Global Studies: Environmental Studies Concentration, Associate in Arts

Program Overview

Northampton Community College's Global Studies program with an Environmental Studies Concentration provides a comprehensive liberal arts education, preparing students for careers in global organizations. It combines foundational courses with specialized studies in international relations, area studies, and environmental issues, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and intercultural competence. Graduates gain a deep understanding of global challenges and develop the skills to navigate an interconnected society.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Global Studies program with an Environmental Studies Concentration at Northampton Community College offers a comprehensive liberal arts education. The program aims to prepare students for careers in global organizations, including businesses, government agencies, and non-profits. It provides a solid foundation in international relations, area studies, and environmental issues, coupled with cultural experiences and language proficiency. Graduates will possess a broad understanding of global challenges and changes, honed critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and the ability to effectively navigate an interconnected society.

Objectives:

• To impart an understanding of diverse global perspectives and their influence on institutions, cultures, and individuals.
• To develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in addressing global challenges.
• To enhance communication and intercultural competence for effective global engagement.
• To foster an appreciation for environmental sustainability and its implications for global well-being.
• To cultivate ethical and responsible citizenship with a global perspective.

Program Description:

The program combines foundational courses in communication, statistics, science, and political science with specialized courses in cultural anthropology, world geography, and environmental studies. Students can further tailor their studies by selecting electives and language courses that align with their interests and career aspirations. Study abroad opportunities during spring break provide additional exposure to global contexts.

Outline:

First Semester

• COLS101: College Success (1 credit)
• CMTH102: Introduction to Communication (3 credits)
• ENGL101: English I (3 credits)
• GLBL130: Introduction to Global Studies (3 credits)
• SOCA102: Cultural Anthropology (3 credits) OR SOCA103: Principles of Sociology (3 credits)
• GEOG121: Environmental Sustainability (3 credits)

Total: 16 credits

Second Semester

• ENGL151L: English II (3 credits)
• GEOG101: World Geography (3 credits)
• MATH: Mathematics Elective (3/4 credits)
• GEOG210: Weather and Climate (4 credits) OR GEOL201: Physical Geology (4 credits)
• POLS101: Introduction to Political Science (3 credits)

Total: 16-17 credits

Summer Semester

• Summer Study Abroad or Field Experience & Academic Research in Global Studies (3 credits)

Total: 3 credits

Third Semester

• BIOS126: Environmental Science (4 credits) OR GEOG210: Weather and Climate (4 credits)
• CISC101: Introduction to Information Technology (3 credits)
• CMTH215: Intercultural Communication (3 credits)
• MDL: Modern Language (3 credits)
• Directed Elective (3 credits)

Total: 15 credits

Fourth Semester

• GLBL230: Global Studies Capstone (3 credits)
• GEOG140: Investigating Climate Change (3 credits)
• Mathematics (QL) or Science (SCI) Elective (3/4 credits)
• MDL: Modern Language (3 credits)

Total: 12-13 credits

Careers:

Graduates of the Global Studies program with an Environmental Studies Concentration are well-equipped for careers in a wide range of fields, including:

• International relations
• Environmental policy and management
• Global business and trade
• Development and humanitarian aid
• Non-profit organizations
• Government agencies
• Education
• Journalism and media