2026-2028 Catalog
How to Read Course Descriptions

GMA Courses

GMA 1100 International Relations (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 4B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area D2

The nature of the changing relations between nation-states and with non-state actors including the functioning of the international system - the interaction and challenges of forces, factors and interests, customs, rules, norms, and institutions. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Area 4B (GE Area D2 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 100 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 1105 Ocean Politics (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 4B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area D2

Economic, security and environmental aspects of the world's oceans, focused on the international dimensions of the ocean as a global resource and its governance through conflict and/or cooperation. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Area 4B (GE Area D2 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 105 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 1110 First Year Seminar (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F

Introduce cadets to the campus community and to prepare them for academic, personal, and professional success through fostering a sense of belonging. Academic strategies and campus resources, to help navigate campus and department norms and expectations, engage in meaningful dialogue, and provide opportunities for self-reflection. 1 lecture. Formerly GMA 110 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 1115 Introduction to Security Studies (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F

Theoretical foundations and key concepts in security studies as well as an assessment of the main institutions and key contemporary challenges in global security. 3 lectures. Formerly GMA 115 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 2205 Introduction to Public Policy (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD

Introduction to the public policy process in the United States. Understanding of what political and public policy mean. Consider why problems reach the public agenda, why solutions are adopted and others rejected, and why policies appear to succeed while others appear to fail. Examine policy making at the national level, as well as the international, state, and local levels. 3 lectures. Formerly GMA 205 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 2215 Comparative Politics (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 4B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area D2

Introduction to important themes of comparative political analysis, in order to identify and explain differences in political systems and political life across different states and regions of the world. Fundamental elements of modern political systems: state, nation, market, civil society, democracy, and authoritarianism. Attention to interactions between these elements - for example, between states and markets, or between civil society and authoritarian regimes. Role of institutions, such as political parties and constitutional structures, in shaping these interactions. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Area 4B (GE Area D2 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 215 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 2220 Comparative Maritime Politics (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 4B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area D2
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: GMA 105 or GMA 1105; and GMA 215 or GMA 2215.

Overview of the central concepts and approaches of comparative maritime policy and places in a broader world setting by presenting, within an integrated fashion, many of the organizing concepts, findings and theories that structure and define the discipline. Conduct of maritime politics in a variety of different countries. Basic concepts, theories and general patterns that explain maritime political behavior and political outcomes both within and across the broad system types. Emphasize many current maritime issues, events, and problems in our world today and try to gain some theoretical perspective on them. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Area 4B (GE Area D2 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 220 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 2225 Southeast Asia-Maritime Mainland (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 4B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area D2

Historical-political development, contemporary conflicts, maritime disputes, and global connections between Vietnam. Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, and The Philippines. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Area 4B (GE Area D2 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 225 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 2230 United States Maritime Policy (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP

Introduction to United States maritime policy. Examine the process through which United States maritime policy is formulated and analyzes its domestic and international implications. Current issues facing the U. S. maritime community with special attention to port issues and security policies. Structured by two fundamental components: historic evolution of U. S. maritime policy and the analysis of contemporary policy. Critically think about U. S. maritime policy both past and present and offer new ideas that create an encouraging future. 3 lectures. Formerly GMA 230 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 2235 GIS Mapping and Spatial Analysis (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 4B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area D2

Geographic information system (GIS) uses software to visualize, question, analyze, and interpret data to understand relationships, patterns, and trends in geopolitics, transportation, logistics, communication, marine spatial planning, ocean and coastal science. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Area 4B (GE Area D2 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 235 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 2240 World Geography (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 4B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area D2

Systematic study of global regions, including natural environments, demographics, cultures, politics, and livelihoods. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Area 4B (GE Area D2 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 240 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 2250 Environmental Policy (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 4B
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area D2

The history of ideas that formulate how we understand nature and the processes through which environmental policy is generated, and environmental decision-making in context of ethical thinking and public ocean literacy. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Area 4B (GE Area D2 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 250 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 2255 Strategic Policy Leadership (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: EGL 100 or EGL 1100; and EGL 220 or EGL 2220.

