Home » Global Studies

Global Studies

Think Globally. 

It is an undeniable fact that we live in a globalized world, whether that is in the clothes we buy, the food we eat, the technology that we engage, the jobs that we seek or the conflicts in which we see our country embroiled. In Shenandoah’s multi-disciplinary global studies program, students have the opportunity to study different cultures, societies and global issues, and to reflect on the role that they play in a globalized community.

Elora SmithI believe that having a global perspective is really important because we are all connected. Our world is so interdependent, and interdisciplinary; we all depend on each other. One of the best ways I’ve heard it explained is thinking of the world as one vast web. When you tug at one end of the web it sends a vibration to the other side of the world, that tug affects every nation and every people in some way or another. Global studies is a new field of study which means that it is always developing and changing! There are always going to be new things to discover, think about, and explore. The challenge of this field inspires and creates such a fire in my bones that I can’t contain.

Elora Smith ’23 | Global Studies & Biology double major

karenDuring my first two years of undergrad studying Political Science and Spanish, I was always drawn to global-oriented topics and questions so when Global Studies was introduced as a major, my advisor and I looked at the possibility of adding Global Studies as a third major. It took some meticulous organization, but we were able to map out a way for me to complete all three majors in four years. There are many memorable moments from my time in the Global Studies and Political Science programs, including touring the Capitol Building for the first time, completing research on the political and economic crisis in Venezuela, ethnic cleansing in Myanmar, and the Freedom of Movement and Syrian Refugee Crisis across Europe.

Karen Cornejo Guillen ’18 | Global Studies, Political Science, and Spanish triple major with a Geography minor

Shenandoah University’s College of Arts & Sciences is your direct connection to a classic, broad-based education to satisfy both your intellectual curiosity and career goals. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, small classes and individualized learning opportunities, we put students at the center of all our decisions and events.

We blend the liberal arts with pre-professional courses and hands-on learning to prepare you for careers in the natural sciences, the social sciences and the humanities. You’ll learn through small, engaging classes and relationships with faculty mentors; hone your skills to solve problems; and learn to use creativity and critical thinking to make informed decisions.

Courses Required for the Global Studies Minor

The Global Studies minor provides students with an enhanced understanding of our increasingly interdependent world. The curriculum provides students with the opportunity to study different cultures, societies and international issues. Therefore, the Global Studies minor complements a variety of degrees by preparing students to operate successfully in our globalized community.

Course Title Credit Hours

GLS 101Introduction to Global Studies3
FR 301French Conversation3
or
SPAN 301Spanish Conversation 
or Third-year competency in another Modern Foreign Language
Complete four of the following courses from two separate disciplines. Two of the courses must be at the 300-level or above
BA 455International Business3
EC 450International Economics 3
FR 316 French/Francophone CulturalVoices 3
GWST 420Women and the Holocaust 3
GEO 202Human Geography  3
 HIST 102World Civilizations II 3
 HIST/ SPAN 312Latin American Civilization and Culture 3
HIST 362 Modern Middle East 3
HIST 371Modern European History  3
 HIST 381British History 3
 HIST 391Asian History 3
PH 202Global Health 3
PSCI 204Introduction to International Politics 3
PSCI 209Introduction to Comparative Politics 3
PSCI 403Global Governance and International Organization 3
PSCI 404Global Human Rights 3
REL 202World Religions  3
REL 311Asian Religion and Philosophy 3
REL 340Religion and Ecology 3
REL/ GWST 341Sex, Gender and Religion 3
182 SPANSpanish Civilization and Culture 3
SPAN 315Reading in U.S. Latino Literature and Culture: Chicano/a Narrative 3
SPAN 316The Southern Cone 3
SPAN 320Survey of Peninsular Literature 3
SPAN 325Survey of Latin American Literature 3
  Total 18

Study Abroad is highly encouraged but not required for the minor. Courses taken during the study abroad program may be substituted for core and/or elective courses. Students planning to study abroad should meet with the program director prior to their trip.

Declaring A Minor

Shenandoah students work with their Academic Advisor to declare a minor. Academic Advisors will continue to work with students to ensure that they fulfill all of the requirements to complete the minor.

Incoming students should not indicate their intended minor on their Shenandoah application. Applications are for intended majors only.

KarenI completed an internship with Latin American News Digest in the Spring of 2017. I worked remotely, translating news articles from Latin American sources to be published for readers in English-speaking countries. Even though this internship was more communications-oriented, I loved that I had the opportunity to learn more about news reporting in Latin American countries. I chose to focus on politics pieces, so it was a great opportunity to work on improving my writing skills and keep up with current events from that region.”

Karen Cornejo Guillen ’18 | Global Studies, Political Science, and Spanish triple major with a Geography minor

The Career & Professional Development staff helps Shenandoah students search and apply for internships related to their major and career goals. Internships differentiate you as an applicant in your future job searches, provide hands on experience in your field, allow you to sample different career paths for your major, and help you find a specific position that fits your passion before graduation.

Career & Professional Development at Shenandoah

Courses Required for the Global Studies Major

 Course Title Credit Hours
Core Courses (21 credits)
 GLS 101Introduction to Global Studies  3
 GEO 202 Human Geography 3
 HIST 102 World Civilizations II 3
 PSCI 204 Introduction to International Politics 3
 or
PSCI 209Introduction to Comparative Politics3
REL 202World Religions3
FR 301French Conversation3
 or
SPAN 301Spanish Conversation3
 or 
Third-year Competency in another Modern Foreign Language
GLS 475Senior Capstone in Global Studies3

Electives (18 credits)

Complete six of the following courses from at least three separate disciplines. Four of the six courses must come from a prefix other than the student’s double major or minor. Five of the six courses must be at the 300-level or above.

