Degree Requirements and Courses
Learn more about certificate and degree requirements, course content, recommended sequence, and schedule.
General Studies: Social Sciences AS Degree
General Studies – 18 Unit Emphasis | SC Program: AS.1516
This emphasis allows students to explore the social and behavioral sciences as a foundation for lifelong learning, or as introduction to the related fields of anthropology, psychology, sociology, economics, geography, history, and political science.
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Map your education by viewing the program map for the degree or certificate you’re interested in earning below. Meet with a counselor to create your official comprehensive education plan.
A program map shows all the required and recommended courses you need to graduate and a suggested order in which you should take them. The suggested sequence of courses is based on enrollment and includes all major and general education courses required for the degree.
Fall Semester, First Year
16 Units TotalENGL 1A
GE
4
College Composition
ENGL 1A
Note: For students who would benefit from further instruction and individual support while taking their first college-transfer level English course, ENGL 1AX is a recommended alternative to ENGL 1A.
This course develops the reading, critical thinking, and writing skills necessary for academic success, emphasizing expository and argumentative writing as well as research and documentation skills. As a transferable course, it presupposes that students already have a substantial grasp of grammar, syntax, and organization, and that their writing is reasonably free from errors. A research paper is required for successful completion of the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course develops the reading, critical thinking, and writing skills necessary for academic success, emphasizing expository and argumentative writing as well as research and documentation skills. As a transferable course, it presupposes that students already have a substantial grasp of grammar, syntax, and organization, and that their writing is reasonably free from errors. A research paper is required for successful completion of the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
SOC 3
3
Stats for Behavioral Sciences
SOC 3
This course is an introduction to the basic statistical methods and analyses commonly used in the behavioral sciences. Topics include descriptive and inferential statistics; levels and types of measurement; measures of central tendency and dispersion; normal, t, and chi-square distributions; probability and hypothesis testing; and correlation and regression. Applications of statistical software to the behavioral sciences and/or other social science data is required. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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PSYC 1A
3
General Psychology
PSYC 1A
Advisory: College-level writing skills
This course provides an introduction to psychology, the study of the mind and behavior, as a science and as an applied field. The course provides an integration of physiological, cognitive, social-behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, cultural, and evolutionary perspectives. Topics include research methods, the nervous system, perception, learning, thinking, memory, human development, social behavior, emotions, motivation, personality, abnormal behavior, and psychotherapy. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course provides an introduction to psychology, the study of the mind and behavior, as a science and as an applied field. The course provides an integration of physiological, cognitive, social-behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, cultural, and evolutionary perspectives. Topics include research methods, the nervous system, perception, learning, thinking, memory, human development, social behavior, emotions, motivation, personality, abnormal behavior, and psychotherapy. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
STU 1
GE
3
College Success
STU 1
This course is designed to help students increase their academic potential and begin learning and applying strategies for success in college and life-long learning. Topics include discovering personal and academic goals, self-discovery, study strategies, critical thinking, communication skills, and college resources and policies. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ECE 1
GE
3
Human Development
ECE 1
This course involves a study of development and behavior throughout the human life span. Classic and up-to-date research on the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial domains will be presented. Theories will be integrated with practical application concepts throughout the course, underscoring the importance of life-long learning and adaptation. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, First Year
15 Units TotalNUTR 25
GE
3
Nutrition
NUTR 25
This course provides a comprehensive study of the relationship between nutrition and human biology. A study of nutrients and their biological functions, chemical classifications, sources, digestion, absorption, metabolic pathways, chemical reactions, and the interplay of neural, enzymatic, and hormonal mechanisms will be emphasized. The sequential steps of the scientific method will be explored. Students will identify and apply relevant scientific research in nutrition guidelines, health, weight regulation, sports nutrition, the diet-disease relationship, psych-social impact on food choice, and analysis of special nutritional requirements and needs during the life cycle.
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HIST 2
GE
M
3
World Civilization to 1500 C.E.
HIST 2
Advisory: Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course, or English Placement Level 6 or higher
This course is a comparative survey of the major ancient world civilizations which developed between 3500 B.C.E. and 1500 C.E. It examines political institutions, religious ideologies, the rise and fall of empires, and the major cultural innovations of each of the major world civilizations. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is a comparative survey of the major ancient world civilizations which developed between 3500 B.C.E. and 1500 C.E. It examines political institutions, religious ideologies, the rise and fall of empires, and the major cultural innovations of each of the major world civilizations. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
SOC 1
GE
M
3
Introduction to Sociology
SOC 1
Advisory: Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
This course provides an introduction to the discipline of sociology. It examines interactions among social institutions, cultures, groups, and individuals. The focus is on how unequal power relations organize the social world and shape individual lives, and how individuals negotiate their lives in different social, cultural, and economic contexts. The course will examine a broad array of topics using a variety of theoretical perspectives and sociological research methods. The primary goal of this course is to recognize how people's experiences are shaped by social forces and reshaped through human action. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course provides an introduction to the discipline of sociology. It examines interactions among social institutions, cultures, groups, and individuals. The focus is on how unequal power relations organize the social world and shape individual lives, and how individuals negotiate their lives in different social, cultural, and economic contexts. The course will examine a broad array of topics using a variety of theoretical perspectives and sociological research methods. The primary goal of this course is to recognize how people's experiences are shaped by social forces and reshaped through human action. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
HUSV 70
GE
M
3
Intro to Social Work and Human Services
HUSV 70
This is an introductory overview of social welfare and the societal institutions in the U.S. that structure the provision of social services. The course presents a historical perspective on the development of U.S. social work and human services. Special attention is given to current service delivery systems, their policies and procedures, and the tasks of culturally responsive social workers and human service workers within those settings. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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POLS 2
GE
3
Introduction to American Government
POLS 2
Advisory: ENGL 1A or English Placement Level 7 or higher.