Policy-making process and the skills to strategically influence outcomes. Design and assess policies while honing their ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. Emphasizes leadership development, ethical considerations in policy decisions, and collaborative problem-solving, fostering both personal and professional growth. 3 lectures. Formerly GMA 255 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3300 U.S. Foreign Policy (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing; and GOV 200 or GOV 2200.

Examines the manner in which U.S. foreign policy is made and analyzes the implications of this policy-making process; with an emphasis on current issues in US foreign and international maritime policies. Focuses on the goals and inputs of US foreign policy to understand how international, domestic, and individual constraints affect the policy process and outcomes. Think creatively about the choices available to political leaders and why, in the face of alternatives, a particular course of action or policy tends to be selected. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 300 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3310 The Geopolitics of Energy (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

Explore the history of oil exploration, the policies that have informed national and international attention to energy procurement (or acquisition), and the geopolitics that have accompanied the development of the world's oil industry. Oil has been the most important natural resource of the twentieth century. Its price and availability determine the macroeconomic health and stability of economies; access to it determines the foreign policies of many nations; and nations have been willing to go to war to secure its guaranteed access. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs).
GMA 3315 China and its Neighbors (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Historical and contemporary relationships between China, Japan, and the Korean Peninsula as context for understanding current issues and events. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 315 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3320 Ocean Environmental Management (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Major ocean environmental problems and the various solutions to resolving them through science and public policy, with special attention to the role of the media. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 320 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3325 Indian Ocean Rim (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Countries of the Indian Ocean Rim and the island states within it. Strategic straits and chokepoints, the "blue economy", competition between the great and rising powers, maritime security, and piracy. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 325 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3330 Maritime Security (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

Main threats and challenges in the global maritime domain, specifically those that affect the security and prosperity of nation-states and the health of the oceans. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 330 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3335 Maritime California (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Maritime issues and infrastructure of California, including its ports, interconnected waterway system, state maritime institutions, coastal zone management and marine environmental issues. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 335 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3340 International Migration (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

Why people migrate, where human populations migrate to and from, the economic, political, and social implication. Migration theory applied to historical and modern day migration events, mass migration movements and their effects. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 340 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3345 Asian Security (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

Survey contemporary Asian regional and national security. Examine how dangerous disputes in the region are, what the elements of regional security are, which countries' actions should be treated as threats to security, and what forms of cooperation best safeguard security. Military and strategic concerns are addressed, with emphasis on the generally neglected areas of human, environmental and resource security, and issues of sustainable development and social justice. Designed primarily for GSMA majors and minors with a strong interest in international politics. 3 lectures. Formerly GMA 345 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3350 Political Geography (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: One of the following: GMA 100, GMA 1100, GMA 215, or GMA 2215.

Concepts of geopolitical power and territoriality, including airborne, space-based, and wateborne possession and acquisition, as expressed through identities, regions, and states. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 350 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3355 Cross-Cultural Competence (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Develop cross cultural skills to navigate differences in worldview, religion, language, ethnicity, family structure, cuisine, and music. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 355 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3360 Globalization (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

Overview of theories and issues in contemporary international political economy. How the global economic system bears on the power of the state, along with the strategies states develop to deal with an international economy increasingly beyond their individual control. International economic system since the Great Depression, as well as the theories claiming to account for this development. Current issues and challenges dealing with the process of globalization, including: 1) global economic integration and new patterns of economic interaction, including the region state, the virtual state, and the world city; and 2) the globalization and computerization of financial markets. Regional issues in the context of globalization: specifically, the challenges the Euro, Russia, China, and Third World nations present to the existing global order. Environmental degradation in the context of globalization. Future of capitalism. 3 lectures. Formerly GMA 360 at Cal Martime.
GMA 3365 Polar Politics (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Political, social, economic, and environmental issues in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, focusing particularly on implications of climate change, new trade routes, strategic competition and environmental security. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 365 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3370 International Political Economy (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 2/5
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area B
Prerequisite: One of the following: EGL 100, EGL 1100, EGL 102, or EGL 1102; EGL 110 or EGL 1110; EGL 220 or EGL 2220; and MTH 107 or MTH 1107.

