The bachelor of arts degree program in Global Studies is an interdisciplinary major concerned with the interconnected and interdependent nature of the contemporary world. Its main task is to understand the flow of bodies, capital, power, and ideas that shape locations across the planet and make them part of a radically unequal but nonetheless shared global space. Students employ interdisciplinary methods and analytics, and take courses across the College in programs such as environmental studies, public health sciences, anthropology, and history, or in area studies.
Like the concept of the “global” itself, the major is not limited to specific sites or themes, but rather aims to provide students with a critical analytical framing with which to pursue their own scholarly interests. These are in areas as diverse as climate change, human rights, public health, international law, and urban studies. Students are guided by a set of thematic tracks to help them narrow their focus and develop an expertise within a given field, while engaging with the broader theoretical thrust of the major. Thanks to this flexibility, Global Studies students are often double majors and go on to a wide variety of careers.
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.