Semester 1: Foundations of Global Affairs

Build the foundational knowledge and skills needed to understand and analyze global systems, cross-cultural communication, historical contexts, and academic writing.

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Semester At a Glance

4

Courses

15

Weeks

24

ECTS Credits

100%

Online

Semester 1 Overview

The first semester of the Bachelor of Global Affairs program establishes the foundational knowledge and skills essential for understanding and engaging with global systems. Students will develop critical thinking, cross-cultural communication, historical analysis, and academic writing abilities.

Semester Goals

  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of global systems and actors
  • Enhance cross-cultural communication competence
  • Gain historical perspective on contemporary global issues
  • Master academic writing and research skills for global studies

Key Outcomes

  • Analyze global challenges from multiple perspectives
  • Communicate effectively across cultural boundaries
  • Contextualize current events within historical frameworks
  • Produce well-researched academic writing
Semester Details
  • Duration:
    15 weeks (1 semester)
  • Format:
    Fully online with live sessions
  • Weekly Commitment:
    15-20 hours per week
  • Faculty Support:
    Dedicated instructors & academic advisors
  • Credits:
    24 ECTS (6 per course)

Semester 1 Courses

BGA 101: Introduction to Global Affairs

6 ECTS

This foundational course introduces students to the key concepts, actors, and structures that shape global affairs. Students will explore the historical development of the international system and contemporary global challenges.

Learning Objectives
Identify major actors in global affairs (states, IGOs, NGOs, MNCs)
Explain key theoretical approaches to international relations
Analyze current global issues from multiple perspectives
Demonstrate basic research and academic writing skills
Course Modules
Module 1: Understanding Globalization (Weeks 1-3)
  • Definitions and dimensions of globalization
  • Historical context of global interconnectedness
  • Debates: Hyperglobalists vs. Skeptics
Module 2: Actors in Global Affairs (Weeks 4-6)
  • Nation-states and sovereignty
  • International organizations (UN, WTO, IMF, World Bank)
  • Non-state actors (NGOs, multinational corporations)
Module 3: Global Challenges (Weeks 7-9)
  • Climate change and environmental issues
  • Global health governance
  • Economic inequality
  • Migration and displacement
Module 4: Research & Analysis Basics (Weeks 10-12)
  • Academic writing for global affairs
  • Source evaluation and citation
  • Basic research methodologies
  • Policy brief writing
Assessment Methods
Assessment Type Weight Description
Participation & Discussion 20% Active engagement in class discussions and activities
Weekly Reflection Journals 20% 12 reflection entries connecting course concepts to current events
Mid-term Essay 25% 2000-word analytical essay on a global actor
Final Policy Brief 35% 2500-word policy brief addressing a contemporary global challenge

BGA 102: Cross-Cultural Communication

6 ECTS

This course develops students' ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries. Through theoretical frameworks and practical exercises, students will enhance their intercultural competence.

Learning Objectives
Apply cultural dimensions frameworks to real-world scenarios
Identify and overcome communication barriers in intercultural contexts
Demonstrate effective intercultural communication strategies
Develop cultural self-awareness and empathy
Course Modules
Module 1: Foundations of Culture (Weeks 1-3)
  • Defining culture and cultural identity
  • Cultural iceberg model
  • High-context vs. low-context cultures
Module 2: Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication (Weeks 4-6)
  • Language and cultural meaning
  • Non-verbal communication across cultures
  • Communication styles (direct vs. indirect)
Module 3: Intercultural Conflict & Adaptation (Weeks 7-9)
  • Culture shock and adaptation
  • Conflict resolution across cultures
  • Developing cultural intelligence (CQ)
Module 4: Applied Intercultural Communication (Weeks 10-12)
  • Global virtual teamwork
  • Intercultural leadership
  • Ethical considerations in cross-cultural contexts
Assessment Methods
Assessment Type Weight Description
Cultural Reflection Portfolio 30% Collection of reflections on cultural experiences and learning
Intercultural Communication Analysis 25% Analysis of a cross-cultural interaction case study
Group Project: Virtual Team Simulation 25% Participation in a simulated global virtual team project
Final Exam 20% Comprehensive exam covering course concepts and frameworks

BGA 103: World History Since 1900

6 ECTS

This course examines major global developments from the 20th century to the present, providing historical context for understanding contemporary international relations and global challenges.

