Global Studies is the investigation of deep change in human history. Comparativists might study the similarities and differences of rice cultivation in Asia and the Americas; of Islamic communities in Bosnia and Indonesia; of textile patterns in Iran and Korea. From the Global Studies perspective, the subjects in these instances would be the fundamental patterns of environmental change, human movement, or other historically formidable trends that have influenced the experiences of peoples widely separated by time or space.

Global Studies, like comparative studies with which it has much in common, is productively pursued by those who understand the function of research in the creation of primary knowledge, who have specialized understanding of at least one relevant field, and seek the disciplined extension of mature interests to broader contexts of time or place. Students interested in pursuing advanced work in Global Studies should be systematic during their first years at Dartmouth in grounding themselves in area and disciplinary work.

Students hoping to pursue a Global Studies theme in fulfillment of requirements for an Asian and Middle Eastern Studies major or minor should consult closely with relevant faculty members at an early date. The most appropriate culminating experience for most students interested in Global Studies will be AMES 86. This is a directed study that requires a substantial research project, and must be approved in advance by the Steering Committee of the AMES Program. Students interested in Global Studies under an AMES major or minor should work with an advisor in writing a proposal for AMES 86, to be submitted to the AMES Steering Committee no later than two terms before expected graduation.

Students qualifying to pursue Honors in AMES may consider writing a thesis with a Global Studies focus. As with a proposal for AMES 86, thesis work is contingent upon the submission of a proposal to the Steering Committee, and its acceptance. Students hoping to write Honors theses are most strongly encouraged to submit proposals by the announced deadline during the spring term of junior year.

While independent study of one kind or another will remain the most likely form of culminating experience for Global Studies students for some time, the Dartmouth curriculum offers a range of courses that offer important preparation in Global Studies. Students hoping to be recommended to the AMES Steering Committee as concentrating in Global Studies must complete at least one course from the following list before the end of the junior year: