Political Science, Economics, Global Studies, and Law and Society
The Political Science and Economics Department is home to five different majors: Political Science, Economics, Global and International Studies, Law and Society, and Middle Eastern Studies. Political Scientists aim to develop an understanding of the institutions, practices, and societal relations that constitute public life. Economists study society and the distribution of resources, including how people make decisions, how they interact, and how the economy as a whole works. Global and International Studies scholars seek to understand the multidimensional process of globalization and today’s many global issues. The field of Middle East Studies focuses on the history, politics, cultures, religions, and languages of one of the most complex and critical regions of the world. Please see the individual program descriptions below for more details about each area of major/ program.
Political Science: Program Description
The study of politics is the study of how people are governed and how they govern themselves. Political Scientists examine the distribution of political power and the allocation of scarce resources. To this end, they aim to develop an understanding of the institutions, practices, and societal relations that constitute public life. As a discipline, in the West, Political Science originated with the Greeks. Today Political Scientists’ study of governments includes an in-depth study of the American political experience, but also extends to other countries, both democracies and non-democracies, and the effort to understand differences and similarities between them. Furthermore, Political Scientists seek to understand the dynamics of cooperation and conflict in the international arena, by studying the interactions of states, international organizations, and non-governmental actors.
The Political Science major helps prepare students for a variety of careers. For example, Political Science serves well as a pre-law major and for related professions, such as careers in government at the federal, state or local levels. Political Science is also a great preparation for a number of careers at the international level, such as international diplomacy or international business, as well as other professions in non-governmental sectors both nationally and internationally.
Political Science: AA and AA-T Degree Requirements
We offer a Political Science Associate Degree (AA), and Political Science Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T). Major requirements for transfer vary depending upon the college or university a student wishes to attend. Therefore, it is most important for a student to consult with his/her counselor and departmental adviser before planning an academic program for transfer. Information on majors and transfer requirements is available in the Counseling Center and Transfer Center.
Political Science: Planning a Program of Study
Students should begin their study of Political Science with POLS 101 American Government And Politics because many of the basic concepts of the discipline are introduced here within the familiar context of American Politics. Thereafter, the selection of courses will, in part, depend upon the four-year school to which the student plans to transfer and the particular emphasis of the student’s major. Commonly required courses include POLS 121 International Politics, POLS 131 Comparative Politics, POLS 132 Political Thinking. The Department offers a course in POLS 104 American Government: Policy Issues/Process. Our Honors courses include POLS 121H International Politics, and POLS 134H Political Violence, Honors.
The Political Science Department also encourages students to seek out an internship, or participate in an Internship Programs, as related to POLS 295 and to POLS 108, which includes a field trip to Sacramento. More information about internship courses can be found below, in the section "Political Science (All Programs) and Economics: Internships."
Political Science: Preparation for Transfer
Course requirements for transfer vary depending upon the college or university a student wishes to attend. Therefore, it is most important for a student to consult with a counselor and departmental adviser before planning an academic program for transfer. Information on majors and transfer requirements is available in the Counseling Center and Transfer Center.
Political Science: Awards and Honors
Each year, the faculty selects one student as the "Outstanding Student of the Year in Political Science" on the basis of academic performance and contribution to our program. Students also have the opportunity to apply for a number of Political Science scholarships, such as the Jason Davidson scholarship, the John Kay scholarship, and the Manoutchehr Eskandari-Qajar scholarship.
Economics: Program Description
The Economics Program offers courses as part of an Associate of Arts Degree in Economics as well as other majors. Economics is also a worthwhile way to satisfy General Education requirements. Courses offer transfer students excellent preparation for further study in economics and fields such as environmental studies, global studies, and business.
Students from all disciplines benefit from taking economics courses as it helps make sense of the world in which they live. As a social science, the subject matter studied is society. This includes the study of how people make decisions, how they interact, and how the economy as a whole works. Economics addresses much more than just money, taxes, and unemployment. With an economic lens, one can analyze things such as policies that affect crime rates, the role of incentives on the decision of whether or not to drive an electric car, and how rent control can affect divorce rates. In fact, economics helps one understand nearly every aspect of human life.
