Cerro Coso Community College

Liberal Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Liberal Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences AA

What can I do with this?

The Liberal Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences AA Degree

  • Is set up to satisfy general education requirements for transfer students.
  • Emphasizes the perspectives, concepts, theories and methodologies of the disciplines that comprise study in the Social and Behavioral Sciences.

You can use this to:

  • Earn a two-year Associates Degree
  • Transfer to a 4-year degree program

What will I learn?

  • To apply major concepts and methods used by social or behavioral scientists to investigate, to analyze, or to predict human or group behavior.
  • To evaluate how social scientists view the ways that individuals and societies are interconnected within social, historical, political, and cultural environments.

What courses do I take?

Note: Some courses within the major may have a required prerequisite. If you feel you have equivalent knowledge and skills to those included in the prerequisite course through professional experience, licensure, or certification, you have the opportunity to submit a Prerequisite Challenge to be reviewed by the faculty chair. For the Prerequisite Challenge to be considered, you must submit documentation/verification to substantiate the basis for the challenge. Please consult a counselor for more information regarding Prerequisite Challenge.

Select at least 18 units from the following courses:

For depth of study, 2 or more courses in one discipline required. For breadth of study, courses must be taken from 2 or more disciplines within the Area of Emphasis.

Advisory: ENGL C070

54 hours lecture. This is a comprehensive course on the Criminal Justice System that includes the history and philosophy of the Administration of Justice in America. The course explores the development of the criminal justice system, including all sub-systems, relationship between the sub-systems and their role expectations, theories on crime, adjudication, punishment, rehabilitation, education and training for the continued professionalism of the entire system. Approved for IGETC Area 4J, CSU GE Area D10, Local GE Area 2.

Advisory: ENGL C070.

54 hours lecture. This course analyzes social and cultural factors of human behavior in the recent past and present. Students compare and contrast cultural traditions, practices and beliefs, and discuss the associated environmental and social factors that shape human cultures. Approved for IGETC Area 4A, CSU GE Area D1, Local GE Area 2 & 6.

Advisory: ENGL C070.

54 hours lecture. This course examines humans as biological organisms from an evolutionary perspective. Areas covered include concepts, methods, findings, and issues in the study of the order primates, including relationships between fossil monkeys, apes and humans, and the significance of genetic diversity among modern populations. Approved for IGETC Area 4A or 5B, CSU GE Area B2 or D1, Local GE Area 1 or 2.

Pre-requisite: ENGL C070. Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance for the Honors Program or eligibility for this honors course as determined in consultation with the instructor.

72 hours lecture. This course examines humans as biological organisms from an evolutionary perspective. Areas covered include concepts, methods, findings, and issues in the study of the order primates, including relationships between fossil monkeys, apes and humans, and the significance of genetic diversity among modern populations. The honors course provides more content and requires greater intensity and depth of study than the non-honors class. Approved for IGETC Area 4A or 5B, CSU GE Area B2 or D1, Local GE Area 1 or 2.

Advisory: ENGL C070

54 hours lecture. This course is an introduction to the study of archaeology. The course includes a discussion of the nature of scientific inquiry, the history and interdisciplinary nature of archaeological research, dating techniques, methods of survey, excavation, analysis, and interpretation, cultural resource management, professional ethics, and selected cultural sequences. Approved for IGETC Area 4A, CSU GE Area D1, Local GE Area 2.

Advisory: ENGL C070

54 hours lecture. This course is an anthropological survey of the peoples and cultures of North America. It emphasizes native ecological adaptations, languages, social organizations, religion, world view, and artistic representations. Students critically examine the impact of tribal nations on each other, as well as the interactions with other groups of people. This course examines the roots of present-day conditions of Native communities and the contributions of Native Americans to the cultures of the Americas. Approved for IGETC Area 4A or 4C, CSU GE Area D1 or D3, Local GE Area 2 & 6.

Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100

54 hours lecture. This course is an examination of the developing child in a societal context focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community and emphasizes historical and socio-cultural factors. The processes of socialization and identity development is highlighted, showing the importance of respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families. Students are required to observe children in a group setting. Approved for IGETC Area 4G, CSU GE Area D7, Local GE Area 2.

Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100

54 hours lecture. This course is a study of infants and toddlers from pre-conception to age three including physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional growth and development. Students apply theoretical frameworks to interpret behavior and interactions between heredity and environment. This course emphasizes the role of family and relationships in development. Students are required to observe children in a group setting. Note: University of California grants transfer credit for either CHDV C105 or CHDV C106 but not both. Approved for CSU GE Area D7, Local GE Area 2.

Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100

54 hours lecture. This introductory course examines the major physical, cognitive, social, and emotional developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. There is an emphasis on interactions between maturational processes and environmental factors. Students observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages according to developmental theories. Approved for IGETC Area 4G, CSU GE Area D7 or E, Local GE Area 2.

Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100

54 hours lecture. This course provides information on school-age developmental needs and stages, techniques for interacting positively and effectively with children, and ideas to assist in meeting the wide range of children’s needs. The design of schedules, policies, the environment and activities are based upon the understanding of children’s development, special needs and cultural background. Students are required to observe school-aged children in an out-of-school setting. Approved for Local GE Area 2.

