Global Studies

Department Description

The department of Global Studies prepares students to fully participate in the worldwide community by applying disciplinary knowledge in cultural context. Global Studies offers an interdisciplinary major in Global Studies with six possible concentrations. Students may also pursue a minor in Global Studies as well as in Anthropology.

Global Studies is an inter-disciplinary major in which students learn about the economic, historical, cultural, geographical, and political factors influencing global processes. The major is built around a core of globally oriented social science courses which provide a foundation for upper-level concentrations in which the student can take advantage of a wide array of curricula at Saint Mary’s and tailor her major to her interests and future professional goals. Courses deal with topics as diverse as women in Africa and the Middle East; globalization and economic development; migration and diasporas; politics of multiculturalism; international trade and finance; and indigenous cultures.

Global knowledge requires global experience and that experience is always deepened by the ability to communicate beyond a student’s native language. A student in this major will be required to demonstrate competence in at least one World Language and to spend at least 5 weeks in college-sponsored study abroad programs, as explained on the following page.

The Global Studies Major will lay the foundation for careers in a wide range of globally oriented fields. These include opportunities with both public and private sector organiza­tions as well as the vast and growing world of non-profit agencies, institutions and foundations, research centers, public interest groups, and non-governmental development agencies.

Study Abroad

Saint Mary’s has a long history of providing quality international programs as an essential part of our educational mission—forming women leaders who will make a difference in the world. As this world becomes increasingly interdependent, the College offers an expanding range of semester, year, semester break, and summer study and service programs in a wide variety of countries, and encourages students to take advantage of them. Learn more about the various Study Abroad opportunities.

World Language Proficiency 

Students must have an average grade of C+ (2.33/4.0) or better in Sophia Modern Language courses at the intermediate level for French, German, Italian, or Spanish and at the introductory level for Arabic or Chinese, or equivalent to be accepted into the Global Studies major. All students completing this major will demonstrate World language proficiency in one of the following ways:

  • One language other than English at the Intermediate-mid Level (based on the ACTFL Proficiency Scale) in three out of the four skills.
  • For a less-commonly taught language (e.g., Chinese and Arabic), the Novice-high Level is sufficient.
  • If the student has not reached the specified proficiency level in her foreign language by the end of the spring semester of her junior year, she will fulfill the language requirement by taking one additional course in the language during her senior year, and receiving a grade of C or above.

Study or Internship Abroad Experience

All students completing this major must participate in a Saint Mary’s College approved study abroad program. If a student is not able to participate in a semester length program, she may participate in summer and semester break programs totaling a minimum of five weeks.

Upper Level Concentrations

When declaring this major in the second year, each student will select one of the following concentrations as a structure for the upper level electives she will take. An advisor will help design a plan that allows the student to complete the requirements in her remaining two years. Concentrations are available in the following topics:

  • Anthropology — Coordinator, L. Elder
  • Global Business Administration — Coordinator, A. Farsh
  • Global Economics — Coordinator, A. Farshbaf
  • Global Justice and Human Rights — Coordinator, A. Pierce
  • Intercultural Studies — Coordinator, N. Haynes
  • International Development — Coordinator, M. Belanger

Prerequisites

Please note that many of the courses within Global Studies concentrations carry prerequisites not met through Global Studies requirements. These courses are noted with a footnote. Please consult the departmental listing in the Bulletin for more details. All courses with the ML prefix require competence in the language in which the class is taught.

Department Chair

Jennifer Zachman
82 Spes Unica Hall
574-284-4574

Faculty

E. Rose McManus

Concentration Coordinators

A. Farshbaf, N. Haynes, A. Pierce

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students can analyze economic, historical, cultural, geographical, and political factors influencing global processes.
  • Students demonstrate proficiency in:
    • one language other than English at the Intermediate-mid Level (based on the ACTFL Proficiency Scale); or
    •  For a less-commonly taught language (e.g., Chinese and Arabic), the Novice-high Level is sufficient.
  • Students can reflect critically upon how their interdisciplinary learning shapes their development as global citizens and professionals

Global Studies Courses

GLST 101  Corporate Social Responsibility in Global Context  (3)  

This Critical Thinking Seminar introduces students to the contemporary concepts, issues, and questions related to global business practice and corporate social responsibility.

