Global Studies
As the Director of the Global Studies Program at Shepherd University, it is my honor and pleasure to welcome you to our website!
Started in the Fall of 2016 Global Studies is a young and vibrant program at Shepherd University which offers many possibilities for students who are interested in the principle issues and problems in the globalized world we life in. Courses in the program provide students with a framework within which to analyze globalizing processes that transcend national, cultural and disciplinary boundaries. Global Studies offers a BA degree which combines courses from the social sciences, natural sciences, arts, humanities and professional fields. Students in the program are offered the knowledge to understand the processes and concepts underlying globalization and are empowered to become global leaders who will shape our world in business, education, government and the non-profit sector.
The Global Studies Program as a major is built on four concentrations:
1. Global Governance and Peace
Courses in the Global Governance and Peace concentration focus on the political aspects of the consequences of globalization. This includes challenges to traditional governance on the local, national, regional and global level.
2. Global Economics and Development
Courses in the Global Economics and Development concentration focus on the economic aspects of globalization. This includes the challenges presented by the economic processes of markets on societies and resources.
3. Global Environments
Courses in the Global Environments concentration focus on the science aspects of globalization. This includes issues of health, the environment, technology, and information and communication.
4. Global Culture and History
Courses in the Global Culture and History concentration focus on the historical and cultural aspects of globalization. Issues include the tensions between the local ways of life and the pressures of transnational cultures and identities.
Requirements include a Regional Concentration, a Second Language, and an International Experience. The program offers Regional Concentrations in Africa and the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. The University offers extensive language programs in Spanish, French, and German, while other language options are available through cooperation with nearby colleges and universities. The International Experience can be fulfilled through study abroad or an international oriented internship in or out of country. These requirements will prepare students to excel in a cross-cultural, multilingual environments and for today’s interdependent world.
For more information, please contact the Global Studies Director, Dr. Aart Holtslag.