Global Studies

Course Information

Program Overview

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Interactions in the modern world are no longer hampered by distance. Political, social and economic events in Beijing, China, can affect families in Tucson, Arizona, and advances in technology and shifts in culture have broadened local focus to include international understanding.

Global Studies help students develop a deeper and more meaningful appreciation of the world and its history, diverse cultures and customs, geography and economics. Assumption’s professors provide perspective on what it means to be a true citizen of the world through a wide range of interdisciplinary courses designed to broaden students' horizons while simultaneously helping them understand how the pieces fit together to create the world we live in.

Students are prepared to enter careers in private business, international organizations, international business, government and nonprofit organizations.

Majors and Minors

Majoring in Global Studies

A major in Global Studies provides students with an opportunity to explore the problems facing our increasingly interconnected world, with a particular emphasis on regions outside Europe and the United States. Through a carefully selected set of courses from across the curriculum students are not only given the tools necessary to understand contemporary global issues, but are also empowered to respond effectively. In addition to required coursework, students are expected to complete a semester abroad where they benefit from immersion in a different place and culture. Students majoring in Global Studies may pursue careers in international business, media, education, law, government, or the non-profit sector.

Minor in Global Studies

A minor in Global Studies allows a student to add a global dimension to their program of study. By combining courses in geography, economics, history and political science students choosing to minor in Global Studies acquire an understanding of contemporary global issues that can complement many majors.

Degree Requirements

There are five components to the major in Global Studies: the Global Studies Core, Global Studies Depth, Global Studies Electives, Study Abroad, and a required Minor.

I. Global Studies Core (6 courses)

GLS 100: Introduction to Global Studies
GEO 100: Human and Physical Geography
ANT 131: Cultural Anthropology
ECO 110: Principles of Microeconomics
ECO 252: Economic Development
POL 207: Peace and War

II. Global Studies Depth (2 courses)

One of the following:
- GEO 108: World Population Issues
- GEO 222: Regional Geography of South America
- GEO 224: Regional Geography of Asia
- GEO 232: Regional Geography of Africa
One of the following:
- HIS 242: Russia since 1917
- HIS 251: Latin America since 1821
- HIS 282: Japan since 1868
- HIS 283: Modern China: War and Revolution
- HIS 291: Islamic Middle East II (Since 1800)
- HIS 389: Special Topics (with approval of department chair)

III. Global Studies Electives (3 courses)

Any 3 of the following:
- GEO 106, 108, 134, 251 HIS 242, 251, 282, 283, 291
- ANT 231, 236 POL 332, 345, 371, 376, 377
- ECO 264, 353, 354 LAS 200 SPA 125, 126, 310, 311, 312, 313, 386
- FRE 310 PCS 265 THE 286 WMS 385 ENG 379 ART 232

IV. Study Abroad, Internship, or Senior Research Project

All Global Studies majors are expected to spend a semester in a college-approved study abroad program. Courses completed in such programs are likely to count as Global Studies electives subject to the approval of the department chair. As an alternative to study abroad, students may choose to spend a semester in Washington D.C. through The Internship Program at The Washington Center (TWC), provided the internship placement is international in scope, subject to approval of the department chair. Students who for financial or other reasons are unable to complete a semester abroad or Washington Internship will be expected to complete an independent research project which incorporates a multi-disciplinary approach to analyze a specific global issue. This project can be completed as an independent study, subject to the approval of the department chair.

V. Required Minor

All Global Studies students are required to complete a minor. The minor should be chosen in consultation with the student’s advisor. The department encourages students to consider minors offered by the Department of Modern and Classical Languages. Alternatively, minors in Latin American Studies, Economics, Business, Anthropology, History, and Political Science are good complements to a Global Studies major. Other minors may be acceptable as long as they are approved by the department chair

Minor in Global Studies

A minor in Global Studies allows a student to add a global dimension to their program of study. By combining courses in geography, economics, history, politics, and anthropology students choosing to minor in Global Studies acquire an understanding of contemporary global issues that can complement many majors.

Minor in Global Studies (6 courses) Required:

GLS 100: Introduction to Global Studies
GEO 100: Human and Physical Geography
ANT 131: Cultural Anthropology
ECO 110: Principles of Microeconomics
ECO 252: Economic Development
One of the following:
- GEO 106, 108, 134, 251 HIS 242, 251, 282, 283, 291
- POL 207, 332, 345, 371, 376, 377

Faculty

In addition to their excellent teaching credentials, the Economics and Global Studies faculty blend practical applications and scholarly results in a rich classroom environment where course concepts and theories are integrated with real world examples. Our teachers are also mentors and get to know students individually. Faculty advisors assist students with everything from course selection to exploring their career opportunities.

