How to Complete the Minor

The minor consists of 18 credits in total, comprised of the following categories:

Core Requirements (6 Credits)

The core requires students to consider the intersections between (1) history, cultural or linguistic studies, or religious studies and (2) the study of political economy, international relations, or political philosophy. In doing so, students should consider the ways in which theories of culture are relevant to processes of governance, concepts of human rights, international law and theories of economics, and especially the globalization of economic principles, principles of governance, Enlightenment thought, religious faith, and environmental concerns.

Capstone Course (3 Credits)

4995: "Seminar in Global Studies"
A multidisciplinary approach to global challenges, from the perspective of government and politics, history, geography, economics, anthropology, literary studies, and theology and religious studies. Students consider regional and international conflict, global finance, environmental degradation, global poverty, conflicts between competing religious and political ideologies, and international diplomacy and systems of communication within the context of international political economics, international law, and cultural studies. The course focuses on a number of theoretical approaches to historical and contemporary crisis, which can be understood using the global framework.

Free Electives (9 Credits)

Thee course in A) one of the four Generalist Tracks or B) the Specialist Track.

Generalist Tracks:

  • Culture and Society
  • Global Politics and Environment
  • International Relations
  • Social Development

Specialist Track:
The student may pursue nine credits in a particular region or area of study agreed upon by the student and director, which is not limited to the courses listed above. A student who pursues the Specialist Track is encouraged (but not required) to devote at least three credits towards language instruction related to his or her area of specialization. Once again, of the nine credits that comprise the Specialist Track, no more than six credits from the same discipline count towards the minor without permission from the director.

A complete list of applicable courses for the Global Studies minor is available here.