This course is an introduction to United States and California government and politics, including their constitutions, political institutions and processes, and political actors. An examination of political behavior, political issues, and public policy, this course satisfies the CSU requirement in U.S. Constitution and California State and local government (US-2 and US-3). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is an introduction to United States and California government and politics, including their constitutions, political institutions and processes, and political actors. An examination of political behavior, political issues, and public policy, this course satisfies the CSU requirement in U.S. Constitution and California State and local government (US-2 and US-3). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Fall Semester, Second Year
15 Units TotalCMST 10
GE
3
Interpersonal Communication
CMST 10
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on interpersonal communication. Emphasis is placed on the psychological, social, cultural and linguistic factors that affect normal person-to-person interactions. Subjects covered are the understanding of ethical interpersonal communication based in communication theory and research, listening, verbal and nonverbal communication, self-awareness/ self-concept, perception, emotions, relationships, communication climates, and conflict management. Students will increase their knowledge and skills in interpersonal communication. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on interpersonal communication. Emphasis is placed on the psychological, social, cultural and linguistic factors that affect normal person-to-person interactions. Subjects covered are the understanding of ethical interpersonal communication based in communication theory and research, listening, verbal and nonverbal communication, self-awareness/ self-concept, perception, emotions, relationships, communication climates, and conflict management. Students will increase their knowledge and skills in interpersonal communication. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
SOC 2
3
Social Problems
SOC 2
Advisory: Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course, or English Placement Level 6 or higher
This course explores significant social problems in contemporary society, including the role of power in defining social problems. It examines the process of how social problems arise in society, and their consequences. As an introduction to this topic, the course will focus on understanding how and why social problems develop and the controversies that accompany them. The course will be organized into three main units. The first will consider different theoretical perspectives as well as social science research methods used to identify and understand social problems. The second unit of the course will examine specific social problems associated with the relationship between social inequality and social structure. The third unit of the course will discuss institutional and organizational policies that develop as a result of social problems and the outcomes of those social policy approaches. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course explores significant social problems in contemporary society, including the role of power in defining social problems. It examines the process of how social problems arise in society, and their consequences. As an introduction to this topic, the course will focus on understanding how and why social problems develop and the controversies that accompany them. The course will be organized into three main units. The first will consider different theoretical perspectives as well as social science research methods used to identify and understand social problems. The second unit of the course will examine specific social problems associated with the relationship between social inequality and social structure. The third unit of the course will discuss institutional and organizational policies that develop as a result of social problems and the outcomes of those social policy approaches. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
SOC 25
3
Race, Ethnicity, and Society
SOC 25
Advisory: Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course
This course examines the social, economic, political, and cultural dynamics of race and ethnicity in the United States. It utilizes theory to assess the comparative histories, cultures, and intellectual traditions of Native Americans, African Americans, Latino/as, and Asian Americans. It introduces major concepts used to understand the lived experiences of historically racialized groups such as social construction of race, racial formation, critical race theory, internal colonialism, and intersectionality. The course emphasizes the role of resistance and agency in advancing the goals of self-determination, decolonization, and equity. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course examines the social, economic, political, and cultural dynamics of race and ethnicity in the United States. It utilizes theory to assess the comparative histories, cultures, and intellectual traditions of Native Americans, African Americans, Latino/as, and Asian Americans. It introduces major concepts used to understand the lived experiences of historically racialized groups such as social construction of race, racial formation, critical race theory, internal colonialism, and intersectionality. The course emphasizes the role of resistance and agency in advancing the goals of self-determination, decolonization, and equity. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
ECON 1A
GE
3
Principles of Economics-Micro
ECON 1A
Advisory: English Placement Level 5 or higher (ECON 1A is not a prerequisite for ECON 1B)
This course is a study of the basic institutions and principles of microeconomics and so it concentrates on the parts of an economic system: the markets, the producers, the consumers, and the structures of basic industries, along with systems for relative resource use and income determination. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is a study of the basic institutions and principles of microeconomics and so it concentrates on the parts of an economic system: the markets, the producers, the consumers, and the structures of basic industries, along with systems for relative resource use and income determination. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
PSYC 5
GE
3
Human Sexuality
PSYC 5
Advisory: Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course.
