Concentration requires 20 credits, plus the language requirement:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Asian Studies Courses | ||
| Select 20 credits from the following: 1 | 20 | |
| 18th and 19th Century Art in the East and West | ||
| Art and Religion | ||
| Arts of Asia | ||
| Asia in a Global Age: An Introduction | ||
| Foundations of East Asian Civilization | ||
| Modern East Asian History | ||
| Women and Development: The Asian Experience | ||
| Asian Philosophy | ||
| U.S.-China Relations | ||
| Chinese Politics | ||
| Religions of East Asia | ||
| Religions of India | ||
| Non-Western Theatres and Cultures | ||
United International College, China (up to 12 credits plus language) | ||
USAC Programs in Japan, Thailand, South Korea (up to 12 credits plus language) | ||
| Total Hours | 20 | |
- 1
To fulfill these requirements, courses must be primarily focused on Asia; if comparative, a minimum of one-half of the course content addresses Asia and a comparison with Asia is integral to the course (courses must be selected from no fewer than three academic departments).
Language Requirement (number of language credits will vary by student’s choice of language):
- Demonstration of proficiency in an Asian language at the level of a 212 (fourth semester) language course. This may be fulfilled in the following ways:
- Completion of Chinese 212 or higher course
- Completion of Japanese 202 or higher course through the Tri-College (MSUM)
- Transfer of credit earned at another institution (for the study of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Hindi, Vietnamese or other Asian language) equivalent to the level of a 212 or higher course at Concordia.
Recommended Study Abroad Options
- United International College, Zhuhai, China
- Sichuan International Studies University, Chongqing, China
- World Christianity Semester, Lutheran Theological Seminary, Hong Kong, China
- USAC Programs in Japan, Thailand, and South Korea
European Studies Concentration
European Studies Concentration requires 24 credits plus the language requirement:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Europe from Historical and Contemporary Perspective Courses | ||
| Select 8 credits from the following courses that explore the question of Europe from historical and contemporary perspectives: | 8 | |
| European History in Perspective to 1500 | ||
| European History in Perspective since 1500 | ||
| International Politics | ||
| European Society and Political Perspectives Courses | ||
| Select 12 additional credits (minimum of 4 credits from each of the two areas) from the following courses that focus on European society and political perspectives: 1 | 12 | |
| Area 1: Defining Community through the Arts: | ||
| Renaissance and Baroque Art | ||
| 20th Century Art | ||
| British Literature in Historical Contexts | ||
| Shakespeare and the English Renaissance | ||
| Introduction to French Literature Through Poetry | ||
| Development of French Theatre | ||
| Development of French Prose | ||
| Introduction to German Literature and Film | ||
| The German Art Song | ||
| Topics in Literature, Art and Music | ||
| Topics in German Literature | ||
| Topics in German Film | ||
| Reel Norden: Scandinavian History and Film | ||
| Modern Philosophy | ||
| The Legacy of Luther | ||
| Topics in Spanish Literature | ||
| Theatre History I: Origins to Romanticism | ||
| Theatre History II: Realism to Postmodernism | ||
| Area 2: Challenges in European Society: | ||
| French Culture and Civilization | ||
| French in the Business World | ||
| Global Political, Social, Economic and Environmental Issues in the French-Speaking World | ||
| German Cultural History in Overview | ||
| Germany, Austria, and Switzerland Today | ||
| Sustainability in Germany | ||
| Topics in Society, Politics and Economics | ||
| Russia since 1917 | ||
| Hitler's Germany | ||
| Islam and the West: Historical Encounters | ||
| The Legacy of Luther | ||
| The Culture of Spain | ||
| Study Abroad or Experiential Learning Opportunity | ||
| 4 credits earned through a study abroad or experiential learning opportunity that includes a focus on contemporary issues 2 | 4 | |
| Total Hours | 24 | |
- 1
The question here is how one defines community in European context and what the issues are which either help provide cohesion whether on a regional, national or European-wide basis or place that sense of identity into question.
- No more than one course may be taken within the same discipline.
- Many of these electives require language proficiency at the 212 level or above. See catalog course descriptions for prerequisite information.
