Program Coordinator: Katherine Schuster, 847.376.7118, schuster@oakton.edu
The Global Studies Concentration is a fifteen (15-16) semester-credit-hour program designed to aid students in understanding the complex interrelationships among nations and peoples within the global society. The program presents a cross-disciplinary approach that allows students to explore the impact of forces such as culture/ethnicity/race, imperialism, globalization, industrialization, environmental sustainability, resistance movements, peace movements, and access to natural and human resources, including water, food, healthcare and education. It establishes a unique foundation for the pursuit of varied majors and careers, from liberal arts to social sciences to business.
Global Studies Concentration Requirements
- SSC 201 Introduction to Global Studies, 3 credit hours.
- One semester of a Modern Language.
- Students may test out of this requirement if they already have a working knowledge of a second language or if their first language is not English.
- If testing out of the Modern Language requirement, students need to complete 3-4 semester credit hours in an alternative Global Studies course or section to fulfill the 15-16 credit hour requirement.
- Students are reminded that only a Modern Language course of 202 or higher counts for transfer as a general education course to a four-year institution.
- Choose three (3) additional courses that are designated as Global Studies courses or sections. Courses are designated as Global Studies in the Class Schedule each semester.
- Choose at least one course from Area D and one from Area E.
- At least two of the courses must be focused on non-European/ non-Western topics.
Students meeting the requirements for the concentration will have a notation added to their transcript indicating successful completion. In order to receive this notation, students must complete a Global Studies Concentration Completion Form and meet with the Global Studies Coordinator.
Global Scholars
Students can choose to meet higher requirements in order to be recognized as Global Scholars on their transcripts.
- Complete all requirements above.
- Maintain 3.0 GPA.
- Complete at least two semesters of a Modern Language with and/or participate in a study abroad experience (either short-term or long-term).
Concentration Learning Outcomes
- Analyze global systems using competing theories of development: e.g., modernization, de-colonial, and sustainability theories.
- Describe key aspects of world geography.
- Compare and contrast theories and strategies of environmental sustainability.
- Analyze key events, themes and trends in world history and the history of globalization.
- Critique key works and ideas of world humanities and the arts within an intercultural context.
- Apply the theories and lenses of the social and behavioral sciences in analyzing global issues, trends, and events.
- Evaluate the theories and debates regarding the universality of cultural values, norms and religions.
- Develop intercultural competency through role play, field trips, modern language learning, and/or international field study experiences.