Economics provides a systematic way of analyzing a wide range of societal issues. The arsenal of analytical tools students acquire by studying economics provide a foundation for lifelong problem-solving skills that are valued by employers, society, and, very likely, eventually by the student themselves.
Economics: AA and AA-T Degree Requirements
The department offers an Economics Associate Degree (AA), and an Economics Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T). Major requirements for transfer vary depending upon the college or university a student wishes to attend. Therefore, it is most important for a student to consult with his/her counselor and departmental advisor before planning an academic program for transfer. Information on majors and transfer requirements is available in the Counseling Center and Transfer Center.
Economics: Planning a Program of Study
As a general rule, students should begin their Economics major by taking ECON 101 Microeconomics and ECON 102 Macroeconomics, in either order. Additional courses should be chosen after consultation with an academic counselor to meet degree and transfer goals, as the requirements for the AA Economics degree and the AA-T Economics degree differ, and as transfer institutions may also have specific requirements. ECON 101H and ECON 102H are offered as part of the Honors Program. The department encourages students to seek out internships and register for ECON 295 Internship In Economics as part of the college experience. More information about internship courses can be found below, in the section "Political Science (All Programs) and Economics: Internships."
Economics: Preparation for Transfer
Course requirements for transfer vary depending upon the college or university a student wishes to attend. Therefore, it is most important for a student to consult with a counselor and departmental advisor before planning an academic program for transfer. Information on majors and transfer requirements is available in the Counseling Center and Transfer Center.
Economics: Awards and Honors
Each year, the faculty selects one student as the "Outstanding Student of the Year in Economics" on the basis of academic performance and contribution to our program.
Global and International Studies, and Global Leadership: Program Descriptions
The world seems to become “smaller” at an accelerated pace. Rise in global trade, rapid advances in technology, communication and international travel, a growing body of international law, and transnational environmental problems have been creating an increasingly connected world. This process has become known as "globalization."
The Global and International Studies major helps students develop an understanding of how globalization continues to evolve. It also aims to provide an academic background that prepares students to enter today’s many career fields, which require knowledge of global problems, connections, actors, and processes. Examples of possible career fields include: careers in diplomacy and/ or with an international organization, careers with many types of non-governmental organizations, careers in the economics/ business field, and in the fields of journalism, research, and teaching. Many other fields, such as engineering, and health, also benefit from a global perspective.
Global Studies is an interdisciplinary major that draws from a variety of academic disciplines. These disciplines include, but are not limited to: Political Science, History, Communication, Economics, Business, Sociology, and Environmental Studies. Combining these diverse disciplines into one interdisciplinary, colorful major - in order to understand the complex, rapidly unfolding process of globalization - is the objective of our program.
Global and International Studies, and Global Leadership: AA and AA-T Degree Requirements
We offer a Global and International Studies Associate Degree (AA), and a Global Studies Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T). Furthermore, in collaboration with the Department of Communication, we offer a Global Leadership Associate Degree (AA), and a Global Leadership Certificate. Major requirements for transfer vary depending upon the college or university a student wishes to attend. Therefore, it is most important for a student to consult with his/her counselor and departmental adviser before planning an academic program for transfer. Information on majors and transfer requirements is available in the Counseling Center and Transfer Center.
Global and International Studies, and Global Leadership: Planning a Program of Study
For the Global and International Studies Associate Degree (AA), and the Global Studies Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T), students should begin their study of Global Studies by taking GLST 101 Introduction to Global Studies, and GLST 102 Global Problems (in either order). Students should also enroll in POLS 121 International Politics or POLS 121H International Politics, Honors, and/or POLS 131 Comparative Politics. Additional elective courses from various disciplines should be chosen after consultation with an academic counselor to meet degree and transfer goals. The course in international governance, POLS 122 International Organizations: Global and Regional Governance is a good choice, but there are many courses from which to choose.
