Academic Program
Requirements for the minor
- Introduction to Global Studies (GLBL 015.)
- A minimum of four credits in core and paired courses:
- These four credits should come from at least two different divisions.
- More than one course in the same Department/Program is not permitted to count toward the four credit requirement.
- Two of these four credits must come from the core courses.
- A maximum of one of these credits may be taken off-campus at Bryn Mawr, Haverford, or on an approved study abroad program, upon petition to and approval by the coordinators.
- Foreign language study
Introduction to Global Studies - GLBL 015:
All minors are required to successfully complete the one-credit Introduction to Global Studies (GLBL 015) offered every fall, preferably by their sophomore year. It is team-taught by two faculty members from different departments. First-years are permitted in the course. Seniors may enroll upon approval of the instructors.
A Minimum of four credits in Core and Paired Courses:
Core Courses - Minimum of Two
Core courses are the backbone of the Global Studies program because they have a high level of content central to the analysis of global events, systems, or processes. The core courses may be focusing on processes of interdependence (such as migrations or the economy of arts), the impact of an event or a process across multiple regions of the world (such as urbanization in different places or the effects of capitalism), or a comparative analysis of an idea or phenomenon in different parts of the world (such as how Buddhism is understood and practiced in different parts of the world). These courses provide explicit tools, concepts, and analysis that are commonly used in, or connect closely with, themes in Global Studies and are noted in the catalog entry notes as "Eligible for GLBL - Core."
Paired Courses
Students can also pair courses to achieve a comparative, cross-regional emphasis. To elaborate, if students choose to take paired courses that are eligible for GLBL, they must combine at least two paired courses in order to receive credit for each course for the minor. Courses listed in this category are predominantly courses that study a part of the world or an issue, area, topic, or theme through a part of the world. These courses may present global concepts, systems or phenomena, but are limited by focus on a specific part of the world. These courses are noted in the catalog entry notes as "Eligible for GLBL - Paired." An additional core course can count as a paired course with another GLBL-paired course.Global Studies Frequently Asked Questions Foreign Language Study
Studying a foreign language engages an essential tool of cross-cultural communication as it embodies a different way to learn about others' cultures while reflecting on one's own. Choice of language should be integral to the student's Global Studies minor. The language study requirement comprises two choices:
- New Language: Students choosing a new language will be required to complete the first three semesters of a new language offered at Swarthmore (Trico or UPenn for languages not housed at Swarthmore) or reach the equivalent of intermediate level in a study abroad language option upon approval of program coordinators.
- Continuing Language: Students choosing to continue a language begun elsewhere and taught at Swarthmore will adhere to the following guidelines:
- Students placed at the 1st - 3rd semester-level must complete through the 3rd semester of that language.
- Students placed at the 4th semester-level must complete that level.
- Students placed above the 4th semester-level must complete one advanced course in that language.
- Students who wish to declare English as their foreign language must meet with the program coordinators.
In essence, some students may continue a language they studied in high school, while others may prefer to begin a new language. We would strongly advise the student to see the language choice as integral to their choice of elective courses. For languages not housed at Swarthmore, Global Studies will encourage students to explore two options: (1) local language study in the Trico or at UPenn or (2) study abroad opportunities that offer intensive language programs on their own or as part of a study abroad program. In such cases where students want to study languages elsewhere, Global Studies' students will work in consultation with the program coordinators to develop a language study program.
NB. Some of the courses that would satisfy the Global Studies core and paired courses requirement are language courses, so they would meet both the course requirements as well as the language requirements.
Equivalent to the sophomore plan, in the Sophomore Pathway the students will outline their rationale of their chosen GLBL courses and language study, including how they think these courses will help them pursue their area of interest or permit the exploration of a theme from different vantage points.
A minimum "B" average within the GLBL minor is required for all minors by their junior year.
Please study the academic program and Global Studies eligible course list. Once we receive the form, coordinators will be in touch.
Honors Minor in GLBL
An Honors Minor preparation will consist of the combination of two related courses using GLBL 015 and any GLBL-core course taken at Swarthmore. The focus will be on how the two courses connect, combining a dimension of the GLBL 015 syllabus with the GLBL-core course. Students will be examined in that dimension, even though general questions of either syllabus may be asked. To qualify for Honors, students must maintain an average B or better in their GLBL coursework. Students wishing to pursue an Honors Minor in GLBL should consult with the coordinators.
Senior Reflection Exercise
Seniors will revisit their Sophomore Pathway as they craft a statement to reflect upon their Global Studies minor. The statement will be presented in a short, public address to all interested faculty, staff, and students at the GLBL Spring Gathering. The exercise should be a self-assessment on the student's course choices and what they have learned, what connections still need to be made, what plans they have for future growth in skills and knowledge-building.
