Global and International Studies

Courses

GIS core courses introduce students to, and serve as a model of, the interdisciplinary study of global affairs. Each course adopts a problem-based approach to issues of contemporary global importance and draws from an interdisciplinary set of course readings and approaches to international affairs.

Areas of Study

The Global and International Studies Program is organized into three thematic subfields: transnationalism; global economics; and international relations. Students choose one of these subfields as the primary focus of their major, and take at least one course in the remaining two fields. In addition, students complete course work that focuses on the history, politics, and/or culture and society of a particular geographic area.

Transnationalism: Courses in this field take up issues and activities that operate across the borders of states. Covered themes include political and cultural globalization, transnational social movements, immigration, nongovernmental organizations, global media, human rights, the environment, and infectious diseases.

Global Economics: Courses in this field focus on the global economy. Covered themes include microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, political economy, economic development, trade, and international economic institutions.

International Relations: Courses in this field take up issues related to the theory and practice of interstate relations. Covered themes include international history, international relations theory, security studies, state sovereignty, and international institutions.

Area Studies: Area studies courses focus on the history, politics, and/or culture and society of a particular geographic area, or the comparative study of two geographic areas. It is recommended that the geographical focus of the area studies courses correspond to the language used to fulfill the language requirement.