The Global Studies minor provides an opportunity to acquire cross-cultural competence. It recognizes that there is hardly any aspect of contemporary human existence that is not in some way affected by global interdependency of human and natural systems. The Global Studies minor examines a range of global affairs and is based on the understanding that global covers international issues, using intersectional (race/class/gender) analyses. The coursework provides you with conceptual knowledge of the cultural, economic, political, and social aspects of globalization, both contemporary and historical, a necessary step to becoming a global citizen who can situate oneself in global processes broadly defined. Emphasis is given to global interconnections and unequal power relations across space, and how relations of power differentially impact peoples’ lives.
Global awareness and expertise are urgently needed in California as our state economy ranks among the top ten in the world today. The Global Studies Minor is designed to help California prepare future leaders, experts and professionals to help the state maintain its important role in the global economy.
Regardless of major, you can globalize your education through the Global Studies minor by learning about the international foundations of issues you focus on in your major such as colonialism, inequality, migration, environmental degradation, development, etc.. The minor provides curriculum that enables you to achieve cross-cultural skills and global competence beyond what you gain from your major.
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