Global Studies and Languages

an illustration and a painting of a man from the 1800s

Commodore Perry and the Opening of Japan, 1853-1854. (Image courtesy of Visualizing Cultures.)


MIT Global Studies and Languages (GSL) offers a rich collection of courses, seminar series, and research projects to give students the training they need to be thoughtful and active global citizens. Global engagement requires sensitivity to enduring local differences—language, culture, history, politics and more. Subject offerings allow students to attain both linguistic and intercultural competence.

Formerly named Foreign Languages and Literatures, MIT Global Studies and Languages is committed to promoting research agendas that will transform international cultural studies for the 21st century while also training students to be the next generation of engaged global citizens. To accomplish these goals, we offer a rich collection of courses, seminar series, and research projects that explore global connection and local differences. Contrary to some early predictions, globalization has not eliminated cultural diversity. Rather, global engagement requires sensitivity to enduring national distinctiveness in terms of language, culture, history, politics, and more.

We aim to be a hub for research and teaching on subjects that investigate international diversity. Subject offerings allow students to attain both linguistic competence and a solid understanding of cultural and historical contexts. GSL faculty encompass a number of disciplines, including anthropology, history, linguistics, cultural studies, and political sociology.

In addition to the Global Studies and Languages courses listed below, see also OCW’s Supplemental Resources associated with the department.


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Global Studies and Languages Courses

Archived Global Studies and Languages Courses

Some prior versions of courses listed above have been archived in OCW's DSpace@MIT repository for long-term access and preservation. Links to archived prior versions of a course may be found on that course's "Other Versions" tab.

Additionally, the Archived Global Studies and Languages Courses page has links to every archived course from this department.