This overview of human sexuality includes human development from conception to adulthood, the anatomy and physiology of sex, as well as historical perspectives, behavioral and social aspects of human sexuality, and myths and laws governing sexual practices. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This overview of human sexuality includes human development from conception to adulthood, the anatomy and physiology of sex, as well as historical perspectives, behavioral and social aspects of human sexuality, and myths and laws governing sexual practices. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Spring Semester, Second Year
15 Units TotalETHS 1
GE
3
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
ETHS 1
Advisory: Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course
This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race and ethnicity in the United States. It examines social justice movements in relation to ethnic and racial groups in the United States to provide a basis for a better understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political conditions among key social groups including, but not limited to, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latina/o Americans. This course examines the systemic nature of racial/ethnic oppression through an examination of key concepts including racialization and ethnocentrism, with a specific focus on the persistence of white supremacy. Using an anti-racist framework, the course will examine historical and contemporary social movements dedicated to the decolonization of social institutions, resistance, and social justice. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race and ethnicity in the United States. It examines social justice movements in relation to ethnic and racial groups in the United States to provide a basis for a better understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political conditions among key social groups including, but not limited to, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latina/o Americans. This course examines the systemic nature of racial/ethnic oppression through an examination of key concepts including racialization and ethnocentrism, with a specific focus on the persistence of white supremacy. Using an anti-racist framework, the course will examine historical and contemporary social movements dedicated to the decolonization of social institutions, resistance, and social justice. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
ANTH 2
GE
3
Cultural Anthropology
ANTH 2
Advisory: ENGL 1A with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 7.
This introductory course explores how anthropologists study and compare human culture. Cultural anthropology presents fundamental concepts, data, methods, and theories employed by cultural anthropologists as they seek to understand the full range of human experience. Topics include how people around the world make their living (subsistence patterns), how they organize themselves socially, politically, and economically, how they communicate, how they relate to each other through family and kinship ties, what they believe about the world (belief systems), how they express themselves creatively (expressive culture), how they make distinctions among themselves such as through applying gender, racial, and ethnic identity labels, how they have shaped and have been shaped by social inequalities such as colonialism, and how they navigate culture change and processes of globalization that affect us all. Ethnographic case studies highlight these similarities and differences and introduce students to how anthropologists do their work, employ professional anthropological research ethics, and apply their perspectives and skills to understand humans around the globe. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This introductory course explores how anthropologists study and compare human culture. Cultural anthropology presents fundamental concepts, data, methods, and theories employed by cultural anthropologists as they seek to understand the full range of human experience. Topics include how people around the world make their living (subsistence patterns), how they organize themselves socially, politically, and economically, how they communicate, how they relate to each other through family and kinship ties, what they believe about the world (belief systems), how they express themselves creatively (expressive culture), how they make distinctions among themselves such as through applying gender, racial, and ethnic identity labels, how they have shaped and have been shaped by social inequalities such as colonialism, and how they navigate culture change and processes of globalization that affect us all. Ethnographic case studies highlight these similarities and differences and introduce students to how anthropologists do their work, employ professional anthropological research ethics, and apply their perspectives and skills to understand humans around the globe. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
HUSV 16
GE
3
Marriage and Family
HUSV 16
This is an introductory course to marriage and family. Topics studied include dating, courtship, marriage, family life, dual career marriages, divorce, single parenting, domestic violence and other contemporary issues. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ADJU 10
GE
3
Introduction to Administration of Justice
ADJU 10
This course presents a critical exploration of historical and contemporary issues in Administration of Justice. This includes the studyand analysis of the core principles and components of the American criminal justice system (police, courts, and corrections), theevolution of Administration of Justice, criminal behavior theory, crime categories, policing models, challenges in policing, and careeropportunities. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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PSYC 17
GE
3
Abnormal Psychology
PSYC 17
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in PSYC 1A; and a grade of C or higher in ENGL 1A, or English Placement Level 7.
This course provides an overview of psychological disorders, their characteristics, etiology, and treatment. The course discusses the many specific types of mental illness along with fundamental issues such as historical and modern perspectives on mental illness, diagnosis and assessment, research methods, intervention and therapies, and legal and ethical issues. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course provides an overview of psychological disorders, their characteristics, etiology, and treatment. The course discusses the many specific types of mental illness along with fundamental issues such as historical and modern perspectives on mental illness, diagnosis and assessment, research methods, intervention and therapies, and legal and ethical issues. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Please see a counselor to discuss options for meeting general education requirements for transfer to California State Universities (CSU) and/or University of California (UC) campuses, as well as any specific additional courses that may be required by your chosen institution of transfer.
*Alternative Courses: Please see a Shasta College counselor for alternative course options. You can also view the following to find other courses to meet degree/certificate requirements:
- California State Universities – General Education
- IGETC – Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum
Need a print out? Feel free to download and/or print out a copy of the sample program map(s).
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