Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Global Studies

Global Studies

Global Studies students will look at globalization through the lenses of history, economics, political science, geography, environment, and culture. They will understand the history and key features of the pro and antiglobalization debates, and will follow how popular struggles for social justice have shaped, and resisted, the global order

Degrees Offered

A.A.-T. in Global Studies

Interim Dean Jeff Moran
Coordinator Riad Bahhur
Phone (916) 650-2738
Email SCCGlobalStudies@losrios.edu

Associate Degree for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Global Studies

This degree provides a multidisciplinary understanding of global issues and the impact of globalization on people, states, and economies around the world. It covers trade, culture, politics, economic development, military interventions, conflict, relations between states, and environmental impacts.

The Associate in Arts in Global Studies for Transfer (AA-T) degree provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements of the California State University for transfer. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system.

The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) student completion requirements (as stated in SB1440 law):
(1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
(a) The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC).
(b) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

ADTs also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Completing the Associate in Arts in Global Studies for Transfer degree will prepare students to apply a global understanding to careers in trade, law, diplomacy, food production, education, human rights, development, relief, and marketing. Students completing this degree will be able to continue their studies in any of the above listed areas and to apply a global perspective to any field of study or work.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
GLST 301	Introduction to Global Studies	3
GLST 302	Global Issues	3
A minimum of 15 units from the following:		15¹
Select five courses from a minimum of four of the following areas:
CULTURE AND SOCIETY
ANTH 310	Cultural Anthropology (3)
or ANTH 481	Honors Cultural Anthropology (3)
HIST 308	History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present (3)
HIST 365	Asian Civilization (3)
GEOGRAPHY
GEOG 300	Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3)
GEOG 310	Human Geography: Exploring Earth's Cultural Landscapes (3)
GEOG 320	World Regional Geography (3)
ECONOMICS
ECON C2002	Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
ECON C2001	Principles of Microeconomics (3)
POLITICS
POLS 302	Comparative Politics (3)
POLS 310	Introduction to International Relations (3)
or POLS 480	Introduction to International Relations - Honors (3)
HUMANITIES
ENGLT 480	World Literature: Antiquity to the Early Modern World - Honors (3)
ENGLT 481	World Literature: Seventeenth Century to Present - Honors (3)
PHIL 352	Introduction to World Religions (3)
Total Units:		21

¹Students are encouraged to include a foreign language as part of their Global Studies program. While it is not required to complete this degree, many transfer institutions include a foreign language proficiency as part of their global studies degrees.

The Associate in Arts in Global Studies for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

formulate a broad and cohesive understanding of global dynamics, issues, and events and incorporate that knowledge into their daily life and career.
evaluate their role as a member of a global network of interdependent people and societies.
analyze various multidisciplinary approaches that explain the causes and consequences of globalization.
analyze local and regional societal, economic, political, and environmental issues within a global context.

Global Studies (GLST) Courses

GLST 299 Experimental Offering in Global Studies

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

GLST 301 Introduction to Global Studies

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:UC
General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of Global Studies. Students will look at globalization through the lenses of history, economics, political science, geography, environment, and culture. They will understand the history and key features of the pro and anti-globalization debates, and will follow how popular struggles for social justice have shaped, and resisted, the global order.

GLST 302 Global Issues

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces students to the origins, current status, and future trends of major transnational issues confronting the global community. Topics include population trends, economic development and inequality, basic human needs (for food, water, health care), human rights, international conflict and security concerns, military actions, competition over resources, movements for independence and social justice, and environmental problems. The course also focuses on global governance, including the study of collective global responsibilities towards a just global order, with emphasis on the social justice struggles of economic, ethnic, racial, and national groups challenged by regional or global powers.

GLST 499 Experimental Offering in Global Studies

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026