<p>I'm really confused. This is the letter I got from my Global Studies advisor:</p>
<p>" You will need to take both Global 1 and 2 at UCSB. Most of the transfer students are taking them both together in the fall. I will have approval codes for you to add those courses once we meet later in Sept. </p>
<p>You could look for other classes to take but it's hard because many classes are full or are blocked for other majors or with pre-requisites. </p>
<p>If you can find ANY upper division class (numbered 100-200) at UCSB, that would help you graduate. You will need at least six upper division classes that are not for your major so you can start this fall...... </p>
<p>See if you can register for ANYTHING when you get access early in Sept. "</p>
<p>Now what is she saying? I can't take classes for my major until these six non-major classes are done? Or this fall I can't take any major classes? I don't really understand. I'm definitely taking Global 1 and 2 for fall, but Isn't 6 classes a lot of credits? That's 24 credits. Could someone please help me understand this letter?</p>
<p>Ah… it’s a little confusing if you’re not familiar with the upper-division course requirement.</p>
<p>You need to take at least 60 units worth of upper-division classes to get your degree (in addition to your GEs and having 180 total units). Looking at the Global Studies major [url=<a href=“http://www.registrar.ucsb.edu/majors/0910-versions/Global%20Studies%20BA%202009.pdf]worksheet[/url”>http://www.registrar.ucsb.edu/majors/0910-versions/Global%20Studies%20BA%202009.pdf]worksheet[/url</a>], it requires only 36 upper-division units, leaving you to choose how you’ll get the other 24 units on your own. 24 units divided by 4 units (per class) gives you 6 classes.</p>
<p>Six classes… that’d be insane.</p>
<p>Are the other classes you are taking lower division classes? That might explain why you need to get more upper division ones.</p>
<p>So I have to take 6 upper division classes this fall? I understand that the 60 units is throughout the 2 years.</p>
<p>I missed my first pass time, and my 2nd pass time was an hour ago, and EVERYTHING was full. I was only able to add 12.5 credits worth (4 classes), 3 that are upper-division and an exercise class. If my advisor adds the global 1 and 2, that’s 6 classes (20.5) credits. And those 2 Global classes are lower division right?</p>
<p>I’m not sure exactly what she wants and what i’m allowed to do. Does she want me to take the 6 non-major upper-divisions during the fall because 6 four-credit classes is a lot. I wanted to take some writing classes but it’s all lower-division. She’s making it seem like I can’t take anything for my major until i get these 6 classes out the way this fall.</p>
<p>In short - no, you don’t. Reading it over, I realize I didn’t really tell you what to do. I only meant that you’re going to have to get all those upper-division units by the time you intend to graduate, like you just said.</p>
<p>Four classes would be a normal amount. If they fulfill requirements for you, then they’re worth taking. As long as it fits into your plan to graduate on time (which you can make based off planned course offerings).</p>
<p>And anyway, you’re going to have to take a lower division course or two to be able to even take some of the upper division courses that are available (for example, you’d need to take PHIL 3 to take PHIL 100A/B/etc.).</p>
<p>This part: “If you can find ANY upper division class (numbered 100-200) at UCSB, that would help you graduate. You will need at least six upper division classes that are not for your major so you can start this fall…” was just worded weird.
What it’s saying is that you need at least six upper division classes that aren’t for your major, TOTAL… the “so” means the same as “therefore”.
In short, here’s it translated: "You need blankity blank classes blah blah, therefore, you may start getting those dine this fall by taking Global 1 and 2.</p>