Introduction to the social scientific study of International Political Economy (IPE) that surveys the evolution of the international economic system and utilizes game theory and statistical analysis to analyze contemporary debates and issues in the discipline. Includes international trade, globalization, economic development, the international monetary system, financial crises, trade and the environment, and international economic institutions. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Areas Upper-Division 2 or Upper-Division 5 (GE Area Upper-Division B for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 370 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3375 Research Methods (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Overview of the types of contemporary research methods in the social sciences. Design one's own research projects and inform consumers of contemporary research that uses these methods. 3 lectures. Formerly GMA 375 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3380 Model United Nations (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: One of the following: EGL 100, EGL 1100, EGL 102, or EGL 1102.

Overview of the United Nations as an international organization and a chance to participate in and contribute to in-depth simulations on international diplomacy and global issues. 3 lectures. Formerly GMA 380 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3390 Independent Study (1-3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Substantial study above and beyond the regular offerings in the catalog, by instructor agreement and permission. Approved Application for Independent Student must be filed by the end of the normal add period. Formerly GMA 390 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 3395 Special Topics (1-3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Various topics concerning security, strategy, policy, law, environment, or global society. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. 1 to 3 lectures. Formerly GMA 395 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 4405 International Maritime Organizations (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

Maritime governance through international regimes such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Impact of such regimes on the U.S. maritime sector of the economy. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 405 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 4415 Strategy and War (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Global overview of the processes and mechanisms from war to diplomacy that political actors have historically employed and currently use to achieve their strategic objectives. Studies how actors use different means to achieve political goals, with a particular focus on strategic planning and strategic interactions between actors. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 415 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 4420 Cybersecurity (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Explores emerging cyber threats from a policy perspective, placing these threats in the greater context of cybersecurity and cyberwar in general. Questions addressed include the range of types of cyberattacks, specific threat actors who utilize cyberattacks, influential past cyberattacks, and how institutions like maritime industry can prevent cyberattacks. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 420 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 4425 Civil Conflict (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Introduction to the theoretical and empirical study of civil conflict that examines why civil conflicts begin and how civil conflicts are resolved. Survey broader theoretical approaches to studying civil conflicts as well as discuss specific cases of civil conflict. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly GMA 425 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 4460 Senior Thesis (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Formulating a research question, selecting methodology and sources, writing outlines and sequential drafts. culminates in a final 40-page thesis at the end of the semester, with in-class presentations of work at appropriate intervals. 3 lectures. Formerly GMA 460 at Cal Maritime.
GMA 4460L Senior Thesis Research Laboratory (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Corequisite: GMA 460 or GMA 4460.

Senior thesis research laboratory will provide hands-on instruction and practice in research methods for Global Studies, in support of completion of the GSMA Senior Thesis. 1 laboratory. Formerly GMA 460L at Cal Maritime.
GMA 4461 Senior Qualifying Exams (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Senior standing.

Part of a two-semester sequence which involves comprehensive written and oral examinations in key focus areas of the GSMA major. In team learning communities, Explore the interrelationships between the substantive sub-fields and basic concepts in team learning communities. Focus on two specific objectives: prepare for comprehensive written exams based on advanced readings in selected topic areas; and prepare for intensive oral examinations in those topics. Directed reading, discipline-specific research, and mock responses. May be taken before or after GMA 4460; both are required for graduation. 3 lectures. Formerly GMA 461 at Cal Maritime.