This course introduces the field of global studies, the major disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives the field draws on, and major global issues. Students will examine global themes and regions through the lenses of political science, economics, history, anthropology and other fields. Examples of issues to be studied include the Arab-Israeli conflict, global climate change policy, international development aid, and other complex matters that require an interdisciplinary approach.

As the culmination of the Global Studies Major, the senior capstone course will build upon the interdisciplinary and regionally-focused coursework students have already undertaken, resulting in the production of a substantive written thesis. The course will have two primary components, combining a common curriculum of readings and research methods lectures along with guided individual research and writing facilitation. The common curriculum will include interdisciplinary readings from each of the possible areas of regional focus in the major and instruction in research methods appropriate to the production of a senior thesis. As the course progresses and students are increasingly taken up with their specific regionally-focused topics, the content of the course will be partially curated by students. In consultation with the instructor, each student will provide representative selections of their research materials to be read and analyzed by the class as group. This collaborative approach is intended to provide both peer support and critical rigor. Approximately mid-way through the semester students will share extended abstracts of their thesis and receive feedback from fellow students as well as the instructor. Periodic writing and editing sessions will then continue until final submission of the senior thesis.

The Center for Global Humanities Seminar Series introduces you to some of the greatest challenges facing humanity today. Whether you aspire to be a biochemist, psychologist, physician's assistant or teacher, the course can play an important role in your education. We meet weekly on the Biddeford Campus, and travel to the Portland Campus in lieu of our regular class meeting four-to-give times per semester for lectures by leading scholars. We read and discuss relevant texts prior to each lecture and have opportunities to interact with lectures in Portland. A strong foundation in the humanities empowers you to be a more influential global citizen. As a student today, you belong to a generation that will supply tomorrow’s leaders. A background in history, cultural studies, politics and ethics will allow you to develop nuanced understandings of the issues facing our world so that you can make informed decisions about how to address them. The course enables you to deepen your understanding of past and present world issues, hones your skills of cultural analysis, and encourage you to apply your new knowledge to become a well-rounded contributor to your field. Successful completion of one semester CGH 490 conveys 3.00 credit hours. If you complete two semesters of the Seminar Series, you are designated a CGH scholar.