2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Global Studies (B.A.)


Program Coordinator/Contact
Molly Enz, Program Coordinator
Department of Modern Languages and Global Studies
SWG 121 Campus, Box 2275
605-688-5101
Click here for additional information.  

Program Information
Globalization, which has occurred over centuries, accelerated dramatically in the last half of the 20th century and was stimulated by rapid transportation and technological developments, leading to instant communication between all parts of the world. The Global Studies major aligns with the land-grant mission of South Dakota State University to encourage international and intercultural understanding consistent with the increasing cultural, economic, and political interdependence of the modern world.  In the 21st century, relationships between people and nations are affected more by global interdependence than by national boundaries.  The Global Studies major integrates content and theory from a variety of disciplines leading to a comprehensive understanding of the diverse but interrelated processes of globalization.

Student Learning Outcomes
By embracing two broad themes - intercultural competence and authentic global citizenship- the Global Studies major will:

  • 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;
  • enable students to apply analytical and philosophical tools for interpretation of and critical thinking about global issues and data;
  • 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;
  • provide the training, tools, and experiences for global studies majors to become authentic global citizens; and
  • utilize the international resources of SDSU to benefit the citizens of South Dakota, the United States, and the world.

Course Delivery Format
GLST 201 is offered at least once a year via the internet and other courses required for the major may also be available online.

Requirements for Global Studies Major: 120 Credits


 Bachelor of Arts in Arts and Sciences

System General Education Requirements


Institutional Graduation Requirements


College of Arts and Sciences Requirements


Bachelor of Arts Requirements: 6+
  • Modern Foreign Language Including the 202-Level Credits: 6+
  • One declared minor outside of the major prefix OR a second major OR a teaching specialization. The minor may be a traditional minor within one department or it may be interdisciplinary involving more than one department. The minor can be in a different college. The minor must be declared no later than the student’s third semester of enrollment.
  • Capstone course in the major discipline
  • Upper division coursework Credits: 33

SGRs, IGRs, and/or Major coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements. Consult program advisor for details. See the College of Arts and Sciences  for additional information about Bachelor of Arts specifications.

Modern Languages Requirement


Select Option 1, Option 2, or Option 3. Credits: 21

  • Option 1 - 7 Credits in one language above the 202 level
  • Option 2 - Qualified Waiver
    May be waived if examination shows the student has achieved a level of language learning equivalent to that of students who have completed 21 credit hours in a language and are able to use the language at an intermediate level (Intermediate Low according to the ACTFL scale). The Department will evaluate the documentation. A student may be exempt from examination at SDSU if he or she has successfully completed one or more of the nationally administered tests showing an equivalent level of proficiency.
  • Option 3 - Two Languages
    Global Studies students may, with the approval of the Coordinator of Global Studies and Department Head, design a Modern Language program that combines two languages. Students have the option of completing coursework in two languages offered at SDSU through the intermediate level (101, 102, 201, and 202) or combining one of the languages offered at SDSU through the 202 level with a less commonly taught language (e.g. Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, etc.). This option, including an assessment plan, must be approved in advance by the Department.

Global Studies Electives


In consultation with an Academic Advisor, students develop a plan of study using courses listed below for a total of 15 credits with at least:

  • 2 different Prefixes minimum
  • No more than 9 credits per prefix
  • No more than 3 credits of lower division coursework

Other courses not listed below that have a significant global emphasis may also qualify but must be approved in advance.

Cross Cultural Experience


Credits: 3

  • Students may use a variety of travel experience courses in the catalog to fulfill this requirement for a cross-cultural experience outside of the United States that includes at least three credits of academic coursework and lasts at least 4 weeks.
  • Students may select several shorter experiences that add up to four weeks total with approval from the department head.  However, a semester or academic year abroad is highly recommended.
  • Exceptions to the cross cultural experience must be pre-approved by the department head.
  • International students may petition for an exemption from the cross-cultural experience.
  • Credits may be applied to another requirement when appropriate.
  • Academic credit will be considered only from an accredited institution or through an international exchange program approved by SDSU.
  • All students must have the approval before beginning the cross cultural experience.

Electives


Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120