GLST 250  Global Places, Peoples, and Problems: An Introduction to Global Studies  (3)  

Global Studies is an interdisciplinary, holistic, and experiential field of study that investigates the most pressing issues facing people around the globe today. This course introduces students to key theories of globalization through topics such as: colonialism, nationalism, transnationalism, and postcolonialism; global economic systems, trade networks, and neoliberalism; diaspora, migration, and the refugee crisis; global media, performance, and expressive culture; global anti-blackness and systemic racism; globalization and its impact on women and minoritized genders; and climate change, health & diseases, and environmental justice.

GLST 364  Global Research and Discovery  (3)  

An introduction to the principle methods of analysis in global studies. Students will gain experience using research tools such as interviewing, focus groups, textual interpretation, participant observation, SWOT analysis, and basic quantitative analysis to research global issues. Prerequisite: Declared Global Studies major or permission of instructor.

GLST 495  Senior Seminar in Global Studies  (3)  

This is the culminating course in the Global Studies curriculum, serving to synthesize lessons learned from the previous courses. Course assignments will direct students to review, reflect on, and integrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes gained from the curriculum; to apply that learning to debates about current global issues; and to articulate the research questions or goals that will drive their next steps in a career or graduate school.

GLST 497  Independent Study  (1-3)  

Independent readings, individualized seminars, or field projects in selected areas designed to meet the special interests of advanced students. Prerequisites:Permission of the instructor. May be repeated.

GLST 499  Global Studies Internship  (1-3)  

Professional work experience with a global organization such as a business, governmental agency, or non-governmental organization in a specific concentration. The internship in Global Studies course may not be used to satisfy any major requirements. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: permission of department chair. Open to Global Studies majors only.

Anthropology Courses 

ANTH 141  People and Nature  (3)  

This Critical Thinking Seminar introduces students to the depth and breadth of human diversity and to the methods anthropologists use to study human diversity. Organized around the material, ecological, and ideological interplay between cultures, this course focuses on the divergent ways that peoples of the world have adapted to their environments, created communities, moderated conflicts, developed cosmologies, and expressed creativity.

ANTH 253  Survey I: Culture and Language  (3)  

A survey of sociocultural anthropology and anthropological linguistics. The course takes a comparative approach to the study of culture. Topics include: family, kinship, and marriage; cultural ecology and economics; political organization; gender roles and socialization; religion and ritual; and culture change. Basic concepts, methods of research, and analytic perspectives are introduced.

ANTH 254  Survey II: Human Prehistory  (3)  

A survey of physical anthropology and archaeology. The course follows an evolutionary approach to the development of human life and culture. Topics include: human genetics; comparative primatology; the fossil record; the emergence of human culture; and prehistoric and historic archaeology. Basic concepts, methods of research, and analytic perspectives are introduced.

ANTH 320  Anthropology of Race and Racism  (3)  

An introduction to anthropological approaches to race and racism, this course explores why race persists as a powerful social force and cultural idea despite its fallacy as a biological concept. Topics covered include human biological diversity, racial hierarchies around the world, historical and contemporary intersections of race and sexuality, and racism in everyday language use.

ANTH 346  Gender in Cross-Cultural Perspective  (3)  

This course introduces students to anthropological theories and methods for the critical analysis of gendered structures of inequality globally. By comparing culture specific ideas and practices, anthropology provides a unique lens for understanding the cultural construction of gender identity. As we explore gender identity cross-culturally, students will also discover their own culturally formed, taken for granted, notions of the role of gender. Topics explored include: the saliency of the categories man and woman; the relationships between race and gender; the role of colonialism and neocolonialism in the representation of gender, sex and sexuality; and the role of gender in the family and the household, the realm of religion and the world of work.