BA 455International Business
EC 450International Economics3
FR 315French/Francophone Literature3
GWST 420Women and the Holocaust3
HIST 101World Civilizations I3
HIST 362Modern Middle East3
HIST 371Modern European History3
HIST 38British History3
HIST 391Asian History3
PH 202Global Health3
PSCI 204Introduction to International Politics3
PSCI 209Introduction to Comparative Politics3
PSCI 403Global Governance and International Organizations
PSCI 404Global Human Rights 3
REL 311Asian Religion and Philosophy3
REL 312Islam 
REL 340Religion and Ecology 
REL/ GWST 341Sex, Gender and Religion 
SPAN 311Spanish Civilization and Culture  
SPAN 315Reading in U.S. Latino Literature and Culture: Chicano/a Narrative 
SPAN 316The Southern Cone 
SPAN 320Survey of Peninsular Literature 
SPAN 325 Survey of Latin American Literature 
  Total 39

Elora SmithI really love everything this program has to offer, especially at Shenandoah, because we have a global perspective on things, and that is not only important, but beautifully unique. Shenandoah does a really good job at opening the doors to the world. Showing students that there is so much more out there that we don’t see or understand. Through majoring in Global Studies students are given the opportunity to completely immerse themselves in every field of study. In religion, history, human geography (sciences), languages, and research. You are given the classes and tools to understand the world. Through my experience in these classes I’ve found myself having more and more questions about it, but that just fuels my constant curiosity to learn more and dive deeper.

Elora Smith ’23 | Global Studies & Biology double major

Karen_Cornejo-GuilienI was fortunate enough to have more than one favorite class in my time at SU. Some of them include Survey of Latin American Literature, The Southern Cone, Spanish Cinema, an Independent Study of Pedro Almodóvar films, Global Human Rights, and so many others. However, the class that sparked my interest in what I now consider my future career, international humanitarian law, was International Criminal Justice. Out of all 12 wonderful courses I took with Dr. Eric Leonard, this one is especially memorable. I took it during my sophomore year and it definitely challenged me intellectually, it pushed me to become a better writer and overall, it introduced me to a field about which I am now so passionate.”

Karen Cornejo Guillen ’18 | Global Studies, Political Science, and Spanish triple major with a Geography minor

Use Your Passport Requirement

Travel abroad is also required for the Global Studies major. This may take any form currently offered by the university (GCP, GEL, Mission Trip, Study Abroad) or any other form approved by the program director. Courses taken during study abroad may be substituted for core and/or elective courses. Students planning to study abroad should meet with the Global Studies program director prior to their trip.

Learning support services are available to all students in every course at Shenandoah. Free peer tutoring with a student who has previously succeeded in the course is available for any course across the university. The Writing Center is available for every stage of the writing process from thesis development to proofreading and bibliography assistance. The Math Enrichment Center is available for math and science assistance. Professors and Academic Advisors across the university also have office hours and open door policies to ensure Shenandoah students succeed academically.

Learning Support Services at Shenandoah

The Honors Program is a multidisciplinary Honors Program for students who are curious, creative, self-motivated, and eager to engage in their education and community.

Not only do Honors Program students partake in honors courses that emphasize collaboration, service, and communication, but they will also have the opportunity to develop aspects of the program based on their own interests and goals. By participating in the Honors Program you will acquire the tools, knowledge and experiences necessary to make meaningful contributions to your community – whether it be globally, locally, or specific to your life’s work. You will have access to unique courses, exciting experiences and a community of peers and faculty who never stop asking questions and striving for excellence.

Explore the Honors Program

Imagine participating in interesting conversations led by engaging professors who’ve already done what you dream of doing. You’ll be in a small class — the average class size is approximately 12 students — with professors who know your name, care about your success and provide advice as you pursue your academic and career goals.

Shenandoah University works on rolling admissions and accepts applications throughout the year. Applications are reviewed individually and holistically.

Submit your application, review required admission materials, and find our admissions standards.

Application Information

Imagine participating in interesting conversations led by engaging professors who’ve already done what you dream of doing. You’ll be in a small class — the average class size is approximately 12 students — with professors who know your name, care about your success and provide advice as you pursue your academic and career goals.

Eric LMeet Eric Leonard | Henkel Family Chair in International Affairs

Make studying abroad the highlight of your college experience! Whether you go for a year, a semester, or just a few weeks. You will never forget learning in another culture! The Center for International Programs is here to help you plan your study abroad experience. Start your planning early to ensure the courses you complete abroad count toward your degree and you graduate on time.

Learn About Education Abroad

Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Program

The Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Program offers Shenandoah students a short-term, faculty-led, study-abroad experience for academic credit.  These short-term, credit-bearing, faculty-led programs are offered winter break, spring break, and during the summer. If a course is not within your major, it might be used as an elective.

GEL Courses Currently Offered

Study Abroad

Shenandoah University is a member of the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), a global network of 300 universities. This partnership allows students to study for a full semester or year at other member campuses abroad. By working closely with their academic advisors and the study abroad advisor, students can take classes taught in English abroad while receiving Shenandoah credit.

Shenandoah University also maintains direct partnerships with several universities around the world.  These relationships allow students from SU to study abroad as exchange students and students from these universities to study at SU.  All partner universities offer courses taught in English.

Study Abroad Course Catalog