For the Global Leadership Associate Degree (AA), and the Global Leadership Certificate, students should enroll in GLST 101 Introduction to Global Studies and in GLST 102 Global Problems (in either order), as well as choose two Communication courses from the following: COMM 121 Interpersonal Communication, COMM 121H Interpersonal Communication, Honors, COMM 122 Mediated Interpersonal Communication, COMM 142 Leadership in a Global Society, or COMM 151 Intercultural Communication. Additional elective courses from various disciplines should be chosen after consultation with an academic counselor to meet degree and transfer goals.
Global and International Studies, and Global Leadership: Preparation for Transfer
A number of colleges and universities have transfer programs in Global and International Studies and/or International Studies, or International Relations. Course requirements for transfer vary depending upon the college or university a student wishes to attend. Therefore, it is most important for a student to consult with a counselor and departmental adviser before planning an academic program for transfer. Information sheets for majors, outlining transfer requirements, are available in the Counseling and Transfer Centers.
Global and International Studies: Honors and Awards
Each year, the faculty selects one outstanding student as the "Global and International Studies Student of the Year" on the basis of academic performance and contribution to our program. In addition, each Spring Semester, the Global Studies Program awards the “Peter O. Haslund Global Studies Scholarship”, a scholarship made possible by a generous donation by Mrs. Margareta Jamner in honor of the founder of the Global Studies Program at SBCC, Dr. Peter Haslund is given on the basis of both academic promise and financial need. This scholarship is administered by the SBCC Foundation. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.
Law and Society: Program Description
The Law and Society program examines the complex relationship between law and the social world. It explores how law shapes society and how societal factors, in turn, influence the development and application of law. This interdisciplinary field draws from various disciplines, such as Political Science, Philosophy, Sociology, Economics, Justice Studies, Psychology, and others, to analyze the interaction between legal systems and social institutions.
While the program is of special interest to students who plan careers in government service or law, many of the majors simply share a desire to understand the role of law in society. Some of the questions students will encounter in courses in this program include: Do all societies have law? Why do legal systems develop? What purposes are served by the law? Why do different societies develop different types of law? How are legal resources distributed within societies? How does one determine if a law is constitutional? How does one know if a law is just? While these are only examples of the issues addressed by the program, they do suggest the breadth of the concerns involved.
Career choices include legal practice, federal, state and local government service, urban planning, court management, probation, counseling. This major with a BA Degree can lead to advanced degree programs in judicial administration and the social sciences, paraprofessional legal training, and law school.
Law and Society: AA Degree Requirements
We offer an Associate (AA) Degree in Law and Society. An AA Degree in Law and Society can be obtained by satisfying the degree requirements above and the General Education and institutional requirements for the Associate in Arts Degree.
Law and Society: Planning a Program of Study
Check with your academic counselor regarding the degree requirements.
Law and Society: Preparation for Transfer
The Law and Society major is an AA degree, and can be completed in addition to a transfer degree, for example an AA-T in Political Science. Course requirements for transfer vary depending upon the college or university a student wishes to attend. Therefore, it is most important for a student to consult with a counselor and departmental adviser before planning an academic program for transfer. Information on majors and transfer requirements is available in the Counseling Center and Transfer Center.
Law and Society if completed with a Political Science Major: Awards and Honors
Each year, the faculty selects one student as the "Outstanding Student of the Year in Political Science" on the basis of academic performance and contribution to our program. Students also have the opportunity to apply for a number of Political Science scholarships, such as the Jason Davidson scholarship, the John Kay scholarship, and the Manoutchehr Eskandari-Qajar scholarship.
Middle East Studies: Program Description
The Middle East Studies Program/major involves the study of the history, politics, cultures, religions and languages of one of the most complex and critical regions of the world. The Middle East Studies major seeks to understand the question of democratization, political violence, the role of religion, ideology, and the role of tradition and history in shaping the physical and psychological make-up of the region. While the program is of special interest to students who plan careers in government service or business, majoring in Middle East Studies meshes with and complements well other areas of study, such as International Relations, Global Studies, Political Science, History and International Business, to name a few.