ANTH 356  Being Indigenous in the 21st Century: Contemporary Indigenous Studies  (3)  

In settler societies, Indigenous peoples face a variety of social and institutional pressures to conform to certain expectations. These range from the need to be recognized by the state in order to have rights, to pressures associated with the representation of Native peoples in media. Indigenous people face considerable tensions between embodying external stereotypes and racial expectations, while trying to forge individual and collective identities that go beyond these expectations. In this seminar, we will engage with recent scholarship in Native American and Indigenous Studies that addresses indigeneity as a political status, a supposed biological category, a social experience, and a point of departure for political involvement and activism. Our readings will also engage feminist and queer perspectives on the problem of authenticity and we will devote attention to the appropriation of Indigenous culture by non-Indigenous people. Geographic focus includes North and South America, Oceania, and some examples from Europe and Asia. Moreover, we will discuss indigeneity as a source of global affinity among colonized peoples and as a human rights framework within the United Nations.

ANTH 376  Water, Culture & Sustainability  (3)  

In the midst of global climate change, environmental crises surrounding water resources, and the concomitant national and international conflicts over water, humans all around the world are coming to grips with our complete dependence on water. Indeed, as the source of life, water is deeply imbricated in our understanding of the past, present, and future of human life on earth. This course investigates our long-term engagement with water through cultural ecology, environmental history, visual, literary and ethnographic sources. We will explore the flow of cultural meanings of water as well as political contestation over water resources globally. And, paying particular attention to the gendered engagements and aspects of sustainability, we will cross the world through case studies of rivers, lakes, oceans and urban water infrastructures as they connect life on this planet. And in these case studies – of Lake Michigan, Lake Titicaca, Peru, the Bay of Bengal, Bali, Indonesia, the Mekong, Vietnam, Yunnan, China, and the Murray-Darling Basin, Australia – we will examine connections and disconnections among social movements focused on sustainability.

ANTH 390  Special Topics  (1-3)  

The presentation of selected subjects not included in regular departmental offerings. The course content and format will be determined by student and faculty interest. Materials may be organized variously according to culture area, theme, or issue. Prerequisites established by the instructor. May be repeated with a different topic.

ANTH 497  Independent Study  (1-3)  

Independent readings, individualized seminars, or field projects in selected areas designed to meet the special interests of advanced students. Prerequisites: 6 hours in ANTH, junior or senior status, and permission of the instructor. May be repeated.

ANTH 499  Anthropological Internship  (3)  

Work in an approved anthropological setting such as a museum or research center under professional supervision. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: 9 hours in ANTH and permission of the department chair. May be repeated.

Intercultural Studies Courses

ICS 201  Introduction to Intercultural Studies  (3)  

This course provides an introduction to understanding the cultural construction of individual and collective identities such as race, class, gender, sexuality, and religion. We will begin by establishing a theoretical understanding of what culture is and how it operates, both globally and locally. And then we will examine how colonization and imperialism impact cultural conflict in the US and around the world. Key issues covered include how race has been constructed historically and culturally; how power and privilege perpetuate interpersonal, systemic, and institutional racism; and how to challenge racism and other forms of oppression. By the end of the semester, students will have a foundation for understanding and addressing inequality in our interconnected world.

ICS 250  Intercultural Engagement Through Study Abroad  (1)  

Intercultural Engagement is an on-line course offered to students enrolled in a study abroad program; it is designed to help develop intercultural competence by engaging students in critical reflection and analysis of their experience of living abroad. Graded H/S/U. Corequisite: enrollment in a study abroad program.

ICS 251  Intercultural Engagement Through Study Abroad  (1)  

Intercultural Engagement is an on-line course offered to students enrolled in a study abroad program; it is designed to help develop intercultural competence by engaging students in critical reflection and analysis of their experience of living abroad. Graded H/S/U. Corequisite: enrollment in a study abroad program.

