Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Global Studies (GS)

GS 117  -  International Issues and Global Governance: An Introduction to Global Studies,  4 credits.  

This course introduces students to the study of societies and regions of the world as distinct entities and as elements of a world system that transcends the boundaries of individual societies. The course examines how history, geography, culture and social institutions (e.g. political, economic and religious institutions) interact to define the character of the world system.

Frequency: Every Semester  
Core designations: Social Science S  
GS 118  -  Culture, Identity, and Dialogue: An Introduction to Global Studies,  4 credits.  

This interdisciplinary course examines forms and sources of diversity and fragmentation, including individual and group cultural identities and beliefs. Diverse cultural traditions and expressions of belief will be explored as both sources of conflict and resources for addressing global problems.

Frequency: Every Semester  
Core designations: International-Global Prspct G, Humanities H  
GS 210 / HISP 210  -  Introduction to Latin American Studies,  4 credits.  

This course is designed to introduce students to the field of Latin American studies, discuss key contemporary issues, understand the historical roots of Latin American dilemmas and challenges, and explore the political implications for development and democracy in Latin America. The course includes journal keeping, group discussions, oral presentations and lectures presented by various experts.

Frequency: Alternate Years - 2nd Semester  
Core designations: International-Global Prspct G, Humanities H  
GS 220  -  Asia in a Global Age: An Introduction,  4 credits.  

This multidisciplinary course provides an introduction to the study of Asia (emphasizing China, Japan, Korea and India). In addition to a study of contemporary events featured in Asian news sources, likely topics will include: the role of the family, imperialism and nationalist revolution, economic development and environmental challenges.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Core designations: International-Global Prspct G, Humanities H  
GS 333  -  Creating a Path to a Sustainable Community: Global Issues, Local Solutions,  4 credits.  

This interdisciplinary course focuses on the challenge of creating thriving, socially just, and ecologically healthy societies. During a month-long stay in China, students will carry out intensive research on specific questions related to this theme. To enroll, students must be in the Credo Program or possess a GPA of 3.3 or higher.

Frequency: May Seminar, Summer Session  
Core designations: International-Global Prspct G  
GS 350  -  Family, Community, and Identity in Contemporary Scotland,  1 credits.  

This course is a one-month PEAK Portal Seminar located in Edinburgh, Scotland. Students will learn about how contemporary Scottish families and subcultures influence individual identities and worldviews. This investigation will occur experientially and correspond to different kinds of ethnographic writing assignments based on meeting with, interviewing, and observing social groups, such as religious communities, non-profit organizations, and groups organized around parenting, activism, and more.

Frequency: May Seminar  
Corequisites: PEAK 400  
This course is PEAK Required  
GS 360  -  Summer Field Study Abroad - Variable Topics,  4 credits.  

A one-month faculty-led seminar held abroad focused on deep engagement with a local community. The course will center on experiential and community-based learning, and it will involve hands-on service in support of community goals. It is intended especially for students who want to practice connecting across cultures under occasionally challenging conditions and to do so from a fully interdisciplinary perspective

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Core designations: International-Global Prspct G  
Repeatable: Yes  
GS 380  -  Special Topics,  0-4 credits.  

Courses covering various topics of interest in global studies are occasionally offered.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Repeatable: Yes  
GS 390  -  Academic Internship,  1-8 credits.  
Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Repeatable: Yes  
GS 410  -  Special Topics (Global Studies Senior Seminar),  4 credits.  

The Senior Seminar is a research capstone course that students majoring in global studies take during the spring semester. The course focuses upon a contemporary or expected problem of global reach and significance and supports in-depth reflection and problem solving through collaborative student investigation and individual research. The selected course problem will encourage students to explore comprehensive and holistic solutions to complex, interlocking problems - both old and new - that require creative and urgent response. As a capstone experience, the seminar will consider a problem that allows students to engage the five objectives of the major and the diverse perspectives of seminar participants. Enrollment restricted to Global Studies majors.

Frequency: Every Year - Second Semester  
Prerequisites: GS 117 and GS 118  
Repeatable: Yes  
GS 480  -  Independent Study,  1-4 credits.  

This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct in-depth study of a particular topic under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Repeatable: Yes  
GS 487  -  Directed Research,  1-4 credits.  

This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct research in a specific area of study, completed under the direction of a faculty mentor. Specific expectations of the research experience to be determined by the faculty. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Repeatable: Yes