Career choices include State Department area specialist, Department of Defense area specialist, Homeland Security area specialist, diplomatic service (national and international), policy adviser, policy analyst, federal, state and local government service and teaching. This major with a B.A. Degree can lead to advanced degree programs in Middle East Studies, International Relations, Comparative Politics and Global Studies.
Middle East Studies: AA Degree Requirements
We offer a Middle East Studies Associate Degree (AA). This degree can be obtained by satisfying the department requirements in Middle East Studies and the General Education and institutional requirements for the Associate in Arts Degree.
Middle East Studies: Planning a Program of Study
As a general rule, students should begin their Middle East Studies Program by taking one of the three core courses required for the major, either ART 216 Survey Of Islamic Art And Architecture, HIST 137 History Of Religions Of The Middle East or HIST 138 History Of The Modern Middle East, or POLS 136 Middle East Government And Politics. Students should continue taking one of the core classes per semester and adding at least one of the additional classes from the list above over the course of two years to complete their 18 required units in the program for the A.A. in Middle East Studies. Students are also encouraged, but not required, to take one of the languages for the program, either Arabic or Hebrew. Students transferring to UCSB’s Middle East Studies Program should complete ART 216 Survey Of Islamic Art And Architecture, HIST 137 History Of Religions Of The Middle East or HIST 138 History Of The Modern Middle East, or POLS 136 Middle East Government And Politics and ARBC 101 Beginning Modern Standard Arabic I sequence at SBCC.
Middle East Studies: Preparation for Transfer
SBCC’s Middle East Studies Program is fully articulated with the UC and CSU systems. Students in the program will have satisfied most if not all lower division requirements for the respective majors at four-year schools, such as UCSB’s Islamic and Near Eastern Studies Program and major. Course requirements for transfer vary depending upon the college or university a student wishes to attend. Therefore, it is most important for a student to consult with a counselor and departmental adviser before planning an academic program for transfer. Information on majors and transfer requirements is available in the Counseling Center and Transfer Center.
Associate Degrees for Transfer
- Economics, Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T)
- Global Studies, Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T)
- Political Science, Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T)
Associate Degrees
- Economics, Associate of Arts (AA)
- Global and International Studies, Associate of Arts (AA)
- Global Leadership, Associate of Arts (AA)
- Law and Society, Associate of Arts (AA)
- Middle East Studies, Associate of Arts (AA)
- Political Science, Associate of Arts (AA)
Certificates of Achievement
Political Science (POLS)
POLS C1000 American Government and Politics (3 Units)
Hours: 54 (54 lecture)
This course is an introduction to government and politics in the United States and California. Students examine the constitutions, structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political behaviors, political issues, and public policy using political science theory and methodology. (Formerly POLS 101 prior to Fall 2025.)
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area B, SBCCGE Area E2, SBCCGE Area 4
Transfer Information: Cal-GETC Area 4, CSUGE Area D8, CSU US-2, CSU US-3, IGETC Area 4H, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
C-ID: POLS 110.
POLS 102 American Government And Politics: Discussion (1 Unit)
Hours: 18 (18 lecture)
Optional course intended to augment student understanding of the political process and related issues as presented in Political Science C1000.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
UC Transfer Limit: No credit for POLS 102 unless taken concurrently or after 101.
POLS 104 American Government: Policy Issues/Process (3 Units)
Hours: 54 (54 lecture)
Study of formulation, enactment and impact of public policy issues in the U.S. and the state of California, including environment, health care, energy, poverty and welfare, defense, criminal justice, education, civil rights and budgets. Emphasis on policy models, processes and issues.
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area B, SBCCGE Area E2, SBCCGE Area 4
Transfer Information: Cal-GETC Area 4, CSUGE Area D8, CSU US-2, CSU US-3, IGETC Area 4H, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
POLS 108 California Government and Politics (2 Units)
Prerequisites: POLS C1000 or
Corequisites: POLS C1000.
