Global Studies

Bachelor of Arts 

Global Studies combines many disciplines in support of a single goal: to make the world a better place. The Global Studies department was founded on the idea that a better and more just world is possible. For students interested in global societies and cultures, international markets and governments, the major offers an inspiring course of study to explore and understand how to positively impact our rapidly changing world.

Global Studies at Providence College offers an interdisciplinary exploration of globalization and its effects upon communities, environmental sustainability, and the dignity of all living things. By emphasizing collaborative learning, participatory research, community engagement, activism, and cross-cultural competency, the major cultivates global citizens who think intentionally and are equipped to respond to the challenges of a diverse, complex, and globalized world.

Global Studies is an award-winning department with innovative courses taught by dedicated full-time faculty, trained in areas across the humanities and social sciences. Global Studies aims to prepare critically engaged and responsible change makers by offering global perspectives on the most pressing issues facing our world. Students are given theoretical and applied frameworks through a developmental curriculum as they learn understand the pillars of a globalized planet, and are given tools for reciprocal, collaborative action in an interdependent world.

Introductory Courses:

1. GST 101 Introduction to Global Studies 3 credits-
     
2. GST 202 Globalization and Social Change 3 credits-
     
3. GST 290 Global Engagement 1 credit-
     
4. GST 303 Case Studies in Globalization 3 credits-
     

Foundation Courses: Students will be required to take four foundation courses providing them with a basic understanding of global religions, business, and politics as well as the responsibilities of leadership in a global community. The courses required of all majors are:

1. PSC Approved Elective (International Focus)
2. ECN 102 Principles of Economics: Macro 3 credits-
     
3. PHL 301 Ethics, Moral Leadership, and the Common Good 3 credits-
     (preferred for Ethics Core) 

Advanced Courses:

Thematic Concentration:
Four (4) courses focused on global topics, region, language, and/or culture tailored around individual student interests and approved by student advisor and director. At least one (1) of these courses should be a GST designated course at 300-level or above from Providence College.

Language Component:
Two (2) courses at the advanced level (200 level or above) in the same language. (eg, Spanish, French, or Italian)  OR Two (2) approved courses in the same language in a less commonly taught language (eg, Arabic or Chinese).

Study Abroad/Study Away:
It is critical for global studies students to deepen their understanding of cultural and global issues by participating in a study abroad/study away cultural immersion experience. Majors are thus required to study abroad/study away for a semester or a full academic year with an approved program through the Center for Global Education. Because of our commitment to engaged learning, an internship, service-learning course, and/or community-based action research project is an integral component of each of the approved Global Studies Recognized Study Abroad/Study Away Programs. Students may apply to fulfill this requirement over the summer at an approved study away program.

Upper-Level Global Studies Courses:

• Two (2) Upper-Level Global Studies Electives at the 300-level or above.
• Capstone Seminar and Senior Thesis:
  • GST 480 Global Studies Capstone Seminar I 3 credits-
      and 
    GST 481 Global Studies Capstone Seminar II 3 credits-
      is an interdisciplinary, two-semester course for global studies majors focused on synthesizing and deepening learning about global citizenship and globalization over the past three years. In the first semester, students will synthesize the work of earlier courses and develop an engaged research proposal, including a literature review. The second semester will be devoted to a collaborative engagement project.

Providence College is a member of the AICU consortium and students interested in languages not taught at the College can enroll in language courses in the associated institutions (https://global-education.providence.edu/ri-language-consortium/).