CSU GE Requirements - Area D: Social Sciences
California State University General Education Requirements for Transfer
A total of six units from the list below is required to complete the "Area D: Social Sciences." Select one course each time it is identified on the suggested course sequence.
If you are planning to transfer to a CSU campus, it is recommended that you take one U.S. History course (HIST 107, 108 or 118) AND one American Institutions (POLS 101 or 103) course.
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories: Eligibility for ENGL 101
This course introduces students to the characteristics of the criminal justice system in the United States. Focus is placed on examining crime measurement, theoretical explanations of crime, responses to crime, components of the system, and current challenges to the system. The course examines the evolution of the principles and approaches utilized by the justice system and the evolving forces which have shaped those principles and approaches. Although justice structure and process is examined in a cross cultural context, emphasis is placed on the U.S. justice system, particularly the structure and function of U.S. law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Students are introduced to the origins and development of criminal law, legal process, and sentencing and incarceration policies.
Advisories: Eligibility for ENGL 101
This course offers an analysis of the doctrines of criminal liability in the United States and the classification of crimes against persons, property, morals, and public welfare. Special emphasis is placed on the classification of crime, the general elements of crime, the definitions of common and statutory law, and the nature of acceptable evidence. This course utilizes case law and case studies to introduce students to criminal law. The completion of this course offers a foundation upon which upper-division criminal justice course will build. The course will also include some limited discussion of prosecution and defense decision making, criminal culpability, and defenses to crimes.
Theories of the causes of criminal behavior, focusing on the person and the group; criminal behavior systems; the police behavioral response to criminal activity and its nature and causes.
An introductory course on contemporary human sociocultural adaptations from around the world. This course is a cross-cultural survey of important avenues of anthropological research and attempts to understand and explain the similarities and differences in human behavior, social institutions, and total ways of life. By studying all human societies, anthropologists attempt to understand the variability of culture to gain a holistic view of the human condition.
An introduction to the study of archaeological concepts, methods, and theory as well as human prehistory. The course will cover many of the fundamental principles of archaeological research and provide an overview of human prehistory from the earliest evidence of culture up to the development of literate civilizations. We will also explore the types of questions archaeologists ask about the human past and the scientific methods used to address these questions.
A survey of California's Indigenous cultures from the earliest archaeological evidence to the present. Topics explored include political and social organizations, subsistence practices, worldviews, expressive culture, technology and the historic impact on these peoples by European and American cultures. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for ES 107.
An introduction to basic economic analysis and institutions. Macroeconomic analysis of income, employment, price level, and international trade. Microeconomic analysis of demand, production, competitive and noncompetitive product markets, and factor markets. Emphasis is placed on the applications of economic theory in the business environment. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for ECON 121. May be taken prior to or concurrently with ECON 101 or ECON 102.
Advisories: ECON 101 or ECON 102 or ECON 121 or BUS 121 or Completion of or concurrent enrollment in
An introduction to international economic issues. Explores why countries trade and addresses the consequences of trade restrictions. Alternative exchange rate systems, factors that cause exchange-rate fluctuations, and the determinants of a country's balance of trade are covered. Other topics include the politics of trade policy, the impact of trade on the job market, the role of international institutions in the global economy, financial crises, global environmental issues, and international debt problems. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for Economics 141 or Global Studies 141. May be taken prior to or concurrently with Econ 101 or Econ 102, or Econ 121 or Bus 121.
This course will provide students with an introduction to the field of communication studies and its impact on cultural, social, and behavioral contexts. Students will explore the various types of communication with an emphasis on primary theories and effective personal and professional communication behaviors.
Students will study and apply principles of communication that occur in relationships. The course includes the study of theory and research findings and their application to communication in interpersonal relationships in personal and professional contexts.The themes of culture and gender are integrated throughout all course content. The course is not open to students who have received credit for SPCH 103.
A study of intercultural communication theory. An understanding of cultural aspects and communication problems within and between ethnic groups is emphasized. The course is not open to students who received credit for SPCH 110.
Prerequisite: MATH 311 or higher, or eligibility for Math 331 or higher based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
An introduction to aggregate economic analysis. Topics include market systems; economic cycles including recession, unemployment, and inflation; national income accounts; macroeconomics equilibrium; money and financial institutions; monetary and fiscal policy; and international trade and finance. ECON 101 may be taken prior to or concurrently with ECON 102/ECON 121/BUS 121.
