By Melissa Henderson
The University introduced a new Global Studies program beginning this fall, designed to provide students with a critical understanding of economic and cultural globalization.
The Global Studies program will work closely with the inter-disciplinary courses such as political science, anthropology and sociology, to provide students with a diverse and well rounded major or minor.
Grant Saff, the chair of Global Studies and Geography, is the current director and professor of GS001. GS001 is not only a required course for the field, but is also available as an introductory course to provide students with an overview of the different Global Studies classes.
Saff also said that the program allows students multiple course choices and aims to enhance students’ ability to understand and interpret the constantly changing world.
“We catch around your interest,” he said. “If you essentially learn to understand the interconnections we share globally, you will be a much more valued candidate in the work force.”
James Wiley, associate professor of Global Studies and Geography, said global studies is “the way in which we market culture,” and that it allows people to tap into global affairs in an inclusive way. He has also traveled to more than 100 different countries.
The new program allows upperclassmen to use the global studies credits that they already obtained toward a global studies major or minor. The degree offers a variety of coursework, and participating students are encouraged to study abroad.
One student, Alex Moore, a sophomore who is also majoring in graphic design, is traveling throughout Asia studying cultural and economic global changes.
For more information visit the Global Studies office located in the Roosevelt Hall, Room 202.