General Studies: Social Science 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. It is intended for the student who may not be currently transferring 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.

Social Science courses provide theory and instruction on the role of institutions, groups and individuals in society. These courses focus on the interaction of social, historic, economic, political, geographic, linguistic, religious, and/or cultural factors, with emphasis on the ways humans understand the complex nature of their existence. Courses emphasize the understanding of human and societal development within the context of issues which could divide people and culture (e.g., racism, colonialism, geopolitical issues and economic inequities) and the complex relationships between culture, individual development and historical context. Courses include discussion of skills and practices used by the social sciences: data collection, hypothesis development and testing, and critical evaluation of evidence.

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 Administration of Justice
Introduction to Biological Anthropology
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Introduction to Archaeology and Prehistory
Primate Behavioral Ecology
Native American and Indigenous Peoples of the United States
Gender in Global Perspective
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Mass Media Methods
Introduction to Nonverbal Communication
Child Growth and Development
Child, Family, and Community
Teaching in a Diverse Society
The American Economic System
Principles of Economics: Macro
Principles of Economics: Micro
Introduction to Teaching and Education
Education Service Learning Lab
Critical Thinking and Public Education
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
American Government and African American Politics
Chicanos in American Politics
Native American and Indigenous Peoples of the United States
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders 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
Prehistory and Earliest Civilizations (To 1200 B.C.)
Foundations of the Classical World (1200-500 B.C.)
The Golden Age of Greece (500-300 B.C.)
The Medieval World: Part I (400-1100)
The Medieval World: Part II (1100-1350)
The Early Renaissance (1350-1520)
Late Renaissance and Reformation (1520-1600)
Foundations of the Modern World (1600-1690)
The Age of Reason (1690-1775)
Reaction and Revolution (1775-1815)
The Age of Progress (1815-1870)
The End of Innocence (1870-1918)
Between the Wars (1918-1945)
World War II to the Present (1945-Present)
Medieval and Renaissance Europe (400-1520)
The Age of Revolution (1690-1870)
The Modern World (1870-Present)
Introduction to Physical Geography
Introduction to Human Geography
World Regional Geography
Introduction to Global Studies
Global Issues
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
Sports and Social Justice
Gender in American Politics
Women in United States History
Introduction to LGBTQ Global Literatures
Gender in Global Perspective
Introduction to Feminist Theory
Western Civilization I
Western Civilization II
History of World Religions
World History to 1500
World History Since 1500
Modern Latin America
Women in United States History
History of California
United States History to 1877
United States History from 1865
History of Mexico
Chicano History 1848 to Present
African Americans in U.S. History to 1877
African Americans in U.S. History 1865 to Present
Introduction to Feminist Theory
Sport in Society
Psychology of Fitness and Sport Performance
Introduction to Linguistics
Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology
Introduction to Language and Gender
Introduction to the History of the English Language
Introduction to Nonverbal Communication
Introduction to Language and Society
Introduction to the Psychology of Language
Introduction to Discourse Analysis
Introduction to Dialects from Here and There
Introduction to Feminist Theory
Introduction to American Government and Politics
Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics
Introduction to Political Theory and Thought
Introduction to International Relations
Politics of Developing Countries
Introduction to Political Science Research Methods
Gender in American Politics
Politics of Migration and Citizenship
Politics in Film
Introduction to the Politics of Identity
Introduction to Law and Society
General Psychology
Introduction to Social Psychology
Psychology of Women
Introduction to Statistics for the Social Sciences
Introduction to Statistics for the Social Sciences
Lifespan Development
Introduction to Abnormal Psychology
Biological Psychology
Human Sexuality
Health Psychology
Structure and Culture of American Sign Language
Introduction to Sociology
Contemporary Social Problems
Introduction to Social Psychology
Mass Media and Popular Culture
Introduction to Gender and Sexuality
Introduction to Race and Ethnicity
Sociology of Latinos and Latinas
Introduction to Research Methods
Introduction to Crime and Deviance
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in American Society
Sociology of Marriages and Families
Intercultural Communication
Introduction to Communication Theory
The Roman Republic and Rise of Empire (500 BCE - 14 CE)
The Roman Empire (14 - 600 CE)
The Classical World (1200 BCE - 14 CE)
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.