Cultural Enrichment is Promoted at Global Studies Launch Party

Image Courtesy of Mariam Baldwin

By Mariam Baldwin

On September 16, 2024, Catholic University celebrated its addition of a global studies major at a launch party. The party took place from 5-6 PM at the Pryz. 

Each attendee was given a passport to get stamped at the tables they visited. Each table had one of six different themes: global issue, region, language, study abroad, academic counseling, and advising. This was meant to familiarize students with the different elements of the global studies major, as well as provide information for how interested students might transition into the major. 

Students like freshman Ruby Windsheimer enjoyed walking from table to table. “It’s an eye-opening opportunity to discover all the future experiences that come with studying a language,” Winsdheimer said. She explained what her favorite aspect of the program was by saying, “I like learning about the study abroad opportunities. I want to go to Spain. I like to think that it’s a real possibility for me to go and achieve my dream of studying in Spain.”

There are many questions surrounding this new major. One of the main inquiries is why students should consider taking it. “We designed it to be really interdisciplinary,”  said Julia Young, professor of history and department chair of modern languages and literature. “And it’s really for students who are interested in other languages, cultures, and regions of the world, and are interested in adding a dimension to their careers for when they graduate.”

Professor Young said that this major might also apply to those otherwise interested in study abroad: “We don’t require our students to study abroad, but we really welcome students who want to study abroad. Any student who is interested in study abroad should consider a global studies major or minor, because we will be really excited to work with students to transfer their credits.”

For those concerned about the real world application of this degree, Chair Young replies, “Language skills are really valued in the workplace. There are so many corporations, companies, and charities that are global; as I said at the beginning, the Church is global. This is a major that’s meant to make you a global citizen and be able to explain in the job market that you have these skills and are ready to engage with people from or go to other parts of the world.”

Cultural enrichment is a selling point of the global studies major. Students who take it might do so in hopes of learning about diverse cultures throughout the world. In the age of globalization, we are becoming more exposed to different ways of life. This can lead us to question our own role in society. The global studies major seeks to shed light on these inquiries and hopefully provide answers with what it means to be a “global citizen.”