Global Studies

Global studies examine 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.  

In order to be admitted to the minor, students must have completed at least 60 credits with a 2.0 GPA or above. To earn the minor, students must complete a minimum of 18-19 credits:1 core course in each student learning outcome category (12-13 credits), and 2 course electives (6 credits) in any of the thematic categories listed in the program of studies, but targeting two different learning outcomes. At least 9 credits of approved coursework must be taken at the 300-400 level, and no courses taken Pass/Fail will count towards the 18-19 credit requirement. Six credits of approved transfer work may be counted towards the minor; the remaining 12-13 credits must be taken in residence at WSU or through WSU-approved education abroad or educational exchange courses. No more than two courses with the same subject (or content, as in cross-listed courses) can be applied to the minor.  Some courses may be substituted with the approval of the Global Studies Minor advisor.  Additional courses may be included within the minor as developed in the university curriculum.

Student Learning Outcomes: The minor gives students a competitive edge in the global job market.  Students earning the minor will be prepared to 1) understand connections that can be made from historical, cultural, economic, and political contexts that shape society and reflect global systems; 2) demonstrate knowledge of and be sensitive to others' differing identities and values across cultures; 3) apply intercultural communication skills to interact effectively with individuals and in groups; and 4) interact respectfully and responsibly across boundaries in diverse environments.

Program of Studies:

Core Courses: Choose one from ANTH 203, ART 202, CES 244, ECONS 101, 198, POL S 103, or SOC 415. Choose one from ANTH 316, or POL S 428. Choose one from: COM 105, COM 321, or FOR LANG 120. PLUS, complete one semester of foreign language study at WSU beyond the WSU admissions requirement.  Foreign language courses taken at WSU to fulfill the admissions requirement are not eligible to be applied to the minor. 
 
Electives: Six credits required. Choose two courses targeting two different learning outcomes (SLOs):
SLO 1 Connections among contexts: ANTH 260, ART 301, CES 380, CROP SCI 360, ENGLISH 373, HISTORY 294 or 495 or approved upper-level World History course, HONORS 370, 380, 390, I BUS 380 or 470, POL S 429, SOC 230 or 334, SOE 390.

SLO 2 Knowledge about identities and values: ANTH 301 or 404, BIOLOGY 407, ENTOM 150, FOR LANG 110, HUMANITY 350, MUS 163 or 265, POL S 435, SOE 110.

SLO 3 Communication skills: Additional semester of same foreign language as used for the Core requirement or additional foreign language course taught in the foreign language at WSU.

SLO 4 Respectful interaction: ANTH 418, BIOLOGY 110, COM 421, HISTORY 291, SOE 312.