	Kevin Hickey Associate Professor of Geography
	John Moore Lecturer in Economics
	Smriti Rao Associate Professor of Economics Gender and Economics, Development Economics, International Trade and Migration, The South Asian Economy.
	Brian Volz Associate Professor of Economics
	Thomas White Professor of Economics

Courses

In addition to being a significant component of the Global Studies Program, any Geography course will fulfill either the additional scientific or quantitative course or the social science requirement in the core. Some geography courses also double count as a global awareness course.

GEO 100 INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL AND HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
A general examination of everyday physical occurrences of the earth. A wide range of topics is briefly covered, including global warming, storms; earth-moon relationships; oceans; land forms; erosion; weather; and climate. Physical effects on the human environment, activities potential, and limitations are investigated. The course is geared to students with no background in physical science. Students who have taken GEO 101 or 103 should not enroll. Counts in the core as an additional scientific and quantitative reasoning course or as a social science. Also double counts as a global awareness course in the core. (Fall)
Hickey/Three credits

GEO 101 INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY
An introductory look at physical and chemical properties of sea water, marine geology, ocean currents, tides, deep- ocean circulation, bottom topography, marine life, sediments, and the sea’s resource potential will be discussed. No science background is necessary, only an interest in the field. The purpose of the course is to give the student an overall understanding of the environment which constitutes 73% of the earth’s surface. Course counts in Core as Counts in the Core as an additional scientific and quantitative reasoning course or as a social science. (Spring, Alternate Years)
Hickey/Three credits

GEO 103 INTRODUCTORY METEOROLOGY
An introductory examination of our atmosphere with special attention being paid to the study of weather phenomena and their causes. Practical use of meteorological data, climatic controls, weather systems, and weather prediction exercises. No science background is necessary, only an interest in the field. Course counts in Core as an additional scientific and quantitative reasoning course or as a social science. (Spring, Alternate Years) Hickey/Three credits

GEO 108 WORLD POPULATION ISSUES
Lecture and open discussion on current population problems existing in the world today. Topics will include statistical processes; world food production and standards; female roles; adolescent pregnancy; migration; medical assistance; world economic issues; developing countries; issues on aging; foreign aid; and responses to population pressures, especially in urban areas. Same as SOC108. . Counts in the Core as an additional scientific and quantitative reasoning course or as a social science. Also double counts as a global awareness course in the Core. (Fall, Alternate Years)
Hickey/Three credits

GEO 134 CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Topical study of issues relating to natural resources: their use, abuse, and future potential. U.S. resources will be stressed. A partial list of topics dealt with includes our carbon footprint, energy, alternative energy, water, fish resources, the Law of the Seas, waste disposal, environmental laws, and effective regional planning. Other issues will arise from class projects and discussion. Counts in Core as an additional scientific and quantitative reasoning course or as a social science. (Fall, Alternate Years)
Hickey/Three credits

GEO 222 REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AMERICA
A systematic study of the current physical and cultural landscape of the area south of the Panama Canal. Individual countries and discussions of issues concerning all of South America will be stressed. Topics to be covered include current political structures, resource base, agriculture, land tenure, and the economic development potential of South American countries. Western policy regarding this area completes the course. Open to all students. Counts in the Core as an additional scientific and quantitative reasoning course or as a social science. Also double counts as a global awareness course in the Core. (Spring, Alternate Years) Hickey/Three credits

GEO 232 REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY OF AFRICA
The object of this course is to attain a fundamental economics/geographic conceptual view of Africa as it exists today. Political geography as well as the region’s physical terrain, climate, and resources will be studied. Land use patterns and the interrelationships between natural environment and human economic activities, especially AIDS, give focus to the materials. Readings on current issues are assigned. Western policy regarding this area completes the course. Open to all students. Counts as a second scientific and quantitative reasoning course, or as a social science course. Also double counts as a global awareness course in the core.
Hickey/Three credits

GEO 250 SPECIAL TOPICS IN GEOGRAPHY
Special topics in Geography are offered occasionally. These courses expand our current offerings and respond to changing student concerns, interests or more general worldwide topics of importance. These courses can be interdisciplinary in nature. They will be taught at the intermediate level. Some may require prerequisites or could be restrictive in some other manner. Counts in Core as either an additional scientific or quantitative option or a social science option.

