Global & International Studies Graduate Program Core Course Descriptions

The curriculum consists of fifty-seven units of graduate-level work in core and elective courses with a grade of “B” or better (see curriculum chart). This coursework includes 37 units during the first year, with 24 units in required core coursework and 12 units in graduate-level elective courses. Twenty units are completed in year two, with 12 units in grad-level electives and 8 units in mentor-directed research.

The first year course requirement includes introductory graduate coursework in global studies, GLOBL 220 Mapping Global & International Studies and in the three areas of specialization: GLOBL 222 Global Culture and Religion, GLOBL 223 Global Governance and Human Rights , and GLOBL 221 Political Economy, Sustainable Development and the Environment. Students also take two courses on research methods (GLOBL 224, GLOBL 225), and three elective courses, usually within one of the areas of specialization.  In addition, students attend a contemporary issues seminar in the fall term.

During summer and fall quarter of the second year, independent research takes place during the internship and/or study abroad program component of the program. With prior approval, up to eight units of transferable coursework may be done in a study abroad (non-E.A.P.) program; within the Education Abroad Program students transfer all the course units taken at the EAP foreign university.

Upon return, the second year students begin winter quarter taking an independent study course with their primary advisor. In consultation with their advisors, students will elect either Master’s Plan I (thesis) or Master’s Plan II (comprehensive project) for their final submission. Students choose at least three additional elective courses that provide background in particular cultural/geographic regions and/or focus on a career emphasis in the student’s chosen of area of specialization: Global Culture and Religion, Global Governance and Human Rights, or Political Economy, Sustainable Development and the Environment. The second year concludes with finishing the final thesis or project. The General Catalog and Schedule of Courses have the most up-to-date course information—check under GLOBL.

GLOBL 220 Mapping Global & International Studies (4 units, fall qtr)
Overview of the basic ideas and major writings that have influenced the field of global and international studies. This is an interdisciplinary reading seminar intended as a foundational course for the MA program, required of all first year students. 

GLOBL 221 Political Economy, Sustainable Development and the Environment(4 units, fall or winter qtr)
Critical examination of the political and economic aspects of globalization, focusing on the prospects and challenges of an economic development that is both socially equitable and environmentally sustainable.

GLOBL 222 Global Culture and Religion (4 units, fall or winter qtr)
This seminar focuses on how culture & religion have affected and been shaped by global processes, including such issues as cross- & inter-cultural understanding, Diasporic communities, revolutions in literature, media, & communication, religious nationalism, & the role of religion in global civil society. 

GLOBL 223 Global Governance and Human Rights (4 units, fall or winter qtr)
This seminar focuses on the various dimensions of political, economic, and social order that arise from transnational conflict and cooperation, addressing such issues as the relations among sovereign states, market forces, civil society, and struggles for global justice. 

GLOBL 224 Research Methods (4 units, winter qtr)
This seminar introduces students to logics of inquiry and epistemologies central to understanding the intersection of the transnational and international, and methodological training in areas such as documentary analysis,
interviewing, field methods, and surveys. 

GLOBL 225 Applied Research Methods (4 units, spring qtr)
This seminar introduces students to logics of inquiry and epistemologies central to understanding the intersection of the transnational and international, and methodological training in areas such as documentary analysis, interviewing, field methods, and surveys.

GLOBL 232A Contemporary Issues (1 unit, fall qtr)
This proseminar focuses on issues of practical and professional concern to MAG&IS students, including seminar discussions with visiting faculty and practitioners.

LANGUAGE requirement:
In addition, the M.A. degree program requires two years of a second language.  The requirement may be satisfied in the following ways:  1) A grade of B or higher in level 6 (or equivalent) of a foreign language course taken at UCSB or another accredited university.  2) A score of 6 on the undergraduate placement exam administered by UCSB foreign language departments.  3) A grade of B+ or higher in the second term of a graduate reading knowledge course at UCSB.   4) By passing a two-hour written examination arranged by the Global and International Studies Program’s Director of Graduate Studies.  5) The second language proficiency requirement can also be met by oral fluency or passing an intensive study program.

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