Global Studies (BA.GLB)

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The Global Studies major provides an opportunity to acquire information, knowledge, and interpretive paradigms that enhance students' understanding of the changing world order and enable them to live more fulfilling and useful lives. This multidisciplinary major requires coursework that trains students to analyze the world in a variety of contexts-geographic, historical, economic, environmental, political, cultural, social, religious, philosophical, and aesthetic. Through their courses and study abroad, students develop the critical skills they will need to achieve their goals in our increasingly integrated local, national, and world communities. Upon completion of the Global Studies major, students will be able to demonstrate:

The ability to identify and analyze patterns of human interdependence, including

the contested notion of globalization, and the multiple and cumulative impacts of the powerful forces driving this process;
the global variety of organizational structures, institutions, and processes;
the ways in which cultures and peoples structure and frame common and competing interests in-and understandings of-the world;
interrelationships among cultures, environments, places, and technologies;
global environmental problems and mitigation strategies.

In-depth knowledge and analysis of concepts, theories and information gained through a concentrated exploration of one particular global theme.
In-depth knowledge and analysis of one particular region and its relationship to the rest of the world.
Understanding of multiple worldviews derived from academic study, proficiency in a modern foreign language, and cultural immersion abroad.

All majors must complete 45 credits: 3 credits in GLB 1010 - Introduction to Global Studies , 9 credits in core courses, 9 credits in a concentration, 9 credits of electives in a study abroad experience, 12 credits in a foreign language, and 3 credits in GLB 4610 - Global Studies Capstone Seminar .

I. Foundational Course (3 cr)

GLB 1010 - Introduction to Global Studies 3 cr

II. Core Courses (9 cr)

Take at least three of the following courses.

ANT 1010 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology 3 cr
ECO 1040 - Global Economic Issues 3 cr
GEO 2020 - World Regions and Cultures 3 cr
HIS 1135 - Global History 3 cr
POS 1030 - Comparative Politics and Government 3 cr

III. Concentration (9 cr)

Select ONE concentration (A, B, or C) and complete three courses within that concentration. At least 3 credits in this concentration must be at the 3000 level or above.

A. International Political Economy, Governance and Human Rights

This concentration is designed for students interested in global institutions, power dynamics, and political processes, and who aspire to careers in the diplomatic service, the UN, peace work, or other international non-governmental organizations.

ECO 3220 - International Trade and Development 3 cr
GLB 2030 - Coffee and the World 3 cr
POS 2040 - International Relations 3 cr
POS 2210 - Political Ideologies 3 cr
POS 3221 - Political Philosophy I 3 cr
POS 3222 - Political Philosophy II 3 cr
POS 3250 - International Organizations 3 cr
POS 3260 - Middle Eastern Politics and Government 3 cr
POS 4010 - US Foreign Policy 3 cr

B. Environment/Sustainability

This concentration is designed for students interested in the social science of environmental issues, and who aspire to careers devoted to solving environmental threats on a global scale.

ANT 2210 - Anthropology and the Environment 3 cr
ECO 3060 - Political Economy of the Environment 3 cr
ENV 1015 - Introduction to Environmental Studies 3 cr
ENV 1210 - Environmental Harm and Mitigation Strategies 3 cr
GEO 1060 - Fundamentals of Geography 3 cr
GEO 2150 - Cultural Geography 3 cr
GEO 2220 - Weather and Climate 3 cr
PHI 3160 - Environmental Ethics 3 cr
POS 2310 - Environmental Politics 3 cr

C. Global Dynamics of Culture

This concentration is designed for students interested in the cultural dimensions of our world, and who aspire to careers that could take them abroad and that require well-developed cultural sensitivities. Students should keep their career goals in mind as they select from this broad array of culture-related courses. No more than 6 credits may be taken in any one of four world regions (Africa & Middle East, Asia, Europe, the Americas).

ANT 3210 - Anthropology of Food 3 cr
COM 2140 - Race, Gender and Sexuality in Media 3 cr
COM 2160 - International Communication 3 cr
COM 2330 - International Cinema 3 cr
ENG 2161 - World Literature through Renaissance 3 cr
ENG 2162 - World Literature from Enlightenment 3 cr
ENG 3290 - Studies in World Literature 3 cr
HIS 2410 - History and Culture of Latin America 3 cr
HIS 2431 - Early African History 3 cr
HIS 2432 - Modern African History 3 cr
HIS 3210 - Social History of Latin America 3 cr
HIS 3220 - Revolutions in Latin America 3 cr
HIS 3475 - Women and Gender in African History 3 cr
HIS 3480 - Special Topics: Africa in Global History 3 cr
MUS 1080 - Global Music 3 cr
PHI 2010 - Comparative Religions 3 cr
SOC 3160 - Anthropology of Religion 3 cr

IV. Study Abroad Electives (9 cr)

Most Global Studies majors study at a non-American university while abroad. These courses will be approved in advance by the Coordinator of Global Studies. At least one of these courses must be the equivalent of a 3000 level course or above.

V. Foreign Language (12 cr)

Complete 12 credits or equivalent in a modern foreign language.

VI. Capstone (3 cr)

GLB 4610 - Global Studies Capstone Seminar 3 cr

(Credits required for the major: 45 cr)

And complete the University's Gen Ed requirements

Review the Gen Ed requirements.

Law Degree (CU/VLS 3+2)

This major participates in the 3+2 program with Vermont Law School, in which highly-focused students can earn a Bachelor's degree in just three years at CU and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree in just two years at VLS.

For details, see the Law Degree page .