Global Studies Minor Guidelines

The global studies minor requires 24 credits beyond those needed to meet General Education’s Global Interdependencies, Diversity, and World Language requirements. Because it builds upon the University’s General Education category, creating a Global Vision, the global studies minor only requires four credits of GLST coursework. All other credits are met through multidisciplinary courses based on students’ majors and their specific interests. Test credit (AP, IB, etc.) may not be used to meet the minor’s requirements.

Requirement A: World Language (3 credits total)

• A World Language course at the intermediate level (200+) beyond the Gen Ed requirement OR
• A second World Language at the 100+ level OR
• An ELI course (only for international students who have the Gen Ed World Language requirement waived) OR
• LxC (Languages Across the Curriculum) course

Requirement B: Global, International, and Cross-Cultural Content (8 credits total)

Eight credits beyond the General Education eight credits Creating a Global Vision requirement (which includes four credits of Global Interdependencies “G” and four credits of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice “D” courses).

• Courses focusing either on a specific culture, society, nation-state, or region other than the student’s home country OR
• Courses on issues that crosscut international borders (e.g., pandemics, imperialism, etc.)

These credits come from a wide variety of disciplines, including but not limited to, the area studies programs, anthropology, film studies, history, sociology, geography, comparative literature, political science, theatre, management, public affairs, etc.

Requirement C: Additional Global/International/Cross-cultural or World Language coursework (6-8 credits total)

• Any combination of six to eight credits deepens a student’s understanding of global areas/issues or knowledge of a world language.
• These credits must be at the 200-level or above. Intercultural health and wellness courses (e.g., Yoga, Tai Chi, etc.) may count toward this requirement.

Global Studies Minor Sequence

These courses need to be taken sequentially and consecutively.

Requirement D1: GLST 390 Introduction to Global Studies (1 credit)

This course introduces the Global Studies program within the framework of relevant anthropological and social scientific perspectives. Students must declare the GSM in order to take GLST 390  and GLST 392 .

• Online asynchronous course
• Offered inter-semester only (Summer/Winter Sessions)

Requirement D2: GLST 392 Cross-Cultural Research Methods (1 credit)

This course introduces students to a variety of relevant research methods and the importance of intercultural competence. Because this is an interdisciplinary program, students will combine methodological approaches relevant to their major(s) to aid in developing a capstone project.

• Online asynchronous course
• Offered in spring, summer and fall

Requirement D3: Globally-Connected/Capstone-Related Focus course (3 credits)

• Students who are able to go on an education-abroad program must enroll in a program with a minimum duration of four weeks, and while abroad, must complete at least one 3 or 4-credit course. Students may use other courses taken abroad to fulfill a portion of requirements A, B or C above. No more than nine credits taken abroad may be applied toward the minimum of 24 credits required for the Global Studies minor.
• International students will use an applicable course from their studies at Binghamton University to fulfill this requirement.
• Students who are not able to go abroad may complete a 3- or 4- credit course at Binghamton University focused on a host country they would have liked to have studied abroad in. A course focusing on global aspects connected to a student’s existing major or to their potential GLST Capstone Project may also qualify. Consult with the Global Studies Program Coordinator for more information.

Requirement D4: GLST 490 Global Studies Capstone Seminar (2 credits)

• Taken the semester following GLST 392 . In this seminar, students develop a robust interdisciplinary project using nuanced anthropological approaches. The resulting signature capstone project will take the form of a multimodal online publication that students will be able to include in their professional portfolios.
• The total number of credits for requirements A to D must equal a minimum of 24. Students who wish to pursue a minor in global studies should consult, as early as possible, with the Global Studies Director or Program Coordinator. For more information, visit the Global Studies website or email us.
• *Due to lingering challenges resulting from the pandemic, uneven reopening of education-abroad programs, and global conflict zones, students may still be able to participate in the GSM without going abroad. Contact the Global Studies Program Coordinator for more information.

Note: Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that this may impede their ability to study abroad. Students concerned about such matters are advised to contact the Office of International Education and Global Initiatives.