Hours: 72 (18 lecture, 54 lab)
Analysis and hands-on experience of the policy process in Sacramento/California, studying and meeting with state and local government entities and all the principals involved in the policy process, from inception to policy implementation. Special Fee: Field Trip fee of $900.00 will cover lodging, meals and incidentals. Scholarships are available.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
POLS 110 Politics, Society And The Mass Media (3 Units)
Hours: 54 (54 lecture)
Examination of the role played by the mass media in contemporary political society. This survey course includes a focus on such topics as national and international propaganda, the evolution of television and campaign advertising, news analysis, television and political information, government regulation and First Amendment controversies.
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area B, SBCCGE Area 4
Transfer Information: Cal-GETC Area 4, CSUGE Area D8, IGETC Area 4H, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
POLS 121 International Politics (3 Units)
Hours: 54 (54 lecture)
Introduction to the field of international politics. Discussion of the history of international politics, including the emergence of nation-states, international organization, and nongovernmental organizations. Use of various international relations theories to analyze war and conflict, diplomacy and cooperation, and foreign policy making.
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area B, SBCCGE Area E5, SBCCGE Area 4
Transfer Information: Cal-GETC Area 4, CSUGE Area D8, IGETC Area 4H, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
UC Transfer Limit: POLS 121 and 121H combined: maximum credit, one course.
C-ID: POLS 140.
POLS 121H International Politics, Honors (4 Units)
Limitations on Enrollment: Acceptance into the Honors Program.
Hours: 72 (72 lecture)
Introduction to the field of international politics. Discussion of the history of international politics, including the emergence of nation-states, international organizations and nongovernmental organizations. Use of various international relations theories to analyze war and conflict, diplomacy and cooperation, and foreign policy making.
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area E5, SBCCGE Area 4
Transfer Information: Cal-GETC Area 4, CSUGE Area D, IGETC Area 4, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
UC Transfer Limit: POLS 121 and 121H combined: maximum credit, one course.
C-ID: POLS 140.
POLS 122 International Organizations: Global and Regional Governance (3 Units)
Hours: 54 (54 lecture)
Focuses on the history and current actions of international organizations, such as the UN and the EU, and their diverse member states. Discussion of a variety of international problems, such as effective governance, war, economic development, environmental problems and human rights. Students participate in an in-class simulation activity.
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area B, SBCCGE Area 4
Transfer Information: Cal-GETC Area 4, CSUGE Area D8, IGETC Area 4H, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
POLS 131 Comparative Politics (3 Units)
Course Advisories: POLS 101 or POLS 121.
Hours: 54 (54 lecture)
Comparative analysis of different kinds of political systems, including their history, political institutions, processes and policies; the environments in which they occur; and their consequences. Comparisons will be made between autocratic and democratic political systems and the political institutions of selected countries, such as Russia, China, Iran, Britain, France and Germany.
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area B, SBCCGE Area E5, SBCCGE Area 4
Transfer Information: Cal-GETC Area 4, CSUGE Area D8, IGETC Area 4H, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
C-ID: POLS 130.
POLS 132 Political Thinking (3 Units)
Course Advisories: POLS C1000.
Hours: 54 (54 lecture)
Exploration of fundamental issues in political theory as interpreted by such thinkers as Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Burke, Rousseau, Marx and others.
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area 3, SBCCGE Area 4
Transfer Information: Cal-GETC Area 3B, Cal-GETC Area 4, CSUGE Area C2, CSUGE Area D8, IGETC Area 3B, IGETC Area 4H, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
C-ID: POLS 120.
POLS 134H Political Violence, Honors (4 Units)
Limitations on Enrollment: Acceptance into the Honors Program.
Hours: 72 (72 lecture)
Interdisciplinary study of origin, causes, dimensions and kinds of political violence, from regicide to terrorism, from revolution to war. Emphasis on theoretical and historical studies of political violence.
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area B, SBCCGE Area E5, SBCCGE Area 4
Transfer Information: Cal-GETC Area 4, CSUGE Area D8, IGETC Area 4H, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
POLS 136 Middle East Government And Politics (3 Units)
Hours: 54 (54 lecture)
Introduction to the comparative study of the governments and politics of Middle Eastern states. Emphasis on the study of the relationships between political development, political organization and social structure and such concepts as tradition, modernity, autocracy, democracy and political transition.
