Global Studies: Politics, Culture and Society - Bachelor of Arts (30 Credits)
(30 credits plus 12 credits of experiential learning)
The Global Studies major offers students the opportunity to study individuals, societies, institutions and processes globally— their historical development, cultural orientation, behavior and environment. Based on a foundation in the social sciences, this interdisciplinary approach enables students to integrate theory and research so as to understand the complex nature of political, cultural and economic global issues. The value of experience and the application of theory to practice serve as integral components of the program: Students participate in at least two internships in varied settings-- including government; advocacy organizations, and non-governmental organizations— addressing issues ranging from climate change to human rights to refugee crises. In this way, they can begin to shape their career interests and develop the professional skills vital to work in the global domain.
Coursework will include a focus on the following interdisciplinary areas:
- Political, economic and cultural globalization
- Global social change regarding people, institutions and systems
- Social justice and human rights
- Cultural and environmental transformation
- Policy and Advocacy
The Global Studies major is well suited to students wishing to pursue graduate studies, planning careers with an international and/or multicultural orientation, and for those interested in law, policy, and advocacy. The major meets the Massachusetts teacher licensure requirements for certification in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education and Special Education.
Students will be able to:
- design, conduct and evaluate interdisciplinary social science research in global studies.
- analyze international policies and processes and their impacts on local, national and global communities.
- assess the theories and components (e.g. geographic, historical, cultural, ecological, political and economic) of globalization.
- assess issues of rights, advocacy and social responsibility from local, national and global perspectives.
- integrate and apply theory to experiential and emerging professional practice.
- demonstrate clarity and precision in written and oral communication.
Language Study
Given the importance of language proficiency for those preparing to work internationally, all students majoring in Global Studies are strongly advised to take two semesters of courses in a foreign language as part of their program of study. These courses may be taken to fulfill General Education requirements, with the credits applied to either the Humanities or the Liberal Arts Electives categories in General Education.
Travel Study
Global Studies majors are encouraged to participate in a global travel/ study program during their studies at Lesley. Coursework taken abroad may be applied to the Global Studies major if approved by the Chair of Social Sciences Department.
Sequence of Courses
Global Studies majors should take the following core courses in this sequence. Please pay attention to course pre-requisites and the semester a course is offered. The typical year a course is to be taken is also listed:
- CGLST 1200 Global Issues and Challenges (Spring) Year 1
- CGLST 2200 Introduction to Globalization (Spring) Year 2
- CGLST 2320 Comparative Political Economy (Fall) Year 3
- CGLST 4400 Senior Capstone Seminar: Global Social Change (Spring) Year 4
Please note: A minimum grade of "C" is required in the internship seminars and the capstone course to progress in the major.
Program of Study for Global Studies Majors
I. Required Core (12 Credits):
II. Required Interdisciplinary Courses (9 Credits):
III. Electives (9 Credits):
Choose courses with at least TWO different prefixes, at least 6 credits must be taken at the 3000-level or above.
IV. Professional/Experiential Component (12 Credits):
All Students with a dual major in Education are exempted from this component of the major.
The CGLST 1200 requirement may be met by another 1000-level field-based course (e.g., CHMSR 1551; CSOCS 1441; CEDUC 1352; etc.), but it is strongly suggested that any student considering the Global Studies major take CLGST 1200.
NOTE: Only one of the two required internship seminars may be taken online.