Global Studies
Global Studies at Shepherd University is an interdisciplinary B.A. program that combines courses in the social sciences, arts, humanities, natural sciences, and professional fields. If you are interested in global issues and a more in-depth understanding of today’s interdependent world, then this program is for you. Welcome!
Global Studies will prepare you to thrive and excel in cross-cultural, multilingual environments. Courses in geography, history, politics, economics, business, culture, the arts, and a broad range of global issues will build your cultural competence and make you competitive for a long list of exciting careers. Students with international knowledge and experience are competitive for jobs in diplomatic service, humanitarian and human rights organizations, international business and marketing, education, international development, and other arenas with a strong international focus. Students will also have a solid foundation for graduate study in academic disciplines and fields such as international relations, peace studies and conflict resolution, cultural and regional geography, and environmental studies. A Global Studies major is also good preparation for students interested in pursuing careers in the fields of law, international education, and policy analysis.
Shepherd University is uniquely positioned as a gateway to the metropolitan areas of Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Nearby are ample opportunities for experiential learning in government agencies, international marketing firms, law firms, embassies and consulates, non-profit and research institutions with an international focus, and a host of corporate headquarters, including many in global hospitality. This is rich terrain for field trips, internships, and practicums intended to foster global awareness and intercultural understanding.
The Global Studies faculty represents a breadth of teaching disciplines, research specialties, and personal and professional experiences. The program is overseen by a director who works closely with the study abroad director to coordinate international/intercultural experiences for students in the program. For further information contact Dr. Marat Akopian, Global Studies Director, White Hall 319, and Dr. Sam Greene, Study Abroad Director, White Hall 322.
The Global Studies One-Page Summary: GlobalStudies-OP-2022
The Global Studies B.A. offers four concentrations:
1. Global Governance and Peace
Courses in the Global Governance and Peace concentration focus on the political aspects of globalization. This includes the explosive emergence of a variety of international governmental and non-governmental institutions, transnational networks and movements. These challenge traditional governance with its focus on the sovereign state and its security.
2. Global Economics and Development
Courses in the Global Economics and Development concentration focus on the economic aspects of globalization. These include the challenges presented to societies and resources by the emergence of global production chains and the liberalization of international trade and capital flows.
3. Global Environments
Courses in the Global Environments concentration focus on the science aspects of globalization, with a particular emphasis on the environment, technology, and information and communication.
4. Culture in History and the Global Age
Courses in the Culture in History and the Global Age concentration focus on the cultural aspects of globalization. Issues include the tensions between the local ways of life and the pressures of transnational cultures and identities.
In addition to the core and concentration courses, program requirements include six credits of regional courses, twelve credits in a foreign language, and an international educational experience ranging from several weeks to a semester of study abroad. The program offers regional courses in geography, history, politics, and society of Africa and the Middle East, East Asia, Europe and Eurasia, and Latin America. The Modern Languages program offers numerous courses in Spanish as well as courses in French and German, while other language options are available through cooperation with other colleges and universities. The International Experience can be fulfilled through study abroad with a duration from several weeks to a semester or an internationally-oriented internship in or out of the country. These requirements will prepare students to excel in cross-cultural, multilingual environments and to function as informed citizens in today’s interdependent world.
For more information, contact the Global Studies Director, Dr. Marat Akopian, White Hall 319.