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area B, SBCCGE Area E5, SBCCGE Area 4
Transfer Information: Cal-GETC Area 4, CSUGE Area D8, IGETC Area 4H, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
POLS 151 Law And Society (3 Units)
Hours: 54 (54 lecture)
Study of the American judicial system as a political institution. Courts, judges, lawyers and police will be examined. Emphasis placed on issues involving the criminal justice system.
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area B, SBCCGE Area 4
Transfer Information: Cal-GETC Area 4, CSUGE Area D8, IGETC Area 4H, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
UC Transfer Limit: POLS 151 and 151H combined: maximum credit, one course.
POLS 295 Internship in Political Science (2-4 Units)
Limitations on Enrollment: Completion of two courses in Political Science at SBCC prior to enrolling in an internship course.
Hours: 210 (210 lab)
Internship program in which students gain experience in community organizations related to the discipline.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable
POLS 299 Independent Study in Political Science (1-4 Units)
Limitations on Enrollment: Other: Completion of a minimum of 12 units at SBCC, with a 2.5 GPA, and a minimum of six units, with a 3.0 GPA within the department.
Hours: 192 (192 lab)
Limitations on Enrollment: Completion of a minimum of 12 units at SBCC, with a 2.5 GPA, and a minimum of six units, with a 3.0 GPA within the department. Independent study course that provides an opportunity for students to explore a specific political science topic in depth, while working closely with their professor.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable
Economics (ECON)
ECON C2001 Principles of Microeconomics (3 Units)
Prerequisites: Placement as determined by SBCC's multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of elementary algebra.
Course Advisories: ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000E or ENGL C1000H and Intermediate algebra or equivalent (or higher), or appropriate placement beyond intermediate algebra.
Hours: 54 (54 lecture)
An introductory course using microeconomic models to understand individual decisions by consumers and firms, market outcomes including market failure, elasticity, market structures, labor markets, inequality, and the impact of government policies. (Formerly ECON 101 prior to Fall 2026.)
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area B, SBCCGE Area 4
Transfer Information: Cal-GETC Area 4, CSUGE Area D2, IGETC Area 4B, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
ECON C2001H Principles of Microeconomics - Honors (4 Units)
Prerequisites: Placement as determined by SBCC's multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of elementary algebra.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admission to the Honors program.
Course Advisories: ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000E or ENGL C1000H and MATH 107 Intermediate algebra or equivalent (or higher), or appropriate placement beyond intermediate algebra.
Hours: 72 (72 lecture)
An introductory course using microeconomic models to understand individual decisions by consumers and firms, market outcomes including market failure, elasticity, market structures, labor markets, inequality, and the impact of government policies. (Formerly ECON 101H prior to Fall 2026.)
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area 4
Transfer Information: Cal-GETC Area 4, CSUGE Area D, IGETC Area 4, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
ECON C2002 Principles of Macroeconomics (3 Units)
Prerequisites: Placement as determined by SBCC's multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of elementary algebra.
Course Advisories: ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000E or ENGL C1000H and Intermediate algebra or equivalent (or higher), or appropriate placement beyond intermediate algebra.
Hours: 54 (54 lecture)
An introductory course using models of the domestic and international economy to understand national income, unemployment, inflation, economic growth, inequality, the financial system, and monetary, fiscal, and other economic policies. The course focuses on aggregate economic analysis. Topics include market systems, aggregate measures of economic activity, macroeconomic equilibrium, money and the financial system, the business cycle, monetary and fiscal policy, and economic growth. (Formerly ECON 102 prior to Fall 2026.)
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area B, SBCCGE Area 4
Transfer Information: Cal-GETC Area 4, CSUGE Area D2, IGETC Area 4B, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
ECON C2002H Principles of Macroeconomics - Honors (4 Units)
Prerequisites: Placement as determined by SBCC's multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of elementary algebra.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admission to the Honors Program.
Course Advisories: ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000E or ENGL C1000H and Intermediate algebra or equivalent (or higher), or appropriate placement beyond intermediate algebra.