GEO 252 INTRODUCTION TO LAND USE POLICY
The course reviews many landmark land use and legal cases, which established land use planning in the United States beginning in the 20th century. Historic, precedent setting, cases will be discussed. Topics such as nuisance, zoning regulation, spot zoning; aesthetic planning, resource protection and general due process will be discussed. Some geographic and urban theory as it applies today, will be reviewed. No knowledge of law is necessary. This is not a class in law but is based on legal applications of land use policy. Class discussion and case readings are the focus of the class. Counts in Core as either an additional scientific or quantitative option or a social science. (Spring, Alternate Years)
Hickey/Three credits

GEO 399 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN GEOGRAPHY
Individually supervised study with one or more professors on an advanced topic. Open to qualified Juniors and Seniors with the permission of the department chairperson. Counts in Core as either an additional scientific or quantitative option or a social science. (Fall/Spring)
Hickey/Three credits

Internships & Outcomes

Graduate Schools and Careers

The Global Studies major is excellent preparation for work in private business, international organizations, government, banking and finance. Many students also choose to further their studies in graduate school

Recent employers include:

African Community Education
BankNorth
Earthdata International
Liberty Mutual
Lockheed Martin Corp.
MassMutual Financial Group
Morgan Stanley
Roche Laboratories, Inc.
UnumProvident

A sample of recent graduate schools where Assumption economics students have been accepted

Clark University
DePaul University
Duke University
Florida State
New England School of Law
UMASS-Amherst
University of Connecticut

Amanda Cefaratti
Global Studies and History '16
Internship: Marketing and Operations Intern with Assumption College Athletics and Recreation
Post-Grad Plans: Master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs at Merrimack College

"My experiences as a Resident Assistant, a member of the Student Government Association, Campus Ministry and my internship with Campus Recreation brought out a passion in me for student affairs. These co-curricular experiences have made me confident that I will enjoy a career in student affairs."

#ACachieves

Christopher Waung

Accounting and Economics '17

Internal Audit Intern at The Hanover

As an Internal Audit intern, I assist with manual audit testing, sampling, audit research and reviewing reports. My involvement in athletics, student government and residential life at Assumption helped me refine my leadership, organization and communication skills to succeed in this internship.
Timothy Carroll

Economics '16

Internship: Data Analyst at McLaughlin Research Corporation; Position: Enterprise Risk Analyst at Santander Bank

My internship at McLaughlin Research Corporation taught me how to effectively analyze large amounts of data. I also strengthened my presentation skills by presenting results and solutions to senior management.
Sarah Small

Economics '16

Internship: Community Insight Analyst at My-Take LLC; Post-Grad Plans: Ph.D. candidate in Economics at Colorado State University

My internship taught me valuable research skills. I learned that I love understanding how the world works, but also realized that I hope to apply these research skills not only in a corporate environment, but to the world around me.
Amanda Cefaratti

Global Studies and History '16

Internship: Marketing and Operations Intern with Assumption College Athletics and Recreation; Post-Grad Plans: Master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs at Merrimack College

My experiences as a Resident Assistant, a member of the Student Government Association, Campus Ministry and my internship with Campus Recreation brought out a passion in me for student affairs. These co-curricular experiences have made me confident that I will enjoy a career in student affairs.
Kieran Hillery

Economics and Political Science '15

Internship: Intern at the Rhode Island State Attorney General's Office; Post-Grad Plans: Account Associate at Working Planet

My classes at Assumption provided me with critical thinking skills while my involvement with extracurricular activities helped me to develop my time management skills. Professor Smriti Rao of the economics department helped me with an independent research project involving historical research and analytical work, which will translate well to my job at Working Planet.
Jason Duke

Economics and History '15

Honors Research Fellow; Post-Grad Plans: Master’s in Economics at Tufts University

"Assumption College helped me to discover my academic passion, economics, and prepared me to further pursue that field. Working as a tutor and participating in the American Studies Seminar at the American Antiquarian Society helped me to gain experience and distinguish myself as I pursue my post-graduate plans."

Contact Information

Thomas White

Professor of Economics

twhite@assumption.edu

508-767-7556

2018-2019 Course Catalog