Course Information Suite

Liberal Arts and Sciences Global Studies

LAS Program Advisor: Barbara Hancin-Bhatt
Program Office: 703 S. Wright Street, 3rd Floor, MC-301, Champaign, IL

Global Studies

www.globalstudies.illinois.edu

The Global Studies major develops knowledge sets, skills and values necessary for the analysis and solution of contemporary world problems. The requirements of the major enrich, complement, and coordinate departmental offerings with the goals of:

  • providing knowledge of diverse cultures: their social, economic and political interactions and impacts on the world;
  • developing skills for successfully negotiating realities of contemporary societies;
  • fostering values that respect diverse ways of living and deepen commitment to sustainability.

The Global Studies major is interdisciplinary, drawing upon the resources of faculty and departments across the university. The major has three elements. The Foundations requirement introduces a variety of global issues and skills necessary for their analysis. The Language and Culture requirements allow students to develop area expertise in one world region through on-campus coursework and a semester-long study abroad. The Thematic Area focuses student programs on a topic of global importance to allow for an in-depth and multidisciplinary understanding of relevant historical and emerging issues, how they are analyzed and addressed. Students work with an advisor to customize the major curriculum most appropriate to their individual interests and career plans.

This program of study was developed in response to the growing demand for knowledge and skills to successfully navigate concerns at international and global levels. The competencies established through this program are critical for students preparing for careers or further study in a variety of fields including international affairs, public policy, business, law, finance, education, and communications.

Major in Sciences and Letters Curriculum

E-mail: globalstudies@illinois.edu

Degree title: Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences

Minimum required major and supporting course work equates to 51-56 hours and includes a semester-long full time study abroad program and a minimum of 12 hours of 300- and 400-level courses.

General education: Students must complete the Campus General Education requirements.

Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours

Departmental distinction: The department may award distinction, high distinction, or highest distinction to any Global Studies major whose overall and major grade point averages are 3.25 or higher, who successfully completes 3 hours of GLBL 494or other approved research methods course and who completes a distinction research project. See the departmental academic advisor for details.

Hours Requirements
18-19 Foundations Requirements
3 GLBL 100 - Intro to Global Studies
12 Global Studies. Four courses must be selected from the approved course list; they must include no more than one course from four of the following six departments: Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, and Sociology.
3-4

Global Studies Seminars. Students study current events and contemporary global issues. Select three courses from GLBL 296 or one GLBL 298 course and one GLBL 296 course.
15 Language and Culture Requirements
6 Language. Select courses from the approved course list in a language other than your primary language(s). These various courses represent the 5th and 6th level of study.
9 Area Studies. 200- to 400-level courses which complement the language requirement must include work in at least two disciplinary departments. Area Studies and Language must be geographically related.
  One Semester (Fall or Spring) Study Abroad. Students study a variety of subjects in an approved study abroad program that furthers their language and cultural knowledge or their cultural knowledge and thematic area knowledge. Students must be enrolled full-time to receive credit toward this requirement.
18-22

Thematic Area Requirements

 
15-18

Students choose an approved thematic area and, in consultation with a Global Studies advisor, construct an appropriate customized curriculum of a minimum of 18 hours.  Students cannot include more than 3 hours of 100-level work and must complete 9 hours of 300- and 400-level coursework.  Courses must be taken from more than one department.  Approved thematic areas are:

A.          Cultures in Contact
B.          Wealth and Poverty in a Globalized World
C.          Human Rights
D.          Governance, Conflict and Resolution
E.           Knowledge, Communication and Information Systems
F.           Environment, Sustainability, and Social Responsibility
G.          Global Health
H.          Special Topic:  Curriculum must be approved prior to pursuing a special topic.
0-4 GLBL 494 and 495.  Senior Capstone. Students do an individual research project based on their Thematic Area.
51-56 TOTAL Hours

A Major Plan of Study Form must be completed and submitted to the Global Studies academic advisor before the end of the fourth semester (60 hours) and prior to the required study abroad. Please see your advisor.

Global Studies Minor

www.globalstudies.illinois.edu

The Global Studies Minor provides a multidisciplinary study of a global theme with the requirement of advanced language training to promote the development of intercultural skills. In consultation with an advisor, students select 21 hours of thematically-related courses from a variety of departments to form a coherent program of study suited to individual interests, educational and/or career aspirations. The Global Studies Minor can complement any major.

E-mail: globalstudies@illinois.edu

Hours Requirements
9 Global Studies. Three courses must be selected from the approved course list; they must include no more than one course each from three of the following departments: Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, and Sociology.
3 Language and Culture. Select courses from the approved course list in a language other than your primary language. These various courses represent the 5th level of study or above.
9 Thematic Area: Students choose an approved thematic area and, in consultation with a Global Studies advisor, construct an appropriate customized curriculum. Students must choose 200- to 400-level courses and at least 6 hours must be at the 300- or 400-level.
21 Total Hours

A minimum of 6 hours of 300- and 400-level course work must be completed.