We live in a world that seems to become “smaller” at an accelerated pace. Rise in global trade, rapid advances in technology, unprecedented degrees of inter-cultural communication and international travel, a growing body of international law, the growing number of global non-state actors and the seriousness of many transnational problems have been creating an increasingly connected world. This process of globalization has transformed our planet, creating new opportunities and many new challenges. The mission of the Global and International Studies program is to enable students to understand how globalization continues to evolve, and to provide an academic background which prepares them for today’s many career fields that require a global perspective.  Reflecting the complexity of today’s world, Global Studies is an interdisciplinary major. It integrates the following disciplines:

• History, allowing us to learn about the evolution of our global civilizations;
• Anthropology and Sociology, to study the evolution of societies, societal characteristics and changes; 
• Communication, to study communication between cultures and nations;
• Philosophy, to help us understand fundamental concepts such as our values and the philosophy of religions;
• Political Science, to understand the role of nation-states, international organizations, international law and private organizations in the globalization process
• Economics and business to study the growth of trade and its effects
• Environmental Studies to explore the many ecological problems related to economic growth and the dramatic rise in global population.
• Foreign languages to help us understand other people and communicate more effectively across national barriers.

Combining these academic disciplines into one interdisciplinary, colorful major -- in order to understand the rapidly unfolding process of globalization -- is the objective of our program.

Associate Degree Graduation Requirements

Complete all of the following:

1. All Department Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or “P” in each course (at least 20% of the department requirements must be completed through SBCC).
2. One of the following three General Education options:
   1. OPTION 1: A minimum of 18 units of SBCC General Education Requirements (Areas A-D) and Institutional Requirements (Area E) and Information Competency Requirement (Area F) OR
   2. OPTION 2: IGETC Pattern OR
   3. OPTION 3: CSU GE Breadth Pattern
3. A total of 60 degree-applicable units (SBCC courses numbered 100 and higher).
4. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all units attempted at SBCC.
5. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all college units attempted.
6. A minimum of 12 units through SBCC.

¹

It is highly recommended that students intending transfer select their courses in consultation with an academic counselor to ensure that they meet the requirements of four-year institutions.

²

POLS 121 or 121H or 131 may count toward the Electives requirement if not previously used to satisfy Core Requirements (listed above).

1. Describe key developments in the ongoing process of globalization
2. Analyze the concept of global interdependence with reference to various characteristics of globalization and to specific global problems
3. Connect concepts related to political, economic, cultural and ecological globalization with events discussed in contemporary news

Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.

How to schedule an Academic Counseling appointment.