- 2
Credits must be approved by the chair of the concentration. Credits may be earned in the following ways:
- completion of a relevant 4-credit Cooperative Education course (390)
- completion of a relevant 4-credit course taken as part of a study abroad experience
Language Requirement (number of language credits will vary by student’s choice of language) – One year (8 credits) of a non-English European language in addition to the college’s Core language requirement, fulfilled in one of the following ways:
- Demonstration of proficiency in a non-English modern European language at the level of a 212 (fourth semester) language course at Concordia. This may be achieved through the completion at Concordia of a 212 language course in French, German, or Spanish or through the transfer of credit earned at another institution for a course equivalent to the level of a 212 or higher course at Concordia
- Completion of two semesters of a second (in addition to the language used to fulfill the college’s Core language requirement) non-English European language
- Completion of one semester each of two additional (in addition to the college’s Core language requirement) non-English European languages
Recommended Study Abroad Options
- Liverpool Hope University, England
- University of Glasgow, Scotland
- Lorenzo de Medici Institute, Italy
- Friedrich Schiller Universität, Jena, Germany
- Lebnitz Universität, Hannover, Germany, International Business
- National University of Ireland, Galway
- Institut de Gestion, Université de Rennes, France, International Business
- L’Université François-Rabelais, Tours, France
- Centro de Estudio Hispanicos de Segovia, Spain
- Universidad de Alicante, Spain
- Center for Cross-Cultural Studies, Seville, Spain
Latin American Studies Concentration
Latin American Studies Concentration requires 20 credits, plus the language requirement:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Latin American Studies Courses | ||
| GS/HISP 210 | Introduction to Latin American Studies | 4 |
| HISP 311 | U.S.-Latin American Relations | 4 |
| HIST 320 | Latin American History | 4 |
| Select 8 additional credits from the following: | 8 | |
| Mexican American Border Studies | ||
| Pre-May Seminar to Latin America or Spain | ||
| May Seminar | ||
| Business Spanish | ||
| Latin American Historical and Cultural Perspectives | ||
| Topics in Latin American Lit | ||
| Total Hours | 20 | |
Language Requirement (number of language credits will vary by student’s choice of language) – Students must demonstrate competence in Spanish. Competence may be proven with a grade of B or better in SPAN 312 Conversation and Film in the Hispanic World or a higher course. Native speakers of Spanish who have had extensive experience in the language should consult with a Latin American studies member of the faculty.
Recommended Study Abroad Options
- Universidad de las Américas, Mexico City, Mexico, International Business
- Universidad Latina de Costa Rica
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
- Universidad de La Habana, Cuba
New Pathways Concentration
This concentration is for students who wish to engage in an area of study that cannot be pursued within one of the other concentrations. A student in this concentration will design and follow a new and unique pathway to a global studies major that enables the fulfillment of the student’s goals.
Gaining Approval to Pursue a New Pathways Concentration
Students who believe they would be best served by designing a plan of study within this concentration should schedule an initial consultation with the chair of the global studies program. If the chair deems the request to be feasible and to have merit, the student will submit a proposal. The proposal must include a one-paragraph description of the program of study, a statement of the rationale for why the new pathways concentration is the best option for the student, and a curricular plan. The Global Studies Steering Committee will review the plan and take one of three actions: approve, request revisions, reject. The chair will then communicate the decision to the student and schedule a meeting. Students whose plan is approved will be assigned a faculty advisor who will oversee their progress in completing their new pathways concentration.
Conditions that must be met before submitting a proposal:
- The student must have already taken either GS 117 International Issues and Global Governance: An Introduction to Global Studies or GS 118 Culture, Identity, and Dialogue: An Introduction to Global Studies.
- The student must have freshman or sophomore status at the time of proposal submission.
- No more than two of the courses (7-8 credits, excluding GS 117 International Issues and Global Governance: An Introduction to Global Studies and GS 118 Culture, Identity, and Dialogue: An Introduction to Global Studies) included in the proposed plan of study may have been already completed by the student.
Requirements for the New Pathways Concentration
- A student wishing to complete a major in global studies with a new pathways concentration must develop a curricular plan of study and gain approval of it from the Global Studies Steering Committee.
- The concentration requires 28 credits of approved coursework. This may include credits earned studying abroad and cooperative education (internship) credits. Note that GS 117 International Issues and Global Governance: An Introduction to Global Studies, GS 118 Culture, Identity, and Dialogue: An Introduction to Global Studies, and GS 410 Special Topics (Global Studies Senior Seminar) are not included in these 28 credits, as they are required for all global studies majors, including those who create a new pathways concentration.
- The curricular plan of study must focus on an area of study that cannot be pursued within an existing concentration and that fits within the global studies program. The curricular plan will typically involve one or more courses taken abroad. Language courses at the 200-level and above may be part of the plan.
- The curricular plan of study may not include more than one 100-level course (excluding GS 117 International Issues and Global Governance: An Introduction to Global Studies and GS 118 Culture, Identity, and Dialogue: An Introduction to Global Studies).
- The curricular plan of study must be feasible, interdisciplinary and coherent.
Degree and Graduation Requirements
In addition to the program-specific requirements listed above, all students must complete the graduation requirements specified for their degree. See the Degree and Graduation Requirements section for more information.