Global and International Studies Program

The Global and International Studies (GIS) Program at Bard College offers a problem-based and interdisciplinary path for the study of global and international affairs.

GIS begins from the proposition that the growing interconnectedness and complexity of global affairs is such that it cannot be studied effectively within the narrow boundaries of traditional disciplines. Drawing on faculty strengths in anthropology, economics, history, political science, sociology, and area studies programs, the GIS curriculum fosters connections among different disciplinary approaches to global phenomena, facilitating new and innovative perspectives on international affairs.

Who is GIS for?

The Global and International Studies Program prepares students for careers in international affairs—be it in government, nongovernmental organizations or international institutions—or for further study in various graduate programs in international affairs.

Areas of Study

The Global and International Studies Program is organized into three thematic subfields: transnationalism; global economics; and international relations. Students choose one of these subfields as the primary focus of their major, and take at least one course in the remaining two fields. In addition, students complete course work that focuses on the history, politics, and/or culture and society of a particular geographic area.

International Relations

Courses in this field take up issues related to the theory and practice of interstate relations. Covered themes include international history, international relations theory, security studies, state sovereignty, and international institutions.
Global Economics

Courses in this field focus on the global economy. Covered themes include microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, political economy, economic development, trade, and international economic institutions.
Transnationalism

Courses in this field take up issues and activities that operate across the borders of states. Covered themes include political and cultural globalization, transnational social movements, immigration, nongovernmental organizations, global media, human rights, the environment, and infectious diseases.
Area Studies

Area studies courses focus on the history, politics, and/or culture and society of a particular geographic area, or the comparative study of two geographic areas. It is recommended that the geographical focus of the area studies courses correspond to the language used to fulfill the language requirement.

Senior Projects

Complete versions of Global & International Studies Senior Projects available at the library’s Digital Commons linked below.

Go to Digital Commons

Coursework

GIS core courses introduce students to, and serve as a model of, the interdisciplinary study of global affairs. Each course adopts a problem-based approach to issues of contemporary global importance and draws from an interdisciplinary set of course readings and approaches to international affairs.

Requirements + Courses

Contact Us

Christopher McIntosh, Program Director
[email protected]