The Center for Global and Area Studies (CGAS) is both a hub for global learning and a support center for international research. Bringing together faculty whose expertise spans disciplines and world regions, the CGAS promotes research that increases global awareness and fosters an academic community that is increasingly connected to the "global village".
Guided by the philosophy laid out in UD's Global Initiative that "global experience, both on our campus and beyond, is critical to our success", the CGAS provides opportunities for the rigorous study of Africa, Asia, Europe, the Islamic World, Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula, and transnational and global issues in general.
The Center houses cross-disciplinary programs that train students in the crucial skills needed for understanding global issues: culture, language, analysis, and experience with other cultures. They prepare our undergraduates to tackle the international topics that are constantly seen in the news cycle: globalization, multiculturalism, international business, cooperation and conflict resolution, poverty and the challenges of development, democratic development, migration, and environmental concerns, among others.
To cultivate a community-wide understanding of these issues, the CGAS designs curricula, hosts lecture series, offers small research grants, and sponsors "brown bag" talks which explore not only other countries' political and economic structures, but also their cultures, histories, arts, languages, and literatures.
This comprehensive approach prepares Area Studies majors and minors to build successful careers in both domestic and transnational fields, including government and diplomacy, non-governmental organizations, international aid, education, banking, and international business.
Exciting plans lie in the future of Area Studies at the University of Delaware. CGAS is collaborating with the Institute for Global Studies to create a Minor in Global Studies. The Center is also working toward creating graduate certificates in selected Area Studies programs.