ICS 270  Border Immersion: Building a Culture of Encounter Program  (1,3)  

This class will combine reflection and analysis of the experiences of immigration, deportation, and asylum-seeking refugees while traveling and doing service projects at Catholic Charities’ Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen, TX.

ICS 290  Special Topics  (1-3)  

Topics of special interest in Intercultural Studies not covered in the regular offerings of the program. May be repeated with different topic.

ICS 310  Diversity Dialogues  (1)  

Diversity Dialogues uses the framework of a “study circle” to conduct a series of structured conversations that deal with questions of race and identity and ways that participants might bring change to their local setting. The study circles that form the basis of this course will include both students and members of the campus and local communities, insuring a wide range of experiences and insights on the subject of race. Respect for each other’s ideas and allowing everyone a fair hearing are hallmarks of the study circle approach; the process of building relationships between members of the group is as important as the issues discussed. The study circle is small-group democracy in action; all viewpoints are taken seriously, and each member has an equal opportunity to participate. Graded S/U. (Also listed as JUST 310).

ICS 330  The Catalyst Trip  (1)  

The Catalyst Trip is an immersive learning trip offered every other year during the fall break. It combines a series of experiences with critical reflection in an intense five-day trip, traditionally to southern Ohio and the city of Cincinnati. When possible, the Catalyst trip includes community women as participants in addition to Saint Mary’s students. The Catalyst Trip includes a pre-departure workshop plus 5 days during Fall Break (inclusive of two half-days of travel between South Bend and the immersion destination).

ICS 390  Special Topics  (1-3)  

Topics of special interest in Intercultural Studies not covered in the regular offerings of the program. May be repeated with different topic.

ICS 397  Independent Study  (1-3)  

This course is designed to provide upper-level students the opportunity to examine intercultural issues using a framework and content of their own design. Prerequisite: ICS 201 or permission of advisor. May be repeated.

ICS 399  Internship  (1-3)  

Community-based experience in an intercultural studies related field at an approved site. Jointly supervised by a faculty member and a representative from the sponsoring agency. Must be approved by the Director of the Intercultural Studies Program. Student will submit a reflection paper appropriate to the nature of the internship within two weeks of the end of the internship. Graded S/U. May be repeated.

ICS 490  Special Topics  (1-3)  

Topics of special interest in Intercultural Studies not covered in the regular offerings of the program. May be repeated with different topic.

ICS 497  Independent Study  (1-3)  

This course is designed to provide upper-level students the opportunity to examine intercultural issues using a framework and content of their own design. Prerequisite: ICS 201 or permission of advisor. May be repeated.

ICS 499  Internship  (1-3)  

Internship opportunity. May be repeated.

Four Year Plans for Global Studies

All students in Global Studies are required to:

  1. Complete 4 core courses ANTH 253, ECON 251, HIST 104, POSC 206 or 207
  2. Complete the requirements for one of 6 possible Concentrations in GLST: Anthropology, Global Business, Global Economics, Global Justice and Human Rights, Intercultural Studies, or International Development
  3. Participate in a College-approved study abroad program. If student cannot do a semester length program, she must complete 5 weeks of study abroad through summer or break programs.
  4. Study of Foreign Language to Intermediate level (Through 112 courses).
  5. Pass the Stamp foreign language test with a grade of Intermediate-mid or better of 3 of the 4 competencies.

The following are sample plans for two of the concentrations: Global Business, and Global Justice and Human Rights. There are meant to provide a general picture of the path toward completion. Students should meet with the Chair of GLST, Dr. Laura Elder, as early as possible in their Saint Mary’s career to discuss the specifics of their own process. With advanced planning and regular advising, the GLST major can be combined relatively smoothly with another major of 33 credit hours or less. The department allows double counting of two courses used to complete another major.


