Bachelor of Arts [B.A] [Global Studies] From Bryant University

Majors learn key facts, terms, and background information on critical issues, so that they can understand primary documents, the popular press, and academic literature. Students move beyond seeing global challenges and opportunities as simply current events or as a series of disconnected cases by examining theories and conceptual models used to organize, explain, and predict events. Majors learn the research methods of the field, so that they can produce their own analysis of public policy issues and cultural interactions, thereby enabling them to conduct independent research.

Students completing the Global Studies major (B.A.) will demonstrate the ability to:

• Define or describe, and apply key concepts, specific facts, and critical issues of other countries, cultures, and global interactions.

• Use conceptual models and theories to analyze global events and decisions.

• Identify, discuss, and employ the methods used in global studies research

• Make convincing arguments, employing an interdisciplinary framework, that are supported by evidence and reasoning.

Global Studies is a liberal arts major that prepares students to become effective leaders and citizens in today?s rapidly changing world. Modern economies are shaped by factors such as rising trade levels, multinational corporations, and global economic institutions. National and personal security are influenced by global events. The cultures of the world are linked and ideas can flow globally in an instant. No single academic discipline can cover all aspects of these global realities, but careful multidisciplinary study can give students the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and succeed in this interconnected world.

The major?s three required introductory courses provide students with important core knowledge and skills that will be developed in their advanced courses. Introduction to Global Politics establishes key concepts, terms, and theories with a focus on recent global issues and controversies. Introduction to Global Anthropology exposes students to other cultures and explores the impact of cultural interaction. World History since 1500 provides a sweep of major global events to explore factors shaping particular countries? development and to show how key political, economic, and cultural trends have shaped the modern global system.

Majors choose one of three content tracks (Global Politics, Global Economics or Global Cultural Interaction) depending on their interests and goals. These tracks assure coherence, so that students can build information and skills from one course to the next. All of these courses are at the 300 or 400 level to provide intellectual challenge and reinforce concepts developed in earlier courses. Each track includes courses from at least three disciplines to provide access to a wide range of academic discourse and allow holistic study of particular issues that cross disciplinary lines.

Students also take three elective courses to enhance their global knowledge. There is a wide variety of approved knowledge electives so individuals can make a choice of depth or breadth in their course selection. A student particularly interested in Latin America might take history, political science, literature, or language courses to intensively explore that region. Another student might prefer a broader knowledge base and take courses in Latin American history, Middle East politics, and African culture. The merits of one choice versus another would depend on the individual student and her goals.

To aid their understanding of other cultures, majors must demonstrate competency in a modern foreign language either by passing an Intermediate II (MLXX206) course at Bryant, or by placing into an ML-300 level or above course on a language placement exam.

The major culminates with the Seminar on Global Issues in which advanced students read and critically analyze recent academic literature focusing on an important global theme such as globalization or empires. Each student also examines a particular global issue or policy problem as part of a semester-long research project.

One way to expand global knowledge and understanding is to acquire firsthand experience overseas. Majors are therefore encouraged, but not required, to study abroad. They must, however, complete their required and content courses at Bryant, and can count a maximum of two foreign courses as knowledge electives.

There is no preset order for completing the required, content area, and knowledge courses, but students are encouraged to meet with faculty to develop coherent individual programs. Majors are also strongly encouraged to complete additional courses from these offerings, which can be counted toward graduation as mode of thought courses or liberal arts electives.

Global Studies courses develop valued skills in analytic thinking, decision-making, and communication. Global Studies majors are equipped for success throughout their professional lives in fields such as government service, business, education, and journalism, or to pursue advanced study in several fields, such as history, international relations, political science, anthropology, and development.