Program in Global Studies

The global studies degree major at North Central College will prepare you to serve in the public and private sectors at either the national or international level and help you understand why boundaries -- both physical and intellectual -- must be crossed.

Participation in a globalized world demands an understanding of the issues that confront all of the earth’s citizens. To this end, we bring together courses from a variety of areas, such as political science, business, economics, history, religion, philosophy and culture, so that you can develop a broader understanding of global diversity, the problems we collectively face, and the possible solutions from which we can choose.

Choose from a specialization in East Asia, Europe, developing states, international business or international relations. Study a foreign language, participate in one of our many study abroad programs, and even represent a foreign country in regional and national Model United Nations simulation programs.

Global Studies, B.A.

North Central College's global studies program operates on the premise that participation in a globalized world demands an understanding of the various issues that confront all the earth's citizens. In order to achieve this objective the global studies program brings together courses from a variety of disciplines so that students come to understand the diversity of our world, the problems that face us and the possible solutions from which we can choose. Students who major in global studies accept the idea that boundaries, both physical and intellectual, must be crossed. Upon completion of this major, graduates are prepared to serve in the public, private and non-profit sectors, whether at the international or national level, in the world of business or the world of global politics.

For additional information and courses in this program, see Global Studies.

Core Courses

Global Power and Security

Culture and Globalization

Markets and Development

Research Methods

One of the following:

Study Abroad

Twelve credits through an approved study abroad program

Language Requirement

College level proficiency in a language through 102.

Advanced Electives

Twelve credit hours, with one course from each area and at least two courses at or above the 300-level.

Global Power and Security

Culture and Globalization

Markets and Development

Note:

*ECON 375 and ECON 380 need to both be taken to meet Markets and Development elective requirement as both courses are two credit hours each.

Capstone Seminar

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Global Studies Minor

For additional information and courses in this program, see Global Studies.

The Global Studies minor requires 24 credit hours, including core and advanced electives within the program's three thematic areas: (1) Global Power and Security, (2) Culture and Globalization and (3) Markets and Development.

Core Courses

Global Power and Security

Culture and Globalization

Markets and Development

Advanced Electives

Twelve credit hours, with one course from each area and at least two courses at or above the 300-level.

Global Power and Security

Culture and Globalization

Markets and Development

NOTE: The courses listed herein have been approved by the faculty as authorized by the Board of Trustees. Prerequisites (if any) and the General Education Requirement(s) which each course fulfills (if any) are noted following each course description.

Current course offerings are available in Merlin.

GLST 287 Chinese Culture in China (2.00)
Intensive study of cultural topics required of students in NCC-in-China/Japan program who are studying only one or no language.

GLST 288 Japanese Culture in China (2.00)
Intensive study of cultural topics required of students in NCC-in-China/Japan program who are studying only one or no language.

GLST 363 Seminar in Costa Rica (4.00)
Seminar taught in English by the NCC faculty member. Course content varies according to the expertise and areas of interest of the faculty member. Costa Rica term.
Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent.

GLST 366 Global Power and the British Empire (4.00)
An upper-level survey of Britain's violent relationship with the world designed to introduce students to the depth and breadth of British power since the sixteenth century. The course focuses on the high point of imperial expansion from the nineteenth century to the post-WWI era and concentrates on why the British expanded into India, Africa and the Middle East, and how they ruled/thought about their global empire.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing.

GLST 367 Modern Britain (4.00)
Selected topics in modern British culture and society designed to give context for student's study in England. Required of all students on NCC-in-England program.
Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent

GLST 387 Seminar in China and Japan (4.00)
Seminar taught in English by the NCC faculty member. Course content varies according to the expertise and areas of interest of the faculty member. China/Japan term.
Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent

GLST 390 Topics in Global Studies (4.00)
Intensive study of a selected international topic from a variety of disciplinary perspectives.

GLST 397 - Internship (0.00-12.00)
Instructor consent required.

GLST 399 Independent Study (1.00-12.00)
Instructor consent required.

GLST 490 Global Perspectives Capstone Seminar (1.00)
Designed for students in the Global Perspectives Program, this seminar is devoted to the completion of the required portfolio and culminates in an interdisciplinary project that focuses on the international dimensions of a student's major.
Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent.

GLST 492 Seminar in Global Studies (4.00)
Capstone seminar for Global Studies in which majors reflect upon their interdisciplinary training and apply their knowledge and skills to various topics and issues across the globe.
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing.

Extra-curricular and professional activities that will enrich your global studies education.

This is the major for the world we increasingly inhabit!