Global Studies
As a part of Otterbein University’s semester conversion, the
Department of History and Political Science is pleased to announce the
creation of the new Global Studies major. The Global Studies Program
builds upon the success of the existing International Studies Program,
but its new title and revised curriculum reflect the growing importance
of trans-national and non-national forces in the world today.
The mission of the Global Studies Program is to help students
appreciate and understand today’s increasingly intercultural world and
the interconnections that link citizens across the world. The program
promotes learning and knowledge about the cultural, social, political
and economic forces shaping our world. Students will come to see the
impact and role of nationalism and globalism in shaping contemporary
society. Students will develop a vision of themselves as cooperative
and responsible global citizens.
This interdisciplinary program prepares students to understand
different cultures and to develop skills in comparative cultural
analysis. It provides a systematic preparation through courses and
first-hand experiences that will lead to specific preparation for
employment or graduate study. Faculty members participating in this
program have research expertise in every region of the world.
BA in Global Studies
The Department of History
and Political Science offers a BA in Global Studies. The Global Studies
interdisciplinary major seeks to prepare students to actively
participate in and become leaders in an increasingly globalized society.
This course of study prepares students for a career and life that is
engaged in the non-profit sector, the public sector, education,
international business or law, and other work embedded in a global and
international context.
In addition to General Education Requirements, the Global Studies
Major requires the completion of 48 semester hours drawn from six
specific areas: (a) Foundations; (b) Modern Language; (c) Global
Processes and Systems; (d) Regional Concentration; (e) Senior Year
Aspects of Global Citizenship; and (f) Senior Year Global Citizenship
Capstone.
See the Otterbein University catalog for the specific Global Studies BA requirements.
International Studies majors, should consult the International Studies BA requirements.
Study Abroad and Global Experience
Students are
highly encouraged to study abroad in a location that aligns with the
Modern Language they have studied and their Regional or Topical Focus.
This experiential learning will significantly deepen their understanding
of other cultures and have a high impact on their learning. Students
may also take an appropriate internship that is directly linked to their
Regional or Topical Focus.
Otterbein University operates an exchange program with Roehampton
University in London and the University of Maastricht and has
connections with dozens of other countries. Students for Otterbein
University regularly take advantage of study abroad in Dijon, France,
and also participate in the Semester at Sea program.
The Global Studies major requires students to obtain competency in a
foreign language. This competency can be obtained from classroom study,
or may be achieved through Study Abroad.
Internships and Experiential Learning
Students
interested in experiential learning may also participate in the Model
United Nations programs organized by the Department of History and
Political Science, for which academic credit is available. There are
opportunities for internships with the Columbus Council on World Affairs, as well as other agencies and organizations in the Columbus metropolitan area.
Career Options and Future Opportunities
Career
options for students majoring in international studies include federal
government positions, foreign service, NGO work, health related
occupations, global business and finance, journalism, law school, and
translating/interpreting positions.
Students may also wish to pursue graduate education opportunities in
Global Studies. For more information about graduate programs in this
field, click here.