全球学旨在以综合性、多学科与跨文化的视角，探索和理解人类社会全球化进程及其影响，研究诸如环境恶化、人口迁徙、身份认同、和平与冲突、全球贸易与经济联系，乃至人类精神归属等全球性或跨国性问题。通过经济、社会、历史、文化、政治及其他视角来分析全球现象，全球学试图推动世界上不同文化与文明间的相互理解，人与自然的和谐共生，培育全球意识，消除人类在社会、政治与文化上的隔阂。

Global Studies aims for an integrated, multidisciplinary and cross-cultural learning and research on the processes and effects of globalization, the global issues such as environmental degradation, mass migration, identification, peace, conflict, global trade and economic linkages, and even spirituality. By analyzing global phenomena from economic, social, historical, environmental, cultural, political, and other perspectives, Global Studies attempts to arrive at an understanding of the interrelationships among the world's cultures and civilizations, promote harmonious relations with the nature, and foster a global awareness that is so essential for bridging social, political and cultural boundaries.

上海大学全球问题研究院聚焦近代尤其是二战以来发展中国家和地区在西方话语影响下的政治、经济、社会、文化变迁，以及“传统”与“现代”/“西化”之间的张力；以中国经验作为一种“方法”，探索全球化时代发展中国家的发展道路，为人类社会发展提供更多的可选择性路径。

The Institute of Global Studies dedicates itself to researches which examine political, economic, social and cultural changes precipitated by Western discourse in developing countries since modern times but especially after the World War II, and the tension between tradition and modernity/westernization; Taking China’s social transformation and development as an ‘approach’, the Institute also aims to explore new developing paths for developing countries in this globalized age, hoping to provide more models of development for human society.