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School of Languages, Cultures, and Race College of Arts and Sciences

Global Studies – Minor

Global studies examines economic, political, social, cultural, and scientific practices in a transnational and cross-cultural perspective.  The Global Studies minor is designed to provide students with an integrated exposure to globally related scholarship across the disciplines, and encourages a student in any major discipline to think in terms of the globalization that marks the contemporary world.  The program of study is designed to provide an exciting interdisciplinary global perspective on the arts, humanities, social sciences, and sciences.  The minor is flexible and complements majors from across the University, affording students the opportunity to reach beyond their majors, or to take courses related to their majors outside of the context of the United States.

Student Learning Outcomes

The minor gives students a competitive edge in the global job market.  Students earning the minor will be prepared to:

  • understand connections that can be made from historical, cultural, economic, and political contexts that shape society and reflect global systems;
  • demonstrate knowledge of and be sensitive to others’ differing identities and values across cultures;
  • apply intercultural communication skills to interact effectively with individuals, and in groups; and
  • interact respectfully and responsibly across boundaries in diverse environments.

Courses and Requirements

The Global Studies Minor is flexible, designed to complement any major. You can include interests outside your major, add international perspective to what you’re already studying, focus on a region or culture, pursue topics with global implications — it’s your choice of courses within each category.

Students must complete 18 -19 credit hours.

These credits include:

  • Four core courses (including one semester of foreign language study beyond the admissions requirement, or a beginning level in a new language) in the student’s learning outcome category (12-13 credits)
  • Two course electives (6 credits) in any of the thematic categories listed in the program of studies, while also focusing on two different learning outcomes.
  • Nine credits of approved course work at the 300-400 level.
  • At least 12-13 credit hours must be taken in residence at WSU or through a study abroad experience approved by WSU.

 

Global & Ethnic Narrative Traditions Studies Minor

A systematic approach to the study of a variety of regional myths, and global, ethnic, and racial narrative traditions in their original context as well as in more contemporary reinterpretations through literature and film and other cultural arenas, with the aim to challenge and resituate dominant views about race and ethnicity, gender, social classes, and different political practices.  When we consider how contemporary writers, filmmakers, poets, playwrights, painters, music composers, and other cultural producers use the forms and elements of these storytelling practices, we can more effectively analyze how these narratives have the power to articulate political ideas as well as social and cultural transformations.  In this manner, the program develops critical thinking and encouragement to re-interpret the place of the self as an identity culturally situated.  Narratives to be studied address specific topics related to gender (representations of women, men, homosexuality, etc.), age (representations of childhood, youth, the elderly, etc.), history (representations of war, revolutions, dictatorships, democratization, etc.), culture and society (gendered roles, race, nature, religion, social classes, immigration, etc.).

 

Careers and Skills in Global Studies

A global studies minor can help advance careers in:

  • Public relations, marketing, and advertising
  • International business, banking, and finance
  • Travel, tourism, and hospitality
  • Health and social services
  • Science, engineering, and technology
  • Music, film, drama, entertainment, photography
  • Journalism, publishing, and editing
  • Translation and interpretation in healthcare and legal services professions
  • Education/teaching in middle school, high school, and college
  • Customer service and personnel management
  • Customs and immigration
  • Law enforcement
  • Intelligence (CIA, FBI, National Security)
  • Peace Corps and aid agencies

 

Skills you can market with a Global Studies minor:

  • Proficiency (low-intermediate) in a language other than English
  • Cross-cultural communication
  • Awareness of cultural differences and sensitivity to cultural issues
  • Global experience
  • Ability to adjust to new environments
  • Ability to interact effectively with people of different backgrounds
  • Enhanced speaking and writing abilities
  • Enhanced reading and listening comprehension skills
  • Independent, critical, and creative thinking with increased analytical and problem-solving skills

Questions?

For more information about the SLCR Global Studies at WSU, please contact and/or make an appointment with Laurie Heustis, advisor, at 509-335-8731 or heustis@wsu.edu