Global Affairs
Phone: 703-993-1443
Web: globalaffairs.gmu.edu
Administration
Johanna Bockman, Director
Cynthia S. Warren, Program Assistant
Course Work
The Global Affairs Program offers all course work designated GLOA in the Course Descriptions chapter of this catalog.
Undergraduate Programs
Global Affairs, BA
Global affairs is an interdisciplinary major that introduces students to the global processes affecting all societies. Drawing on the broad international expertise of Mason faculty, the BA in global affairs incorporates courses from across the university. Global affairs majors examine transnational and international processes in a wide range of areas, including politics, economics, culture, peace and conflict, and the environment. Majors also study specific regions and languages, and investigate the ways particular parts of the world experience and influence global processes. Study abroad and internships are strongly encouraged. Students can complement their major with a second major or a minor.
Degree Requirements
In addition to satisfying the university general education requirements, students majoring in global affairs must complete the following:
- 18 credits of core requirements, each with a minimum grade of C (2.00): GLOA 101 (fulfills university global understanding requirement), CONF 340, CULT 320, ECON 385, EVPP 337, and GOVT 322. (GOVT 132 or 133 is a prerequisite for GOVT 322).
- 12 credits in one of the following concentrations: global communications and technology, global diplomacy and governance, global inequalities and responses, the environment, world arts, or one of these world regions:
Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, Middle East and North Africa, Russia and Central Asia. Students may also do an individualized concentration with the approval of the director.
See the global affairs web site or major advisor for requirements for each concentration. Courses must come from at least two different departments or programs, and cannot be applied to any other major, minor, concentration, or certificate. - 6 credits of language courses beyond intermediate-level proficiency. Intermediate-level proficiency is demonstrated by completion of one foreign language course at the 202 level, or by a satisfactory score on an approved proficiency test. After obtaining intermediate-level
proficiency in a foreign language, global affairs majors must complete either 6 credits at the 300-level conducted in that foreign language, or 6 credits conducted in any foreign language.
Only courses passed with a grade of C- or better may be used to fulfill the concentration or language requirements, but students must present a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher in all course work to receive a bachelors degree. Students who major in global affairs are not eligible to earn the global systems minor.
Writing-Intensive Requirement
The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated as writing intensive in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in global affairs should consult the program advisor for courses that can be used to fulfill this requirement.
Global Affairs in a Double Major
Students interested in designing a double major are encouraged to discuss their plans with the advisor in their major as well as the advisor for global affairs.
Minor in Global Affairs
This interdisciplinary minor provides students with a global perspective that can enhance many different majors. The minor is not available to students majoring in global affairs. To receive a minor in global affairs, students must complete the following 15 credits of course work:
GLOA 101 Introduction to Global Affairs; CULT 320 Globalization and Culture; ECON 385 International Economic Policy; GOVT 322 International Relations Theory; and one of the following: CONF 340 Global Conflict Analysis and Resolution, or EVPP 337 Environmental Policy Making in Developing Countries.