Prerequisite: MATH 311 or higher, or eligibility for Math 331 or higher based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
An introduction to types of individual economic units. Topics include scarcity, opportunity costs, comparative advantage, supply, demand, elasticity, cost theory, price and output determination under various market structures and factor markets. Related topics such as international trade, public choice, income distribution, externalities and government regulation will also be included. ECON 102 may be taken prior to or concurrently with ECON 101/ECON 121/BUS 121.
An introduction to basic economic analysis and institutions. Macroeconomic analysis of income, employment, price level, and international trade. Microeconomic analysis of demand, production, competitive and noncompetitive product markets, and factor markets. Emphasis is placed on the applications of economic theory in the business environment. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for BUS 121. May be taken prior to or concurrently with ECON 101 or ECON 102.
An introduction to international economic issues. Explores why countries trade and addresses the consequences of trade restrictions. Alternative exchange rate systems, factors that cause exchange-rate fluctuations, and the determinants of a country's balance of trade are covered. Other topics include the politics of trade policy, the impact of trade on the job market, the role of international debt problems. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or who have received credit for Business 141.
This course examines the major physical, cognitive, social and emotional developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. Emphasis will be made on interactions between maturational processes and environmental factors. Students will observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages according to developmental theories.
The processes of socialization focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community. Examines the influence of multiple societal contexts. Explores the role of collaboration between family, community, and schools in supporting children’s’ development.
A survey and analysis of ethnic groups and their relations in the United States including the stratification systems, prejudice, and discrimination. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for SOC 120.
A survey of California's Indigenous cultures from the earliest archaeological evidence to the present. Topics explored include political and social organizations, subsistence practices, worldviews, expressive culture, technology and the historic impact on these peoples by European and American cultures. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for ANTH 107.
Fashion and race in the context of social, cultural, and environmental influences in the US. A focus is place on members of historically racialized groups in the US including Native American, African American, and/or Latino American communities who are active producers and consumers of apparel. Apparel and textiles will be critically examined with attention to racial formation discourses as they relate to ethnicity, race, nation, class, culture, social moments, environmental-health disparities, and policy.
A survey of California's Indigenous cultures from the earliest archaeological evidence to the present. Topics explored include political and social organizations, subsistence practices, worldviews, expressive culture, technology and the historic impact on these peoples by European and American cultures. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for ANTH 107.
A historical survey of the Chicano residing in the southwest United Sates. The course provides an interdisciplinary survey of the Mexican American/Chicano heritage with emphasis on the contemporary experience in the United States. The course will include an analysis of the economic, political, social, and intellectual elements of the culture of the Mexican American/Chicano community, and a study of the changing relationship of the community to the general society of the United States. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for HIST 120.
This is a survey of the history of African Americans from their origins in Africa to the present covering the political, cultural, social, and economic experiences of African Americans. Students will encounter the social, economic, and legal institutions which characterized being black in the United States at various periods in the nation's history. Topics include African civilization, slavery, the Diaspora, abolition, reconstruction, segregation, Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights Movement, African Americans in politics, and race in Modern America. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for HIST 121.
Fashion and race in the context of social, cultural, and environmental influences in the US. A focus is placed on members of historically racialized groups in the US including Native American, African American, and/or Latino American communities who are active producers and consumers of apparel. Apparel and textiles will be critically examined with attention to racial formation discourses as they relate to ethnicity, race, nation, class, culture, social moments, environmental-health disparities, and policy.
A historical perspective is used to explore our human role in shaping the earth's cultural landscapes. Globalization and cultural diversity are course themes. Topics include population and migration; the geography of language, religion, and social customs; economic forms; settlements; and resource problems.
A study of the world's major geographic regions. The course focuses on the increasing globalization of the world and a movement towards greater emphasis on cultural diversity.
Introduction to the phenomenon of globalization and a broad range of cultural, economic, political, and social issues confronting the globalized world today. Structured around three thematic categories:(1) culture and society,(2) governance and conflict, and (3) integrated economic systems. Designed to explore multifaceted connections among nation-states; nongovernmental organizations; ethnic, cultural, and religious groups; and populations around the world.
