The Program aims to encourage and enable students to achieve global literacy defined as a multidisciplinary approach to contending perspectives on global problems, their historical origins, and their possible solutions.
To this end, the Global Studies program offers courses and experiences designed to equip students with the factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to comprehend, and engage with, foundational questions of global analysis (e.g., the commonalities and variations between human cultures), identifiable global themes (e.g., war and peace, economic development, globalization and trade, environmental sustainability), and the specifics of particular contemporary global problems (e.g., regional conflicts, weapons proliferation, environmental degradation, movement for political integration and autonomy, the AIDS crisis).
Why Study Global Studies?
Global Studies at PLU combines classroom learning with practical experience, providing you with the knowledge, perspectives, and skills needed to understand today’s world—and preparing you for life and work in the global community. Global Studies presents a holistic view of the rapidly changing and increasingly integrated world in which we live. The program is based on two major ideas—events that occur in one area have world wide ramifications, and that major global issues are better understood when addressed from many disciplines.
The multi-disciplinary approach of the program helps you develop a breadth and depth of understanding. As a Global Studies major, you will learn to analyze global issues from multiple perspectives and learn about challenges such as poverty, international conflict, migration of people, securing human rights and development strategies that ensure social justice.
Global Studies majors are required to participate in at least one Study Away program. PLU offers programs on all seven continents and is a national Top 10 university in the percentage of undergraduates who study away.
Careers for Global Studies Majors
The Global Studies program imparts a wide range of knowledge and perspectives that can be applied to many employment opportunities, both foreign and local. Here are examples of where Global Studies Alumni have worked:
- Refugee Women’s Alliance
- Peace Corps
- Lutheran Volunteer Corps
- U.S. Department of Labor
- U.S. Department of State
- Sainte Luce sur Loire (France)
- CBS Broadcasting
- La Raza Centro Legal Services
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