The Program at SSU
Global Studies is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for international or intercultural service through the study of other cultures, world history, political and economic systems, world geography and environment, cross-cultural communication and a modern language.
Recognizing the increasing interdependence of the world and the global nature of contemporary issues, the major is designed to increase awareness and understanding of other cultures. Students develop the skills needed to work effectively in a global or multicultural context.
Study Abroad
Study abroad is highly encouraged for this major. As well, students who wish to study abroad during their university experience find the Global Studies major particularly suited to accomodating an overseas curriculum.
For more information, see the Study Abroad page on this Website.
Governance
While housed in the Department of Geography and Global Studies, the major is actually run by a steering committee with faculty representation across many disciplines. Current members include:
- Rheyna Laney, Geography and Global Studies
- Suzanne Toczyski, Modern Languages
- Robert Girling, Business Administration
- John Urbanski, Business Administration
- John Wingard, Anthropolgy
- Elizabeth Burch, Communication Studies
- Cynthia Boaz, Political Science
- Steve Bittner, History
- Tom Shaw, Geography and Global Studies & Hutchins
- Philip Beard, Emeritus, Modern Languages
- Tony White, Emeritus, History
Learning Objectives
Students who participate in the major with enthusiasm and dedication will:
- 1. Demonstrate awareness of diverse social, economic, political, cultural, environmental and demographic conditions found around the world.
- 2. Demonstrate understanding of the global political, economic and social system, and how world regions contribute to that system
- 3. Develop an awareness of human aspirations across the globe and conditions inhibiting them
- 4. Understand the complex nature of contemporary social issues (for example poverty, health and education, immigration and refugees, political nationalism, environmental justice, human rights, etc), and different theoretical or ideological approaches to addressing them
- 5. Acquire the communication skills needed to work effectively in a global or multicultural context
- 6. Engage as active citizens in your community, country, global society