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Welcome Message from the Director
Today’s technology developments accelerate the speed of change to levels unanticipated and promote networks of interaction that advance communication and the spread of knowledge around the globe. These developments have defined the beginning of the 21st century, leaving many to refer to it as the ‘Global Century.’ In such conditions, it is more important than ever to prepare graduates who have the knowledge, flexibility and resilience required to adapt to a dynamic world and enable them to participate in the multiple networks that will help them not only achieve their personal and professional goals, but also create opportunities to contribute to the greater good in society, ensuring its sustainability.
In that context, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences designed the program of study in Global Studies (GS) to prepare students for lifetimes of impact and leadership in a global society. GS majors engage in interdisciplinary studies that not only bring to focus the inevitable interdependencies among people and their different organizational systems, but also underscore the need for critical inquiry into multiple perspectives in knowledge acquisition and use, problem-solving and conflict resolution, and global initiatives that have local and trans-local consequences. GS majors develop requisite competencies to interact with people of cultures different from their own. They gain a sense of commitment to global themes that mobilize prominent international organizations around the world. Through their coursework and experiences, GS majors develop skills essential for the global century, including critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication in more than one language.
Global Studies here at Illinois continually refines its curricular options and opportunities to ensure its relevance in today’s global society. Keep an eye on our website and listserv for upcoming information and announcements. And, as always, we welcome conversations about Global Studies, its purpose and its potential, and encourage anyone who’s interested to contact us at: globalstudies@illinois.edu.
Sincerely,
Dr. Barbara Hancin-Bhatt
Assistant Dean and Director, LAS International Programs
