General Studies: Intercultural Studies Emphasis, Associate in Arts

This degree provides an opportunity for students to earn an Associate in Arts (AA) degree in a comprehensive area of study and is intended for the student who is not currently preparing to transfer to a university. A minimum of 60 semester units must be completed with an overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better in all degree-applicable units. Only courses numbered 1-299 may be applied toward this associate degree. Courses in Intercultural Studies increase students’ understanding of and appreciation for cultures and groups of people within the United States, including people within one’s own group and those who are in a different cultural group. History, customs, methods of communication, artistic representations and traditions are explored in these courses that address theoretical and analytical issues relevant to understanding race, culture, gender and ethnicity in American history and society. Each course is an integrated and comparative study of at least three of the following: African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans, Chicano/Latino Americans, and European Americans.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Form a provable thesis, develop it through factual research, distinguish between fact and opinion, and make effective rhetorical choices in relation to audience and purpose.
  • Analyze and evaluate complex issues or problems, draw reasoned conclusions and/or generate solutions, and effectively communicate their results.
  • Analyze and interpret human thought, achievement, and expression relevant to such branches of knowledge as philosophy, literature, and/or the fine and performing arts, and to communicate the results.
  • Critically examine and comprehend human nature and behavior, social traditions, and institutions.
  • Examine interactions and interconnections across cultures.

Associate in Arts Degree Major Requirements

Required Core
Select 18 units from at least two disciplines of the following:18
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Native Peoples of North America
Gender in Global Perspective
Managing Diversity and Inclusion
Teaching in a Diverse Society
Survey of American Literature I
Survey of American Literature II
Mexican-American and Chicano Art
African-American Arts and Music
Ethnic Images in Film
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
Introduction to Race and Ethnicity
Sociology of Latinos and Latinas
African-Americans in American Politics
Latinos in American Politics
Native Peoples of North America
Asian Pacific Americans in American Society
Chicano History 1848 to Present
African Americans in U.S. History to 1877
African Americans in U.S. History 1865 to Present
Introduction to Gender and Women’s Studies
Gender and Violence
Gender, Sexuality, and Popular Culture
Women of Color in the U.S.
Introduction to LGBTQ+ Studies
Women in United States History
Introduction to LGBTQ Global Literatures
Gender in Global Perspective
Introduction to Feminist Theory
History of World Religions
Modern Latin America
History of California
Chicano History 1848 to Present
African Americans in U.S. History to 1877
African Americans in U.S. History 1865 to Present
Humanities in Multicultural America
Introduction to Feminist Theory
Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology
Introduction to Language and Gender
Introduction to Language and Society
Introduction to Dialects from Here and There
Introduction to World Religions
Introduction to Feminist Theory
Introduction to Race and Ethnicity
Sociology of Latinos and Latinas
Asian Pacific Americans in American Society
Elementary Spanish for Spanish Speakers I
Elementary Spanish for Spanish Speakers II
Intermediate Spanish for Spanish Speakers I
Intermediate Spanish for Spanish Speakers II
Literature of the Spanish-Speaking World
Spanish Through Film
Spanish Composition and Conversation
Intercultural Communication
Intercultural Drama
TOTAL MAJOR UNITS18
Additional Requirements42
Complete Competency Requirements, general education pattern (MPC General Education, CSU General Education, or IGETC), and electives, if needed, for a total of 60 degree-applicable units.
Total Units60

Please refer to the graduation requirements section of the Catalog for information about degree and certificate requirements including Reading and Writing, Mathematics, Information Competency, and General Education requirements.