BA in Global Cultural Studies

The Literature Program's major in Global Cultural Studies is an exciting course of study for undergraduates interested in investigating the forms of life and culture produced in today's interconnected, globalized world. The major is committed to the notion that the humanities produce a distinct kind of knowledge that is essential for understanding and engaging the complexities of the contemporary social environment. The program's courses in literary studies, critical theory, gender studies and queer theory, philosophy, political theory, film, visual culture, and new media form the foundation for such inquiry. With its distribution of courses across three domains of inquiry - Experience, Interpretation, Medium - the major aims to provide students with the broad knowledge base and analytical skills that will prepare them for leadership roles in the 21st century. Graduates of the major have gone on to shape unique career trajectories in law, medicine, public policy, teaching, journalism, publishing, and the creative cultural industries, as well as to pursue graduate study at top programs in the humanities. Requirements for the Major The major in Global Cultural Studies is comprised of ten courses. All majors are required to take a gateway course, "Introduction to Global Cultural Studies" (201S), and an upper-level course, "Theory Today" (301S), as well as four core courses distributed across three domains of inquiry, with at least one course selected from each category (Experience, Interpretation, Medium). In addition, students choose three electives from across the humanities offerings and must fulfill the Senior Culminating Experience defined as any one of the following: a senior seminar, an independent study, or a graduate-level course, taken during the senior year. Honors students fulfill this requirement through writing an honors thesis.