What is a global studies major and why should it matter to you?  Let me put it like this:

Demographers say it took until 1804 for the world to reach its first billion people, and a century more until it hit 2 billion in 1927.  By the 20th century the pace had quickened and reached 3 billion by 1959, 4 billion by 1974, 5 billion by 1987 and 6 billion by 1998.  Danica Camacho, of the Philippines, was chosen by the United Nations as the symbolic 7 billionth baby and citizen of the world on Oct. 31.

The U.N. estimates the world’s population will reach 8 billion by 2025 and 10 billion by 2083. The numbers are staggering, and so are the implications.  

As a species we are multi-racial, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and we generally revel in our diversity.  However, the combination of multiplying diverse populations and limited planetary resources has created both problems and opportunities.  Subsequently, throughout history, humans have created political and economic institutions, rationalized by a myriad of philosophies and religions, to overcome human vices and nurture human strengths.  

All this is in an effort to survive and prosper in an ever-changing world.  As a result, it will take individuals with unique global perspectives to work in the fields of government, business, entertainment and just about any other important career in the 21st century.   If you want to be one of these people I encourage you to take a look into the global studies major, at De Anza College.

The importance of the global studies major is reflected by the creation of new programs throughout California and the nation.   De Anza’s global studies program is an interdisciplinary major maintained by the IIS/ICS Division with close connections to many four-year institutions.