A.A. in Social Sciences
The degree in social sciences is concerned with providing a broad understanding of the social, cultural, and intellectual world in which we live. Social science students have diverse interest in human problems and seek a liberal education in a broad spectrum of understandings, insights, and appreciations.
The emphases in this degree are multidisciplinary in nature and seek to provide an understanding of the interrelationships and varied methodologies of its subject areas.
Students will study about themselves and others as members of a larger society. Topics of discussion will stimulate critical thinking about ways people have acted in response to their societies and will allow students to evaluate how societies and social subgroups operate.
The specific emphases in this degree prepare students to transfer to UC and CSU as well as private and out-of-state 4-year schools in variety of disciplines, including geography, gender studies, Latino and Chicano studies, and international relations.
PLEASE NOTE: The courses that universities and colleges require for transfer vary. When selecting courses for transfer purposes, students should consult with a counselor to determine the particular transfer requirements of specific transfer institutions
A.A. Degree Level Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing the Social Sciences A.A. Degree will:
- Demonstrate understanding of social science issues and vocabulary.
- Demonstrate analytic thinking by comparing and applying social science theories and concepts to human culture, economics, history, or political questions.
- Develop an understanding of cultural, social, economic, historical, and/or political views different from one’s own.
Some courses numbered “1000” or “1001” are temporarily showing in the catalog without a “C” in front of the number. Please use the official course number of “C1000” or “C1001” when searching the class schedule.
Students receiving this degree must meet the following requirements:
- Complete the District General Education Pattern or Cal-GETC.
If transferring to a CSU or UC students are strongly recommended to complete the Cal-GETC General Education Pattern. Students looking to transfer to an out of state or private college should consult with a counselor for the appropriate GE pattern selection. - Complete with a “C” or better each course as specified by the major.
- Maintain an overall GPA of a 2.0 or better in all degree applicable coursework.
- Meet the local area requirement of Kinesiology/Dance/Counseling.
- Meet the 12-unit residency requirement.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Select one (1) of the following History courses: | ||
| History of the United States before 1877 | 3 | |
or HIST 107H | History of the United States before 1877 - Honors | |
| History of the United States since 1877 | 3 | |
or HIST 108H | History of the United States since 1877 - Honors | |
| Select one (1) of the following Political Science courses: | ||
| American Government and Politics | 3 | |
or POLS 1000H | American Government and Politics - Honors | |
| Select one (1) of the following additional core courses: | ||
| Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3 | |
or ANTH 210H | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology - Honors | |
| Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
or PSYC 1000H | Introduction to Psychology - Honors | |
| Introduction to Sociology | 3 | |
or SOC 201H | Introduction to Sociology - Honors | |
| Areas of Emphasis (select one) | ||
| Select one of the following areas of emphasis - Chicano and Latino Studies, Gender Studies, Geography, or International Relations - and complete all required courses and electives within that area. | ||
| 1) Emphasis in Chicano and Latino Studies | ||
| Chicano and Latino Studies offers an interdisciplinary and comparative approach to understanding the historical experiences, contemporary social status, challenges, and accomplishments of Mexican, Mexican American, and Latino populations in the United States. | ||
| Required course: | ||
| Introduction to Chicano/Latino Studies | 3 | |
| Select two (2) of the following courses: | ||
| American Latino Literature | 3 | |
| Introduction to Ethnic Studies | 3 | |
or ETHN 101H | Introduction to Ethnic Studies - Honors | |
| Latin American Culture and Civilization | 3 | |
or SPAN 130 | Latin American Culture and Civilization | |
| History of Latin America to 1825 | 3 | |
| History of Modern Latin America | 3 | |
| History of Mexico | 3 | |
| Race and Ethnicity | 3 | |
| May include one of the following: | ||
| Spanish III | 5 | |
| Spanish IV | 5 | |
| Intermediate Spanish for Spanish Speakers I | 5 | |
| Intermediate Spanish for Spanish Speakers II | 5 | |
| 2) Emphasis in Gender Studies | ||
| Gender studies is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the role of gender in society and culture. | ||
| Required course: | ||
| Introduction to Gender | 3 | |
| Select two (2) of the following courses: | ||
| Sex and Gender in Cross Cultural Perspectives | 3 | |
or ANTH 216H | Sex and Gender in a Cross Cultural Perspective - Honors | |
| Introduction to Public Speaking | 3 | |
or COMM 1000H | Introduction to Public Speaking - Honors | |
| Introduction to World Literature: 1600's through Twentieth Century | 3 | |
| Introduction to Women's Literature | 3 | |
| Introduction to Ethnic Studies | 3 | |
or ETHN 101H | Introduction to Ethnic Studies - Honors | |
or SOC 118 | Race and Ethnicity | |
| Cultural Geography | 3 | |
| Great Religions of the World | 3 | |
| Introduction to Philosophy | 3 | |
or PHIL 106H | Introduction to Philosophy - Honors | |
| Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
or PSYC 1000H | Introduction to Psychology - Honors | |
| Psychology of Women | 3 | |
| Argumentation and Debate | 3 | |
| Introduction to Theatre Arts | 3 | |
or THEA 101H | Introduction to Theatre Arts - Honors | |
| 3) Emphasis in Geography | ||
| Geography is an interdisciplinary study focusing on the spatial relations of physical, cultural and economic systems of our world. | ||
| Required courses: | ||
| Cultural Geography | 3 | |
| Physical Geography | 3 | |
| Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | 4 | |
| 4) Emphasis in International Relations | ||
| The international relations program provides an interdisciplinary integrated approach to an understanding of society and events, preparing the student for a variety of perspectives in a rapidly changing world. | ||
| Required courses: | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 | |
or ECON 101H | Principles of Macroeconomics - Honors | |
| International Relations | 3 | |
| Select two (2) of the following courses: | ||
| Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3 | |
or ANTH 210H | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology - Honors | |
| Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology | 3 | |
| Anthropology of Religion, Magic, and Witchcraft | 3 | |
| Principles of Microeconomics | 3 | |
| Introduction to Ethnic Studies | 3 | |
or ETHN 101H | Introduction to Ethnic Studies - Honors | |
| Introduction to Chicano/Latino Studies | 3 | |
| Cultural Geography | 3 | |
| History of World Civilization up to 1500 C.E. | 3 | |
or HIST 103H | History of World Civilization up to 1500 C.E./Honors | |
| History of World Civilization since 1500 | 3 | |
or HIST 104H | History of World Civilization since 1500 - Honors | |
| The World in Conflict - The 20th Century, a History | 3 | |
| Great Religions of the World | 3 | |
| Comparative Politics | 3 | |
| Total Units | 18-21 | |
Career Opportunities
There are a variety of careers you can do with this major.
To explore more about this major, schedule an appointment with a career counselor.