Global Studies (GLST) Major

Nels H. Granholm, Coordinator
College of Arts and Sciences
Box 510, SWH 216
605-688-4554
e-mail: nels.granholm@sdstate.edu
website: http://www.sdstate.edu/globalstudies/

Faculty

Distinguished Professor Granholm, Coordinator.

Mission

The Global Studies major fits with the Land-Grant Mission of South Dakota State University to develop, maintain and encourage student self development in international and intercultural understanding consistent with the continually increasing cultural, economic and political interdependence of the modern world. In the 21st century, relationships between people and nations will be affected more by interdependence of the world as a whole than by national boundaries. By embracing two broad themes- intercultural competence and authentic global citizenship- the Global Studies major will:

1. prepare students through the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities with knowledge and a broad understanding of global society and the societies of diverse foreign countries and cultures;
2. enable students to apply analytical and philosophical tools for interpretation of and critical thinking about global issues and data;
3. prepare students for employment in many fields including government, non-governmental organizations, business with international marketing, journalism and other fields that require professionals with interdisciplinary education, global literacy, and cross-cultural competencies;
4. provide the training, tools, and experiences for global studies majors to become authentic global citizens; and
5. utilize the international resources of SDSU to benefit the citizens of South Dakota, the United States, and the world.

Programs

 

The Global Studies major integrates content and theory from a number of disciplines leading to an understanding of the interrelated processes of globalization in an increasingly interdependent world. Globalization, which has occurred over centuries, accelerated dramatically in the last half of the 20th century stimulated by rapid transportation and technological developments, leading to instant communication between all parts of the world. International activities are now globally based on new relationships between countries resulting from diminution of national boundaries and increased recognition of the global nature of environmental conditions, economics, politics, health and safety, the spread of terrorism, and the perceived homogenization of culture.

Two required courses, Global Studies I (GLST 201, 3 credits) and Global Studies II (GLST 401, 3 credits) provide a theoretical base to view the world holistically. In Global Studies II, students will integrate information and ideas from previous courses, analyze experiences, and develop a solid global perspective.

Because background from many disciplines is fundamental, the major utilizes courses from several departments that each contribute to breadth of knowledge and understanding. Elective courses are grouped into three foci - globalization, societies, and culture. Within each group, students select courses to fulfill graduation requirements. The choices are  grouped by lower and upper division, allowing students to select emphases of their choice.

 

Global Studies Major (B.S. and B.A.)

Students must complete 128 credit hours including the 30 credit System General Education Core (Gen Ed) and the 8 credit SDSU Institutional Graduation Requirements (IGR) leading to the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree.

Modern language is required for both degrees. Students earning the B.A. degree will complete 21-22 hours concentrated in one modern, foreign language — French, German or Spanish. For the B.S. degree, 14- 16 hours of one of these languages are required. Students entering the University with a background in languages are strongly recommended to request a copy of the Modern Languages Department placement policy. Students who are prepared to take courses beyond 101 (up to 310 or 311, except Spanish 211, 213) may apply to receive credit for all previous courses up to 202.

The number of free electives varies from 27-35, depending upon the student’s choice of B.A. or B.S. degree, and options selected to fulfill General Education and Institutional Graduation Requirements. This flexibility provides an excellent opportunity for students to fulfill requirements for a second major or a minor in another discipline; global studies students are encouraged to do so.

Cross-Cultural Experiential Education

For Global Studies majors, first-hand, cross-cultural experience is mandatory. At least three credits must be earned outside the United States. Students can choose the program they prefer from several options provided by the Office of International Affairs, Department of Modern Languages, and individual colleges:

 

1. full time study abroad at a university for one semester;
2. a one-semester, paid or unpaid, internship or volunteer service
   learning project;
3. an intense modern language immersion program worth at least 3 credit hours; or
4. a study abroad seminar or travel experience that includes pre-and
   post-travel/study orientation worth 3 hours of credit.

 

The coordinator of the Global Studies Program advises students regarding the selection of an appropriate plan for this requirement based upon the student’s interests, time frames, and budget.

Additional information identifying the exact requirements for this major is found in the “Major and Minor Requirements” section of this catalog.

 

Global Studies Minor

The minor in Global Studies, which can be completed with any SDSU major, consists of 21 credits (18 core credits and one elective). The minor is outlined in the section on Major and Minor Requirements.

Related Minors

Three minors with content tied directly to Global Studies complement the Global Studies major:
European Studies
Global Agriculture
Latin American Studies

International Students

International students enrolled at SDSU are strongly encouraged to discuss with the Coordinator of Global Studies possible variations in requirements for the major and the minor that take into consideration their mastery of foreign language and previous international experiences.