Learning Objectives
Analyze the causes and consequences of major 20th-century events
Connect historical developments to contemporary global issues
Evaluate different historical interpretations of global events
Develop historical analysis and argumentation skills
Course Modules
Module 1: The World in Conflict (Weeks 1-4)
  • World Wars I and II
  • Cold War dynamics and proxy conflicts
  • Decolonization movements
Module 2: Global Economic Transformations (Weeks 5-7)
  • Great Depression and economic crises
  • Rise of globalization
  • International economic institutions
Module 3: Social and Cultural Changes (Weeks 8-10)
  • Civil rights and social movements
  • Technological revolutions
  • Cultural globalization
Module 4: Contemporary Global Order (Weeks 11-13)
  • Post-Cold War era
  • Rise of non-state actors
  • 21st century challenges and opportunities
Assessment Methods
Assessment Type Weight Description
Historical Analysis Essays (2) 40% Two 1500-word essays analyzing historical events
Timeline Project 20% Interactive timeline of 20th-century global events
Research Paper 30% 2500-word paper on a chosen historical topic
Class Participation 10% Engagement in discussions and activities

BGA 104: Academic Writing for Global Studies

6 ECTS

This course develops the writing and research skills necessary for success in global affairs studies. Students will learn to produce clear, evidence-based academic writing appropriate for the field.

Learning Objectives
Apply academic writing conventions in global studies
Conduct effective research using academic sources
Construct evidence-based arguments
Revise and edit writing for clarity and impact
Course Modules
Module 1: Foundations of Academic Writing (Weeks 1-3)
  • Academic writing styles and conventions
  • Thesis development and argumentation
  • Paragraph and essay structure
Module 2: Research Skills (Weeks 4-6)
  • Information literacy and source evaluation
  • Academic databases and search strategies
  • Note-taking and synthesis
Module 3: Writing in Global Studies (Weeks 7-9)
  • Literature reviews
  • Policy briefs and memos
  • Case study analysis
Module 4: Revision and Professional Communication (Weeks 10-12)
  • Peer review and self-editing
  • Citation and academic integrity
  • Professional email and report writing
Assessment Methods
Assessment Type Weight Description
Writing Portfolio 40% Collection of revised writing assignments
Research Proposal 25% Detailed proposal for a global studies research project
Annotated Bibliography 20% Evaluation and summary of academic sources
Peer Review Participation 15% Quality of feedback provided to classmates

Typical Weekly Schedule

A sample week in Semester 1 of the BGA program (15-20 hours commitment)

Day BGA 101: Intro to Global Affairs BGA 102: Cross-Cultural Communication BGA 103: World History BGA 104: Academic Writing
Monday Video lecture (1 hr)
Reading assignment (1 hr)		 Cultural reflection journal (30 min) Primary source analysis (1 hr) Writing exercise (45 min)
Tuesday Discussion forum participation (45 min) Video lecture (1 hr)
Case study reading (1 hr)		 Video lecture (1 hr) Research skills practice (1 hr)
Wednesday Live seminar (1.5 hrs)
Preparation (30 min)		 Live seminar (1.5 hrs)
Preparation (30 min)		 Historical timeline work (1 hr) Live writing workshop (1.5 hrs)
Thursday Research for assignments (1 hr) Virtual team meeting (1 hr)
Preparation (30 min)		 Reading assignment (1.5 hrs) Drafting assignment (1.5 hrs)
Friday Weekly quiz (30 min)
Reflection (30 min)		 Intercultural exercise (1 hr) Discussion forum (45 min) Peer review activity (1 hr)
Weekend Flexible time for major assignments, research, and deeper study (4-6 hours)
Flexibility Note

This schedule is a sample showing how a student might distribute their weekly study time. The fully online format allows students to adjust their schedule to fit personal and professional commitments while meeting course deadlines.

Learning Resources & Technology

Required Textbooks & Materials
BGA 101: Introduction to Global Affairs
  • Baylis, J., Smith, S., & Owens, P. (2020). The Globalization of World Politics
  • Steger, M. B. (2020). Globalization: A Very Short Introduction
BGA 102: Cross-Cultural Communication
  • Ting-Toomey, S., & Dorjee, T. (2018). Communicating Across Cultures
  • Livermore, D. (2015). Leading with Cultural Intelligence
BGA 103: World History Since 1900
  • Hobsbawm, E. (1994). The Age of Extremes: The Short Twentieth Century
  • Iriye, A. (2013). Global and Transnational History
BGA 104: Academic Writing
  • Graff, G., & Birkenstein, C. (2021). They Say/I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing
  • Turabian, K. L. (2018). A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations
Technology Requirements
Hardware
  • Computer with webcam and microphone
  • Reliable internet connection (minimum 5 Mbps)
  • Headset for clear audio during live sessions
Software & Platforms
  • Meridian Learning Management System access
  • Microsoft Office 365 or Google Workspace
  • Video conferencing software (Zoom/Teams)
  • Reference management tool (Zotero/Mendeley)
Academic Resources
  • Access to Meridian digital library
  • JSTOR, ProQuest, and other academic databases
  • UN and World Bank data portals
  • Global affairs news sources (The Economist, Foreign Affairs)

Ready to Begin Your Global Affairs Journey?

Join the next cohort of BGA students and start building the foundational knowledge for a career in global affairs. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Apply Now Speak to Advisor Full Program Guide
Next Semester Start

September 2024

Early Application Deadline:
June 15, 2024

Final Deadline:
August 1, 2024