For Prospective Students
Why We're Different
Our program takes a global approach to regional study:
- Asian and Middle Eastern studies
- Asian and Pacific Islander American studies
- European studies
- Latin American studies
- Russian and Post-Soviet studies
Within the specific region we explore:
- Art
- Culture
- History
- Languages
- Literature
- Politics
- Religion
Our Global Studies students focus on a world region and study its culture, history, languages, literature, politics, and religion. Students consider the ways in which global forces are realized in and through local contexts, and also explore interconnections between global regions.
Degree Programs
Students can major or minor in any Global Studies concentration:
- Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (AMES)
- Asian & Pacific Islander American Studies (APIA)
- European Studies
- Latin American Studies
- Russian and Post-Soviet Studies (RPSS)
Courses
Majors construct a sequence of courses in partnership with an advisor, often combined with service learning, internships, or study abroad in the region of interest. All our programs are interdisciplinary, so you will take courses from several disciplines. See the Undergraduate Catalog to explore the complete list of Global Studies courses.
Research
We support and foster research at all levels of our program. Students can become involved with research through a class, by helping with a professor's project, or by conducting independent research. Research can take place in libraries and archives, on the W&M campus, or abroad. Majors are strongly encouraged to participate in one of the many Study Abroad programs offered through the Reves Center for International Study.
Student Activities
Many Global Studies majors choose to live in one of the special-interest Language Houses on campus, where they learn more about the language, people, and culture and interact with others who share the same interests. Many W&M student organizations focus on the people, languages, and cultures of our regions.
Careers
Given the interests of our students and the nature of their studies, it's not surprising that they've pursued graduate study and taken jobs at institutions throughout the world. One recent student won a Fulbright grant to explore the intersection of linguistic and national identities in Andorra. Another accepted a position as a product designer with Bandai, a toy-making company based in Tokyo, Japan.
Talk to Us
Want to know more? Our current students and faculty want to connect with you.
- Get an inside look by contacting a current Global Studies major.
- Program contacts:
- [[akrasm, Professor Anne Rasmussen, AMES Director]]
- [[fjtang, Professor Francis Tanglao Aguas, APIA Director]]
- [[gxpaci, Professor Giulia Pacini, European Studies Director]]
- [[mngosin, Professor Monika Gosin, Latin American Studies Director]]
- [[axprok, Professor Alexander Prokhorov, RPSS Director]]
