2019-2020 Undergraduate Academic Catalogue 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Academic Catalogue [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Global Studies, BA


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Major in Global Studies


The major has five main components: 

  • a foundational component; 
  • an analytical component; 
  • a topical component; 
  • a capstone senior seminar and project; 
  • study abroad or equivalent.

Each component is described below:

Analytical Component


(4 courses) These courses deepen and expand the analytical perspectives and knowledge bases addressed in the foundational courses. They are broadly comparative or global in focus. Students choose one course from each departmental grouping listed below:

Topical Component


(4 courses) Students complete this component by choosing four courses that focus on a specific topic or theme.

  • Four courses are required to complete the topic
  • At least two different Global Studies disciplines must be represented
  • One course may be outside of the Global Studies disciplines
  • Two courses must be at the 300-level or higher

Topic 1: Globalization and Sustainable Development


Economies, societies and cultures have become increasingly integrated. This topic focuses on the dynamics of global change at the economic, social, political, cultural and environmental level. Also, this topic focuses on the factors that impinge on the economic and social progress of countries and regions in parts of the world that are considered less developed. These countries and regions are most often found in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and Eastern Europe. Important aspects of this topic will include the sources of underdevelopment, the extent and dynamics of inequality and poverty, and the impact of colonization and decolonization on the political, economic and social evolution of these regions.

Topic 2: Conflict, Justice, and Human Rights


Violence is a universal feature of human societies, affecting the lives of individuals as well as of entire communities - local, national and transnational. To build a world more just and peaceful, we need to study how conflicts arise, how they develop and how they can be solved. Moreover, to reaffirm human rights for individuals and minorities we need to study their historical evolution, and examine the existence and implications of injustice and infringements on human rights.

Topic 3: Identity, Place, and Power


The process of globalization entails a fundamental tension between global dynamics and our specific, multi-layered national, religious, cultural, class, gender, and professional identities. How is globalization affecting the way we shape our identity as individuals and as a community? And how do our local, contextual, specific identities contribute to shape the process of globalization? Included in this topic are courses on ethnic identity, religion, gender, and nationalism. The issues of exile, migration and displacement are also addressed.

Topic 4: Individualized Topic


This topic crosses the topical boundaries of topics 1, 2, and 3; students interested in shaping a topic of their own will have to draft a one-page proposal that suggests a title, offers a brief rationale, and lists some of the courses they intend to take; students will have to discuss their project with their advisor and - after an agreement between student and advisor has been reached - submit the final proposal to the Global Studies Director for acceptance, copying the advisor.

Senior Seminar in Global Studies


(GT 400 ): The course is intended as an opportunity for integrating students' experience of the Global Studies program. It consists of a senior project, guest lectures, and other integrative work selected by the instructor. The course is offered each spring semester.

International Experience


Global Studies majors must participate in a sustained, immersive academic experience that is international in nature to graduate with the major. Study abroad, either for a semester, a year or a summer, is the preferred option. This can be done via a Loyola-approved program, or via a program taken through another university with the prior approval of the Global Studies Director.

If study abroad is impossible, a student may fulfill the International Experience requirement by either completing the requirements for a minor in a foreign language (recommended), or by taking a service-learning course in which the student works with individuals or communities in global contexts. To pursue the service-learning substitute for study abroad, the student must get prior approval from the Global Studies Director and complete an approval form. Service-learning course options vary by semester and cannot be guaranteed. After the service-learning course is completed, the student must ask the course instructor to send confirmation of the student's service work to the Director of Global Studies.

Cross-Counting


For students who choose to double-major in global studies and another major, or who choose to major in global studies and minor in one or two minors, global studies departmentally-approved courses cross-count for both majors and for the major and one or two minors so long as the policy of the other department or program is in agreement. The global studies department imposes no limit on this cross-counting. Students interested in double-majoring (or majoring and minoring) should consult both departments early in their career.

Suggested Core Courses for Global Studies


To meet the first history core requirement, majors should consider one of the following:

Because a broad understanding of international issues and traditions is essential, students are strongly encouraged to take a world religion course as the second core theology requirement; for example:

To meet the natural science core requirement, majors should consider one of the following:

In addition students are encouraged to use Loyola's core language requirement to attain competency in the language that is most relevant to their topical focus or anticipated international experience.

Bachelor of Arts


Requirements for a major and an example of a typical program of courses are as follows:

Freshman Year


Sophomore Year


Junior Year


Fall Term


Spring Term


  • Global Studies Topical Component
  • Global Studies Topical Component
  • Global Studies Topical Component
  • Elective
  • Elective

Senior Year


Fall Term


  • Ethics Core
  • Elective
  • Elective
  • Elective
  • Elective

Spring Term


Notes:


Students must complete the diversity core requirement through a designated diversity core, major, or elective course (see Diversity Core Requirement  under Curriculum and Policies).

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