Liberal Arts - Global Studies A.A. Degree
The challenges our graduates face with growing urgency are increasingly defined as global problems: environment and technology, health and disease, conflict and insecurity, poverty and development. Similarly, the goals of democracy, equity, justice, and peace encompass the globe and demand deep understanding from multiple perspectives. The interconnections and interdependencies of global systems require global education.
The Liberal Arts-Global Studies Associate in Arts Degree will equip students with skills to: analyze global trends, their underlying causes and consequences; conduct research in global areas; report findings in written and public presentations; qualify for employment in such fields as humanitarian aid, political/legislative analysis, international business, teaching, and leadership within a context of contemporary complex global challenges, trends and issues.
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Articulate their place in human culture and the global society from a multi-disciplinary perspective acquired through the study of the social sciences, humanities, history, natural sciences, mathematics, arts, and languages.
- Discuss key theoretical models, research studies in globalization, and recent global issues, such as economics, migration, and terrorism.
- Recognize key global cultural, political, and economic developments and alignments since World War II.
- Apply foundational knowledge to analyze international trade policies, global poverty, global terrorism, global health, and environmental issues.
- Create written documents dealing with global issues using APA style that are clear, well-organized, and grammatically accurate.
SEMESTER I
Short Title : English Composition I
Course Code : ENG-121
Department Description : English
Course Description :
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
Prerequisites :
A passing score on the College Placement Test; or a grade of "C" or better in ENG-010 and RDG-011 (RDG-011 can be a co-requisite; or a grade of "C" or better in ESL-097 and ESL-098.
Co requisites :
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : Introduction to Global Studies
Course Code : GLS-121
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description : This course is designed to introduce the student to the concepts and key questions concerning globalization. The objective of this course is to survey multiple disciplinary perspectives on such aspects of globalization as the global economy, politics, transnational migration, global-local connections and the impact of globalization on the entire world. The positive and negative consequences of globalization will be explored. Students will examine such issues as: social justice and the extent to which globalization is a force for economic growth and democratization or a contributor to economic inequality and the suppression of basic human rights.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3.0
- Lab Hours : 0.0
- Studio Hours : 0.0
Short Title : Statistics I
Course Code : MAT-123
Department Description : Mathematics
Course Description :
Familiarizes students with mathematical models that occur in more advanced courses and in the areas of business, science and the social sciences using exploratory data analysis and statistical methods. Topics include descriptive statistics linear regression, probability and probability distribution, confidence intervals, and an introduction to hypothesis testing.
Prerequisites :
MAT-013 or appropriate score on the College placement test
Co requisites :
MAT-090
Corequiste Exemption: Proficiency at the Level of Algebra II
- Credit : 3
Short Title : World History I
Course Code : HIS-131
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description : This course is a survey of world history from the emergence of human settlements to the 15th century c.e. The course emphasizes social, cultural, economic, and political developments on the Asian, American, European, African and Pacific island landmasses. A special emphasis is given to comparing cultures over time and geographic space. The rise and decline of major civilizations, the transition from an agrarian to an urban economy, the role of women, and the origins of globalization are some of the major features discussed.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3.0
- Lab Hours : 0.0
- Studio Hours : 0.0
Short Title : Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Course Code : SPE-121
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : Introduction to the theory and practice of public address; the study of representative public addresses and the preparation and delivery of short speeches.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
OR
Short Title : Discussion and Debate
Course Code : SPE-123
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : The development of clear, logical and effective speech communication is the goal of this basic discussion and debate course. The focus will be on reasoned decision making with the context of a free society. Topics will draw upon social values, personal responsibility and/or ethical behavior. Speech presentations will include large group discussions, panel discussions and debates that emphasize the ability to work in a team environment.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
SEMESTER 2
Short Title : English Composition II
Course Code : ENG-122
Department Description : English
Course Description : Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing argument synthesis essays. Students engage in formal written argumentation based on extensive reading and analysis of complex texts. Through the research process, students will locate, analyze, and synthesize scholarly sources to advance their own informed positions on relevant issues in the composition of a formal research paper.
Prerequisites :
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : World History II
Course Code : HIS-132
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description : This course is a survey of world history from the 15th century c.e. to the present. The course emphasizes social, cultural, economic, and political developments on the Asian, American, European, African and Pacific island landmasses. A special emphasis is given to comparing cultures over time and geographic space. The rise and decline of major empires and states, the transition to a modern political economy, the role of women, the cause and effects of colonialism and imperialism and world wars, and the rise of globalization are some of the major features discussed.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3.0
- Lab Hours : 0.0
- Studio Hours : 0.0
Short Title : GE Mathematics or Science Elective
Course Code : GE MathSci
Department Description : General Education
- Credit : 3
Choose one 3-credit GE Mathematics or Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST). Students may elect to take a 4-credit GE Mathematics or Science Elective in consultation with an academic advisor.
