Rebecca Llopis
Major: Global Studies
Email: rllopis@usc.edu
Ask Me About:
- How I manage to major in Global Studies with minors in Business and Theatre across different schools, and how you can successfully balance your own interdisciplinary focus.
- What truly distinguishes the Global Studies major within Dornsife, and why I chose it over Anthropology (and what I still love about Anthro!).
- My favorite and most recommended anthropology classes.
- How to find and apply for research opportunities.
- If you want to do a Maymester- particularly the REL332 Maymester to Japan!
Advice:
My biggest advice to any incoming or current undergraduates considering anthropology or global studies as a major/minor is its inherent flexibility makes it a powerful complement to any field. I found valuable intersections combining Global Studies with minors in Theater and Business. The skills you gain—critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, and analytical abilities—are highly transferable. Every professional setting values an intermediary who can effectively bridge gaps between cultural and professional groups.
On another note I’d recommend challenging yourself by exploring the diverse subfields of anthropology during your freshman year. USC offers an extensive range of unique courses that may be completely new to you. I remember taking a course that examined the indigenous religious traditions of non-Western societies, focusing on shamans, spirits, and ancestors, a topic I had never delved into before.
Finally, the anthropology department excels at fostering close student-professor discussions. My strongest advice is to build an awareness of their current research projects and fieldwork opportunities. Many of these opportunities may even offer funding (check out SOAR or PURF for independent research projects)! Getting involved early is key to maximizing your undergraduate experience.
If you love questioning the norm and envisioning ways to improve current societal institutions, an anthropology major or minor is your perfect match!