GST 2010 - Introduction to Global Studies

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture None Lab None
Course Description: This course introduces students to the basic concepts and various trends, perspectives and interconnections of a global society. Students will examine the growing interdependence of nations and peoples and the global issues that affect these relationships. Students will explore global and regional perspectives through such topics as politics, economics, medicine, technology, history, sociology, the arts, or ethics.
MnTC Goals
5 History/Social/Behavioral Science, 8 Global Perspective

Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1020   with a grade of C or higher OR ENGL 1021  with a grade of C or higher.
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: None

Major Content

1. Arts, literature, & culture
2. Conflicts & war
3. Ethics & global citizenship
4. Global environment & energy
5. Global health and disease
6. Global inequality & human rights
7. Globalization: definitions & interpretations
8. Identity politics : Religion & ideology
9. Introduction to the global nature of the world today
10. Local, regional, and transnational activism
11. Overview of global regions and current issues
12. Science and technology
13. Scope, methods, terminology, and approaches of the field of global studies
14. Transnational institutions
15. Transnational movements of capital, people, ideas

1. Explain the concept of a world citizen and the responsibility world citizens share for their common global future.
2. Analyze global problems and the cultural, economic, and political interactions that affect possible solutions
3. Describe and analyze political, economic, and cultural elements that influence relations among states, regions, and societies in their historical and contemporary dimensions
4. Articulate an informed understanding of complex global/regional issues.
5. Respond critically to global issues that are fundamental to the health and survival of any society.
6. Discuss individual and human values within an historical and social context.

05. 02. Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.

05. 04. Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.
Competency 2 (7-10)
08. 01. Describe and analyze political, economic, and cultural elements which influence relations of states and societies in their historical and contemporary dimensions.

08. 03. Analyze specific international problems, illustrating the cultural, economic, and political differences that affect their solution.

08. 04. Understand the role of a world citizen and the responsibility world citizens share for their common global future.

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