Undergraduate Program
Students in the Global Studies program focus on the society, politics and culture of one of four major world regions. You will learn about your region's history, religion, language, arts and politics. You will learn to place your region into a broader global context, and consider how all we are interconnected. The Global Studies Program offers a B.A. in International Studies with several majors:
- Asian and Middle Eastern Studies - To concentrate your major in AMES, you will choose one of two tracks: East Asian or Middle Eastern Studies. You have a choice of four minors that focus on East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, or the Asia-Pacific.
- Asian and Pacific Islander American Studies - In APIA, your major or minor concentration will include study of the histories, cultures, experiences, laws and policies relevant to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
- European Studies - If you want to concentrate your degree on Europe's history, culture, and politics, you may major or minor in European Studies.
- Latin American Studies - The LAS program makes connections across different scholarly approaches to the study of "the Americas." You may concentrate your major or minor in Latin American Studies.
- Russian and Post-Soviet Studies - Explore the sphere of Russian influence by concentrating your major or minor in Russian and Post-Soviet Studies.
Many Global Studies students enhance their classroom experiences by studying abroad or doing independent research. You may also find it enriching to live in a Language House. Language Houses are dormitories where students of a language live together with a native-speaking tutor. It's a great way to get extra help with your language skills, and also enjoy the camaraderie of students who share an interest in the culture of your region.
Related Programs
Global Studies is distinct from International Relations (INRL). Students of INRL study economics, history, and politics on a global scale. Students of Global Studies focus on a region's society and culture, and view global issues through that lens.
Africana Studies is a separate program that focuses on the people of Africa and African descent.
A Note on Double-Majoring
It is W&M's policy that you may only have two courses that overlap between two majors, or a major and a minor. In other words, you can only "double-count" two courses. Keep that in mind when considering a double-major or minor with some related field like International Relations, History, or Art History. See the Undergraduate Catalog's Degree Requirements for details.