Short Title : Sociology Elective
Course Code : Sociology Elective
Department Description : Sociology Elective
- Credit : 3
Choose a Sociology course (SOC-121, SOC-122, SOC-123 or SOC-131) designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
Short Title : World Geography
Course Code : GLS-131
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description : For many years, the United States has been the global world economic power; both politically and culturally its influence has been felt around the world. More recently other countries are thriving economically, and emerging markets in Brazil, India, Russia, Singapore and Turkey are influencing global economics. Cultural and political events around the world are more than ever interconnected. This course provides students with the opportunity to explore the various regions of the world by focusing on both the spatial distribution of physical factors and the cultural (historical, political and economic) factors that affect countries. This course will also provide students with the knowledge of diverse world patterns-for example, the impacts of increased energy usage around the world and its effect on global warming and climate change, terrorism and globalization.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3.0
- Lab Hours : 0.0
- Studio Hours : 0.0
SEMESTER 3
Short Title : GE Humanities Elective
Course Code : HUM-EL2
Department Description : Humanities
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
OR
Short Title : GE Social Science Elective
Course Code : GE SS
Department Description : GE Social Science Elective
- Credit : 3
Choose courses designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
Short Title : GE - Language Elective
Course Code : LAN-EL1
Department Description : ESL/Languages and Culture
- Credit : 3
Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).
Short Title : GE Humanities Elective
Course Code : HUM-EL2
Department Description : Humanities
- Credit : 3
Short Title : GE Diversity Elective
Course Code : DVR-EL1
Department Description : History and Social Science
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions described as General Education Diversity (GE DIV).
Short Title : GE Laboratory Science Elective
Course Code : Laboratory Science
Department Description : Laboratory Science
- Credit : 4
Choose one 3-credit GE Lab Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST). Students may elect to take a 4-credit GE Lab Science Elective in consultation with an academic advisor.
SEMESTER 4
Short Title : GE - Language Elective
Course Code : LAN-EL1
Department Description : ESL/Languages and Culture
- Credit : 3
Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).
Short Title : Global Terrorism
Course Code : GLS-123
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description : Terrorism as a political tool will be examined through a comprehensive study of international terrorism and the problems confronting the global world as it tries to formulate and implement strategies to combat terrorism. This course will focus on the definition of terrorism within its social contexts and will examine the juxtaposition of terrorists and counter-terrorists as they interact. A section of the course will deal with the psychology of terrorists; explorations of changes in terrorism across the globe will be explored with the focus on Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and other areas. Homeland security options and the future of terrorism will be examined.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3.0
- Lab Hours : 0.0
- Studio Hours : 0.0
Short Title : GE Social Science Elective
Course Code : GE SS
Department Description : GE Social Science Elective
- Credit : 3
Choose courses designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
Short Title : GE Technology Elective
Course Code : GE-MST
Department Description : General Education
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Divisional Elective
Course Code : DIV-EL1
Department Description : Division/Dept Hour
- Credit : 3
Choose one course from the following areas: AFS, ART, ASL, BIO, CHM, CHN, CJU, COM, COR, DAN, EDU, ENG, FRE, GER, GLS, HCS, HED, HIN, HIS, JOU, ITA, LNC, MAT, MUS, PED, PHI, PHY, POL, POS, PSY, SCI, SOC, SPA, SPE, SSD and THE. HED-150 or HED-200 recommended.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Program will be able to:
- Articulate their place in human culture and the global society from a multidisciplinary perspective acquired through the study of the social sciences, humanities, history, natural sciences, mathematics, arts, and languages.
- Discuss key theoretical models, research studies in globalization, and recent global issues, such as economics, migration, and terrorism.
- Recognize key global cultural, political, and economic developments and alignments since World War II.
- Apply foundational knowledge to analyze international trade policies, global poverty, global terrorism, global health & environmental issues.
- Create written documents dealing with global issues using APA style that are clear, well-organized, and grammatically accurate.
Contact Information
Contact Name: Timothy Hack, department chair
Contact Phone: 732.906.2590
Contact Email: HSS@middlesexcc.edu
Department Web: https://www.middlesexcc.edu/history-social-science/
Frequently Asked Questions
Why study the Liberal Arts?
A Liberal Arts education is a broad-based program of study that exposes students to the Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology. The study of the Liberal Arts empowers students for success in transfer and a career in the diverse, ever-changing 21st century workplace. A Liberal Arts education equips students with invaluable employability skills including the ability to analyze and construct arguments, think critically, communicate effectively, and appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives. The cross-cultural knowledge, problem solving, and research and information literacy skills prepare students for civic engagement, life-long learning, and professional success.
Are there any requirements that must be satisfied before taking courses in the major?
Algebra I is a prerequisite for all majors. Competency in Algebra I may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test or by completion of the appropriate course. Students must also have a grade of “C” or better in one year of high school laboratory science.
How long will it take to complete this degree?
Once students complete required developmental coursework (if any), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. Students may shorten the amount of degree completion time by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.
Transfer Information
Our students transfer to 4-year colleges and universities around the globe. We’ve had students transfer to every state, including Alaska and Hawaii.
The Statewide Transfer Agreement for New Jersey ensures that students who earn an A.A. or A.S. degree at a community college will have those credits fully transferable to a New Jersey public four-year institution, will have completed half of the credits required for a basic four-year degree and will have completed all lower division general education requirements. In addition, articulation agreements are being worked out with institutions granting baccalaureate degrees to facilitate the transfer process. Students should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.
Are you interested in transferring to a school in New Jersey? You can use the tools at NJTransfer.org to see which of your MCC courses will transfer to a specific college.