COURSE CURRICULUM

The Global Studies major at Cal Lutheran requires a minimum of 36 credits, including at least 24 upper-division credits. The program is structured to provide a well-rounded, interdisciplinary perspective on global issues, focusing on themes of culture and identity, governance and civil society, and global economic development. Students must begin by selecting one introductory course from options such as Global Studies 101, Contemporary Global Issues, or Introduction to Ethnic and Race Studies. They then choose a second foundational course from International Relations, Immigration in the Global Age, or Race and the City in Film. These foundational courses may not fulfill more than one program requirement.Students complete at least 20 credits of electives, selecting courses from at least three different departments, with some focused on non-Western content. Elective themes include Global Culture and Identity, Global Governance and Civil Society, and Global Economy, Development, and Resources. The program culminates in a 4-credit capstone experience through the Global Studies Seminar, Honors Cityscapes course, or Ethnographic Methods.In addition to coursework, students must demonstrate foreign language proficiency equivalent to the 202 level, which may be fulfilled through placement testing but will only count for credit if a course is completed. A key component of the program is experiential learning; all students are required to participate in an approved global experience such as study abroad or an internship. While no credit is awarded unless a course is tied to the experience, study abroad is highly recommended. This combination of academic rigor, thematic focus, and real-world engagement prepares students to become informed, ethical leaders in an increasingly interconnected world.