Advisories: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in ECON 101 or ECON 102 or ECON 121 or BUS 121 or
An introduction to international economic issues. Explores why countries trade and addresses the consequences of trade restrictions. Alternative exchange rate systems, factors that cause exchange-rate fluctuations, and the determinants of a country's balance of trade are covered. Other topics include the politics of trade policy, the impact of trade on the job market, the role of international institutions in the global economy, financial crises, global environmental issues, and international debt problems. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for Business 141 or Economics 141. May be taken prior to or concurrently with Econ 101 or Econ 102, or Econ 121 or Bus 121.
An interdisciplinary, multi-cultural exploration of the development of the great civilizations: China/Japan, Egypt, Greece/Rome, India, Mesopotamian, and Pre-Columbian. Important ideas, events and discoveries are explored through literature, folklore, art history, philosophy, and science. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for HUM 101.
An interdisciplinary examination of the expansion, contraction, and conflicts of the major world civilizations from the 16th century to the present. Focus is on ideas, events, and discoveries that have shaped our world as viewed through literature, folklore, art history, philosophy, and science. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for HUM 102.
An interdisciplinary, multicultural exploration of the development of the civilizations of East Asia from their origins through the 20th century including China, Japan, and South East Asia. Important ideas, events, and discoveries are explored through literature, folklore, art history, philosophy, and science. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for HUM 103.
A survey of United States history (New World exploration to 1877) and its method of research through critical thinking involving the economic, political, international, and ethnic factors fundamental for understanding the nation's origins and early development.
A survey of United States history (1877 to the present) through philosophic systems as related to critical thinking involving the political, ethnic, economic, and international factors fundamental for understanding the nation's growth since the Civil War.
A brief survey of United States history (New World exploration to the present), and its method of research through critical thinking involving the economic, political, international, and ethnic factors fundamental for understanding the nation's origins and growth.
The history of California from the earliest explorers to the present, with emphasis on major social and cultural themes.
A historical survey of the Chicano residing in the southwest United States. The course provides an interdisciplinary survey of the Mexican American/Chicano heritage with emphasis on the contemporary experience in the United States. The course will include an analysis of the economic, political, social, and intellectual elements of the culture of the Mexican American/Chicano community, and a study of the changing relationship of the community to the general society of the United States. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for ES 120.
An interdisciplinary, multicultural exploration of the development of the great civilizations: China/Japan, Egypt, Greece/Rome, India, Mesopotamian, and Pre-Columbian. Important ideas, events and discoveries are explored through literature, folklore, art history, philosophy, and science. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for History 101.
An interdisciplinary examination of the expansion, contraction, and conflicts of the major world civilizations from the 16th century to the present. Focus is on ideas, events, and discoveries that have shaped our world as viewed through literature, folklore, art history, philosophy, and science. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or who have received credit for HIST 102.
An interdisciplinary, multicultural exploration of the development of the civilizations of East Asia from their origins through the 20th century: China, Japan, and South East Asia. Important ideas, events, and discoveries are explored through literature, folklore, art history, philosophy, and science. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for History 103.
This introductory course examines a wide range of issues related to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, and how those issues impact family, education and the community.
This course examines the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer community in the 21st century including issues, events, and activism impacting LGBTQ families and education.
Advisories: Eligibility for ENGL 101
This is an introductory course examining a variety of approaches to the study of political science with particular emphasis on the American political system in comparative perspective. Topics discussed include nature of politics, comparative politics, selected political philosophers, principles of government, methods used by political scientists, and American government. This course satisfies part of the history and government requirements for the California State Colleges and Universities and Allan Hancock College. Students receiving credit must demonstrate satisfactory knowledge about national and state government.
Advisories: Eligibility for ENG 101
A study of American government at the national, state, and local levels. Governmental principles, institutions, and their historical development are examined. This course satisfies part of the history and government requirements for the California State Colleges and Universities, University of California, Allan Hancock College, and many private colleges. (F,S)
Introduction to political theory. Focuses on concepts like: authority, liberty, equality, law, justice, community, rights, citizenship, property, class conflict, and constitutionalism. Readings from major thinkers, such as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Machiavelli, Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau, Marx, Nietzsche, Rawls, and others.
Introduction to political theory. Focuses on concepts like: authority, liberty, equality, law, justice, community, rights, citizenship, property, class conflict, and constitutionalism. Readings from major thinkers, such as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Machiavelli, Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau, Marx, Nietzsche, Rawls, and others.
Advisories: ENGL 101
An Introduction to the concepts, methods, and techniques of psychology. Topics may include: critical thinking, nervous system, perception, learning, motivation, emotion, stress, prejudice, human interactions and social influences, psychological disorders and therapy.
