Program Overview

Introduction to Global Studies

The Global Studies program at UCLA is an interdisciplinary major and minor that draws insights from disciplines across the humanities and social sciences. This program empowers students to understand the processes of globalization, their consequences, and become the next generation of global leaders.

Program Description

The Global Studies major and minor study the processes and consequences of increasing inter-connectivity in matters related to the expansion of the world economy, international cooperation and governance among states, and the mixing of cultures associated with population mobility and the dissemination of information and media images.

Pillars of Globalization

The program focuses on three pillars:

• Culture & Society: Courses concentrate on the tensions between local ways of life and pressures for transnational cultures and multiple identities.
• Governance & Conflict: Courses focus on challenges to the nation-state from forms of governance above and below, and from security threats beyond interstate warfare.
• Markets & Resources: Courses address interactions among global, regional, national, and subnational economic processes over resources and market dynamics.

Courses

Some of the interesting courses offered include:

• GLBL ST 1: Introduction to Global Studies
• GLBL ST 140: Hollywood & America's Global Image

Study Abroad

Students can participate in an immersive summer Travel Study program to earn major/minor credit.

Faculty Administrative Committee

The committee includes:

• Shaina Potts, Chair, Global Studies
• John A. Agnew, Ph.D., Geography, Italian
• Elizabeth DeLoughrey, Ph.D., English, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability
• Robert M. McCann, Ph.D., Anderson School of Management
• Eric Min, Ph.D., International Institute, Political Science
• Tejas Parasher, Ph.D., International Institute, Political Science
• Margaret Peters, Ph.D., International Institute, Political Science
• Shaina Potts, Ph.D., Geography, International Institute

Academic Advising

The program provides holistic and comprehensive support through one-on-one advising, workshops, and events. Advisors can assist with:

• Thoughtful academic and professional planning
• Exploration of research
• Internship opportunities and experiences abroad
• Connecting major to career and personal goals
• Clarifying major or minor requirements

Our Students

The program allows students to focus on a particular area of study, either a specific geographic area or a global comparative and issue-oriented approach, through various disciplines across campus.

Our Alumni

Alumni are involved in a multitude of fields, including education, government, cultural, nonprofit, health, legal, and business sectors, and international affairs.

Careers with Global Studies

The program prepares students for various career paths, including but not limited to:

• International relations
• Global business
• Cultural exchange
• Environmental sustainability
• Human rights
• Education
• Government
• Nonprofit work