The
Center for Global and Area Studies (CGAS) is both a hub for global
learning and a support center for international research. Bringing
together faculty whose expertise spans disciplines and world regions,
CGAS promotes research that increases global awareness and fosters an
academic
community that is increasingly connected to
the "global village".
Guided by the philosophy laid out in UD's
Global Initiative that "global experience, both on our campus and
beyond, is critical to our success", the CGAS provides opportunities for
the rigorous study of Africa, Asia, Europe, the Islamic World, the Jewish diaspora, Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula, and transnational and global issues in general.
The
Center houses cross-disciplinary programs that train students in the
crucial skills needed for understanding global issues: culture,
language, analysis, and experience with other cultures. They prepare our
undergraduates to tackle the international topics that are constantly
seen in the news cycle: globalization, multiculturalism, international
business, cooperation and conflict resolution, poverty and the
challenges of development, democratic development, migration, and
environmental concerns, among others.
To cultivate a
community-wide understanding of these issues, the Center designs
curricula, offers small research grants for faculty, and sponsors events
which explore not only other countries' political and economic
structures, but also their cultures, histories, arts, languages, and
literatures.
This comprehensive approach prepares Area Studies
majors and minors to build successful careers in both domestic and
transnational fields, including government and diplomacy,
non-governmental organizations, international aid, education, banking,
and international business.
CGAS is pleased to announce its recently created Minor in Global Studies.
This interdisciplinary minor has been developed in partnership with
other globally-oriented units on campus, including the Departments of
Political Science and Anthropology and the Institute for Global Studies.
Students in the Global Studies minor explore global issues through the
study of contemporary global trends including climate change, health
threats, poverty, democratization, conflict resolution, and more. Those
who follow the enhanced version with a language component also continue
to perfect their language skills.