This psychology based research methods class will cover the scientific method and various research approaches. Topics covered consist of sampling procedures, descriptive research including observational and correlational studies, experimental research including single and multi-factorial designs, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and ethics in psychological research. Students will apply APA methodology, read, evaluate and interpret research papers, and relate the scientific method to real world situations.
This course is an introductory overview of the human sexual condition from the perspective of the diverse cultures, sociological and psychological aspects within the United States as well as other countries/cultures. Students will be encouraged to become aware of their own sexual values, attitudes and related behaviors as well as being tolerant of sexual expression/orientation different from their own experience. This course will emphasize social patterns of sexual behavior, sexuality lifespan, sexual norms and abnormalities as well as historical and current sexual problems.
This course covers major contemporary personality theories, compares and contrasts diverse personality perspectives, and applies the theoretical principles to personality, psychological health, and psychological growth.
Examines the multicultural four-stage development of the child from conception through adolescence: first two years, early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence. Each stage is approached from the biosocial development, cognitive development, and psychosocial development perspectives. This course includes various psychological theories fundamental to the child's development. Other topics include but are not limited to: the impact of nature versus nurture, the impact of different parenting styles, types of attachments as well as issues related to prenatal development and birth.
A balanced study of basic theories, research, and principles of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development from conception to death is presented in an integrated manner; includes behavior, sexuality, nutrition, health, stress, environmental relationships, and implications of death and dying.
This course introduces students to the scientific study of broadly defined psychopathology and atypical or abnormal behaviors. Students will be required to investigate these abnormal behaviors from a variety of perspectives including biological, psychological, and sociocultural approaches. Theory and research in abnormal behavior, as well as intervention and prevention strategies for psychological disorders are also introduced.
An examination of how human behavior, attitudes, emotions, and thoughts are affected by the social situation. Topics include self-concept, intimate relationships, prejudice, obedience to authority, social influence, group-decision making, and multicultural relations. The use of social psychology in understanding diversity, sexism, and international conflicts is discussed. This course meets the Social Science GE requirement.
A survey course in the science of society, which examines major sociological, processes and structures with particular attention to American society. Emphases are placed upon basic sociological concepts, social institutions, social issues, and the connections between individual consciousness and the broader socio-historical context.
A survey and analysis of ethnic groups and their relations in the United States including the stratification systems, prejudice and discrimination.
Prerequisite: SOC 101
An introduction to sociological/psychological research methods. Presents the research process from topic selection through data collection for a variety of methods such as surveys, experiments, in-depth interviews, content analysis and comparative/historical research. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for Psychology 104.
A study of today's family from a sociological perspective. An overview of intimate relationships, including love, sex, gender roles, dating, forming partnerships, marriage, parenting, family values, and cultural differences is presented.
A survey and analysis of ethnic groups and their relations in the United States including the stratification systems, prejudice, and discrimination. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for ES 101.
An exploration of the complex interaction between the mass media and individuals, culture and other social institutions. While focused on the United States, the issue of an increasingly globalized mass media and the emergence of global culture is also addressed. Topics include the effects of mass media on pubic opinion and popular culture; the various racial, ethnic and gender stereotypes in the mass media; the ways in which politics affects and is affected by mass communication; the consequences of privately owned media; the major changes in technologies; and the emergence and growth of a “global culture” based on media technology and organizations.
This course is an introduction to the multi-disciplinary field of urban studies. Taking advantage of the contributions made by disciplines such as history, sociology, economics, psychology, political science, architecture and planning, the course explores the following topics: The origin of cities; the physical, social and cultural characteristics of cities and metropolises; the complexity, richness and challenges of everyday life in urban society; the social problems that plague urban America; and the various strategies being used to solve urban problems and enhance the metropolitan experience. The focus of the course is primarily (although not exclusively) the United States, and special attention is given to issues of class, race and gender.
How do I choose a class?
Having a broad range of classes might feel overwhelming but it's designed to give you flexibility in your degree program and exposure to various subjects. When choosing the course that's right for you, consider things like:
- What's my career goal? Are there any additional skills that may help me in my chosen field?
- What are my interests? Pursue your passions while earning college credit!
- What fits in my schedule? After you've selected your other required classes, use the class search to help you see what may work best in your schedule.
Still not sure? Talk to your professors and/or make an appointment with a counselor.