Global Studies is an interdisciplinary major that is concerned with the study of political, economic, legal, environmental, and cultural interconnectedness. Global studies allows undergraduate students the opportunity to engage with transnational issues as they relate to migration, citizenship, human rights, peace and conflict, climate change, population change, health, and culture. By situating historical and contemporary materials in relation to interdisciplinary critical approaches, students will engage in a dialectical exchange between theory and practice in order to make a difference in the world.
The major is designed to attract students who are interested in preparing for future careers in academia, government and foreign affairs, nonprofit organizations, international finance and law, and health and environmental policy, and who value the experience of studying abroad and engaging in meaningful intercultural exchanges that will enable students to analyze and engage the diverse world in which they live.
The major draws on the existing strengths of the UChicago faculty in the College, Social Sciences, Social Service Administration, Public Policy, and Biological Sciences who are working on issues of international significance. Global Studies also regularly hosts events with local and visiting scholars in order for students to engage in rich intellectual exchanges and forge deep connections with leaders in their relevant fields.
Global Studies was formed over 20 years ago, first as International Studies under the directorship of Professor Rashid Khalidi and later Bruce Cummings and Jennifer Mitzen, before transforming into Global Studies under the directorship of Professor James Hevia. The major has evolved to address pressing issues in our evolving and ever-changing world.