Hours: 72 (72 lecture)
An introductory course using models of the domestic and international economy to understand national income, unemployment, inflation, economic growth, inequality, the financial system, and monetary, fiscal, and other economic policies. The course uses microeconomic models to understand individual decisions by consumers and firms, market outcomes including market failure, elasticity, market structures, labor markets, inequality, and the impact of government policies. (Formerly ECON 102H prior to Fall 2026.)
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area B, SBCCGE Area 4
Transfer Information: Cal-GETC Area 4, CSUGE Area D, IGETC Area 4, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
ECON 114 Environmental and Natural Resource Economics (3 Units)
Hours: 54 (54 lecture)
An introduction to the economic analysis of environmental quality and natural resource utilization. Topics include market failures, environmental degradation, sustainable resource allocation, conventional and market-based solutions to environmental problems, as well as the evaluation of public policies aimed at addressing such problems.
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area 4
Transfer Information: Cal-GETC Area 4, CSUGE Area D, IGETC Area 4, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
ECON 295 Internship in Economics (2-4 Units)
Limitations on Enrollment: Other: Students must have completed 12 units at SBCC with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Hours: 210 (210 lab)
A minimum of 3 units in Economics are required. Structured internship program in which students gain experience in community organizations related to the discipline.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable
Global Studies (GLST)
GLST 101 Introduction to Global Studies (3 Units)
Hours: 54 (54 lecture)
Introduction to the interdisciplinary field of global studies. Examines the history of globalization, including the role of communication technology, and analyzes various aspects of globalization: economic, political, cultural and ecological. For each, the focus is on the extent of global cooperation, global conflict and growing global interdependence.
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area B, SBCCGE Area E5, SBCCGE Area 4
Transfer Information: Cal-GETC Area 4, CSUGE Area D7, IGETC Area 4G, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
C-ID: GLST 101.
GLST 102 Global Problems (3 Units)
Hours: 54 (54 lecture)
Examines a number of specific problems that the global community faces today, such as global economic inequality and poverty, human rights violations and the status of women, global crime, environmental problems, and global health. Possible approaches for solving these issues are explored, with a focus on global governance.
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area B, SBCCGE Area E5, SBCCGE Area 4
Transfer Information: Cal-GETC Area 4, CSUGE Area D7, IGETC Area 4G, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
C-ID: GLST 102.
GLST 103 Introduction to Global Studies: Discussion (1 Unit)
Corequisites: GLST 101.
Hours: 18 (18 lecture)
Weekly discussion section for students enrolled in GLST 101. Discussion of lecture topics, readings and contemporary events. Development of skills related to the writing of a term paper.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
GLST 105 Global Environmental Politics (3 Units)
Hours: 54 (54 lecture)
Focuses on today's global environmental problems and the policies that address them. Begins with an overview of the state of the global environment, examining major issues such as the loss of biodiversity, the global climate crisis, deforestation, and the pollution of air, water and soil. Considers behavioral and cultural perspectives, such as individuals’ and societies’ attitudes toward the environment and how these have evolved during the time of the environmental movement. Examines the respective role and policy powers of global, regional and domestic institutions that participate in environmental governance. Explores specific examples of successes and challenges of environmental protection.
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area B, SBCCGE Area 4
Transfer Information: Cal-GETC Area 4, CSUGE Area D, CSUGE Area F, IGETC Area 4, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable
GLST 295 Internship In Global Studies (2-4 Units)
Limitations on Enrollment: Completion of two courses (in applicable discipline) prior to enrolling in an Internship course.
Hours: 210 (210 lab)
Internship program in which students gain experience in community organizations related to the discipline.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable
GLST 299 Independent Study In Global Studies (1-4 Units)
Limitations on Enrollment: Complete 12 units at SBCC with a GPA of 2.5 and a minimum of 6 units with a GPA of 3.0 in Global Studies.
Hours: 192 (192 lab)
Independent study course providing an opportunity for students to explore a specific Global Studies topic in depth, while working closely with their Professor.
Transfer Information: CSU Transferable