Program for Global Studies Major with Concentration in Global Business Administration

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
First SemesterCredits
Sophia Language I (4cr)
CTS or W (3cr/4cr)
SPLL 101 (1 cr)
ANTH 253 Survey I: Culture and Language (LO1, Social Science 1) 3
Sophia (3cr)
 Credits3
Second Semester
Sophia Language II (4cr)
CTS or W (3cr/4cr)
HIST 104 World History II (LO1, History) 3
Sophia (3cr)
Sophia (3cr)
 Credits3
Second Year
First Semester
Students should decide when they plan to go abroad. Most study abroad programs others the Anger have classes they can be used as GLST concentration electives. Students should discuss this with Chair and Concentration Coordinator.
ECON 251 Principles of Macroeconomics (Social Science 2) 3
Sophia (3cr)
POSC 207
Comparative Politics (GLST Core)
or International Politics
3
BUAD 201 Principles of Financial Accounting (Global Business Concentration) 3
Language at Intermediate level
 Credits9
Second Semester
Sophia (3cr)
Sophia (3cr)
POSC 206 (GLST Core) If Have not taken POSC 207
 Credits0
Third Year
First Semester
Sophia (4cr)
BUAD 221 Principles of Management (Global Business Concentration) 3
BUAD 231 Principles of Marketing (Global Business Concentration) 3
ECON 252 Principles of Microeconomics (Global Business Concentration) 3
 Credits9
Second Semester
Sophia (3cr)
GLST 364 Global Research and Discovery 3
BUAD 312 Principles of Finance (Global Business Concentration) 3
 Credits6
Fourth Year
First Semester
Student should plan to take the Stamp Test in their chosen Foreign Language by September of senior year, though they should take it earlier if they are ready. (For details on scheduling, please talk to Chair). If a student does not score high enough, they must take another elective in that language. The class must be at the 200 level or higher.
GLST 495 Senior Seminar in Global Studies 3
Upper-level Global Business Elective 3
 Credits6
Second Semester
Finish Senior Comp by April 1
 Credits0
 Total Credits36

Global Studies Major with Concentration in Global Justice and Human Rights

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
First SemesterCredits
Sophia Language I (4cr)
CTS or W (3cr/4cr)
SPLL 101 (1 cr)
ANTH 253 Survey I: Culture and Language (GLST core/Social Science 1) 3
Sophia (3cr)
Elective (1-3cr)
 Credits3
Second Semester
Sophia Language II (4cr)
CTS or W (3cr/4cr)
HIST 104 World History II (GLST core/ History) 3
Sophia (3cr)
Sophia (3cr)
 Credits3
Second Year
First Semester
Students should decide when they plan to go abroad. Most study abroad programs others the Anger have classes they can be used as GLST concentration electives. Students should discuss this with Chair and Concentration Coordinator.
POSC 207
Comparative Politics (GLST core)
or International Politics
3
Sophia (3cr)
Intermediate Level Language ( 4 Credits )
 Credits3
Second Semester
ECON 251 Principles of Macroeconomics (GLST Core/Social Sciences 2) 3
Sophia (3cr)
POSC 206 (GLST Core if did not take PSOC 207)
JUST 250 Introduction to Justice Studies 3
 Credits6
Third Year
First Semester
Sophia (4cr)
PHIL 302 Global Justice 3
Global Justice Concentration Elective 3
 Credits6
Second Semester
Sophia (3cr)
POSC 301 Human Rights 3
GLST 364 Global Research and Discovery 3
 Credits6
Fourth Year
First Semester
Student should plan to take the Stamp Test in their chosen Foreign Language by September of senior year, though they should take it earlier if they are ready. (For details on scheduling, please talk to Chair). If a student does not score high enough, they must take another elective in that language. The class must be at the 200 level or higher.
GLST 495 Senior Seminar in Global Studies 3
Global Justice Elective 3
 Credits6
 Total Credits33