Why Study Political Economy, Global Studies, and Environmental Justice?
Understanding the trajectory, deep history, and logic of historical capitalism provides the insights and tools necessary to engage with contemporary global issues and challenges, and to work towards a sustainable future.
Our programs and courses examine the ways in which global capitalism, from its beginnings to the present, has transformed the world materially, culturally, and ecologically. Major themes include imperialism, colonialism, and globalism, the accompanying ecological transformations, and the rise of social movements in resistance to these developments.
Join the Political Economy, Global Studies, and Environmental Justice Path
By joining this Path, you will receive advising opportunities specific to this Path.
Contact an Advisor to Get Started
Affiliate with the Political Economy, Global Studies, and Environmental Justice Path
Follow This Path
This Path offers programs each year at entry, intermediate, and advanced levels. Programs are built within the context of our changing and dynamic world, allowing us to offer fresh perspectives in history, economics, global studies, gender studies, environmental studies, decarceral studies, and more throughout your academic journey.
Getting Started
Get Involved with Political Economy, Global Studies, and Environmental Justice
Whether you are a new student or just new to this Path, check out the New Student Handbook to learn how to get started at Evergreen and find your people on campus.
- Meet students and faculty in your path by attending path events
- Get guidance on your academic journey and career goals by meeting with an Academic Advisor or Faculty member
- Take a First-year program to explore a variety of subjects and disciplines
- Engage in campus culture by attending club meetings and campus events like lectures, films, and performances
- Attend the Academic Fair to meet faculty and learn about upcoming programs
Years 1 - 2
Try new things and explore all your options
- Take an entry level program associated with the Political Economy, Global Studies, and Environmental Justice Path, this will prepare you for intermediate and advanced study later. Consider our online Climate Policy and Action sequence (8-credits each quarter), and/or our online Economics sequence (4-credits each quarter)
- Consider taking an interdisciplinary program, combining other areas of study like math, art, science, literature, or psychology
- Consider a 4-credit language course, or a program with a language component to prepare you for global learning
- Stay in touch with your faculty and get support and mentorship by attending their office hours or making other arrangements to meet with them
Year 3
Dig deep and strengthen your connections
- Now that you have a few years under your belt, it’s time to take intermediate and intermediate-to-advanced level programs that incorporate individual projects and experiences that go beyond the classroom
- Start thinking about ways to gain experience outside of your programs, like through an Internship or Study Abroad program
- Consider registering for a Summer course or program or applying for a paid Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship
- Plan your final year by connecting with your faculty and Academic Advisor to plan a capstone, your final programs, and what you may need for the careers or graduate programs you are considering
Year 4
Finish strong and get ready for your next steps
- Take intermediate-to-advanced and advanced level programs focusing on your chosen field or discipline
- If you have room to take a few extra credits, consider registering for a Study Abroad experience or a single-subject course to round out your schedule
- Design and complete a capstone with the support of your faculty
- Connect with your faculty and Academic Advisor to make plans for applying for jobs or graduate school
Capstone
A Capstone is a final project or experience, usually done in your final year, created to demonstrate your knowledge and abilities in your chosen skill area. A capstone provides an opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities you have gained at Evergreen and to showcase what you have learned in a way that matters to you.
Capstone Design
Like everything else at Evergreen, a capstone experience is yours to customize. Capstones can take the form of a:
- Senior thesis
- Independent project
- Individual Study or Internship
- Study abroad experience
- Community-based learning project
Planning Your Capstone
Your faculty will provide guidance on how best to blend subjects, academic and creative experiences, internships, and your personal academic journey.
Capstone opportunities can emerge through focused work in an advanced program, or through Individual Study opportunities – an ILC or INT sponsored by a faculty member in your Path.
Faculty Mentorship and Support
Faculty are always excited to talk about their fields and welcome students during their office hours to discuss your interests and answer questions about their Field of Study.
Faculty mentorship is a key piece of an Evergreen education. Your faculty are ready to support you not just through your course work, but through any experience you want to explore. Faculty act as mentors and advisors in many capacities and will be valuable resources throughout your academic journey and beyond.
We have a wide variety of faculty covering a range of disciplines ready to support you during your time at Evergreen.
Experiential Learning
Individual Study and Internships
You’ll have lots of opportunities to get out of the classroom and into the community on this Path. With faculty support for internships and individual learning contracts you can earn credit for hands-on experiences that will set you up for success after college.
We can connect you with community organizations working on different issues related to this Path. You can find internships or volunteer opportunities to grow a range of skills from grant writing and ethnography to community organizing and social work.
Study Abroad
Study abroad is a world class learning opportunity. Students studying abroad with their fellow Greeners are pushed to put their theory into practice to enhance their understanding of the world.
Students in the Political Economy, Global Studies, and Environmental Justice Path have visited:
- Egypt
- Jordan
- Mexico
- Morocco
- Nepal
- New Zealand
- Turkey
- Venezuela