Global, Interdisciplinary, and Engaged
Global Liberal Studies (GLS) is an interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree grounded in spatial, temporal, and conceptual understandings of a highly interconnected world. It explores the critical and creative study of texts and contexts, the movement of ideas and peoples, the confluence of material cultures, cities, crossroads, and changing media of communication. This framing, drawing on philosophy, history, politics, literature, and the arts helps to uncover the historical legacies in which so many of our current crises are rooted and the dynamics of our shifting social imaginaries and geopolitical realities. It encourages intellectual curiosity and agility, the ability to think critically and expansively, make connections across disciplinary boundaries, embrace new perspectives, and transcend barriers.
GLS students study away for at least one academic year (and up to two or more), undertake advanced language study, pursue internships, and conduct independent research as part of their academic program. NYU’s Global Network is an essential part of this educational landscape and the architecture of our global intellectual engagement.
All GLS classes are discussion-based seminars, enhanced by experiential learning with visits to museums, theaters, and landmarks in multiple locations, engaging with the city as a laboratory of global learning and taking advantage of multiple opportunities to participate in research, creative production, and public seminars and lectures. Students also pursue a myriad of social justice initiatives, service projects, and community activities on and off campus.