Advisory: ENGL C070

54 hours lecture. This course covers macro and micro economic concepts as they apply to current economic problems for the non-economics and non-business major. Students analyze the market forces of supply and demand, evaluate economic issues, and examine the efficiency of resource allocation. Economics C101 is a survey of economics for non-economics majors. Approved for IGETC Area 4B, CSU GE Area D2, Local GE Area 2.

Prerequisite: MATH C050. Advisory: ENGL C070, MATH C055

54 hours lecture. This is an introductory course focusing on aggregate economic analysis. Topics include: market systems, aggregate measures of economic activity, macroeconomic equilibrium, money and financial institutions, monetary and fiscal policy, international economics, and economic growth. Approved for IGETC Area 4B, CSU GE Area D2, Local GE Area 2.

Prerequisite: MATH C050. Advisory: ENGL C070, MATH C055

54 hours lecture. This is an introductory course focusing on choices of individual economic decision-makers. Topics include scarcity, specialization and trade, market equilibrium, elasticity, production and cost theory, market structures, factor markets, and market failure. Approved for IGETC Area 4B, CSU GE Area D2, Local GE Area 2.

Advisory: ENGL C070

54 hours lecture. This course familiarizes the students with the fundamentals of cultural diversity as an integral part of every aspect of health care. This course is encouraged for any individual with a health career objective. Students explore cross-cultural theory and analyze forms of cultural diversity including gender, age, and family. Students analyze how cultural diversity affects health/illness dynamics and how recognition of ethnocentrism and bias can help improve health care delivery. Approved for Local GE Area 6.

Advisory: ENGL C070

54 hours lecture. This course explores the theories, models, and principles that serve as guides for ethical behavior within the healthcare content. Ethics is an integral part of every aspect of health careers and this course is encouraged for any individual with a health career objective. The students explore the complexities created by science and technological advances, the variety of health care settings, and the diversity of patients in their care, all while emphasizing the importance of principled behavior in personal and professional situations. Global issues such as health policy, economics, social, gender, transcultural and spiritual considerations are addressed.

Advisory: ENGL C070

54 hours lecture. This course covers the growth of European civilization. Social, political, and cultural developments are integrated with the introduction of ideas and institutions basic to the understanding of one’s own heritage. This course also covers the development of Western Civilization from the earliest times to the close of the Middle Ages. Approved for IGETC Area 3B, CSU GE Area D6, Local GE Area 2.

Prerequisite: ENGL C070. Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance for the Honors Program or eligibility for this honors course as determined in consultation with the instructor.

72 hours lecture. This course covers the growth of European civilization. Social, political, and cultural developments are integrated with the introduction of ideas and institutions basic to the understanding of one’s own heritage. This course also covers the development of Western Civilization from the earliest times to the close of the Middle Ages. The honors course provides more content and requires greater intensity and depth of study than the non-honors class. Approved for IGETC Area 3B, CSU GE Area D6, Local GE Area 2.

Advisory: ENGL C070

54 hours lecture. This course covers the growth and development of European Civilization from the Renaissance to the present, integrating social, political, and cultural developments of European and the Western heritage. Approved for IGETC Area 3B, CSU GE Area D6, Local GE Area 2.

Prerequisite: ENGL C070. Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance for the Honors Program or eligibility for this honors course as determined in consultation with the instructor.

72 hours lecture. This course covers the growth and development of European Civilization from the Renaissance to the present, integrating social, political, and cultural developments of European and the Western heritage. Honors students meet one extra hour weekly to discuss and evaluate selected primary source materials. Approved for IGETC Area 3B, CSU GE Area D6, Local GE Area 2.

Advisory: ENGL C070

54 hours lecture. The course covers the political, economic, social and cultural development of California from prehistory to the present. Approved for IGETC Area 4F, CSU GE Area D6, Local GE Area 2.

Advisory: ENGL C070

54 hours lecture. This course examines the social, political, economic and cultural history of the United States from the establishment of European colonies in the New World through Reconstruction. Special attention is given to the study of select topics, such as the development of American ideologies, institutions, and legal structures. Approved for IGETC Area 4F & US History, CSU GE Area D6 & US History, Local GE Area 2.

Prerequisite: ENGL C070. Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance to the Honors Program or eligibility for this honors course as determined by the instructor.

72 hours lecture. This course examines the social, political, economic and cultural history of the United States from the establishment of European colonies in the New World through Reconstruction. Special attention is given to the study of select topics, such as the development of American ideologies, institutions, and legal structures. The honors course provides more content and requires greater intensity and depth of study than the non-honors class. Approved for IGETC Area 4F & US History, CSU GE Area D6 & US History, Local GE Area 2.

Advisory: ENGL C070

54 hours lecture. The course examines the social, political, economic, and cultural history of the United States from Reconstruction to the present. Special attention will be paid to the study of selected topics, such as American institutions, ideologies, and Constitutional development. Approved for IGETC Area 4F & US History, CSU GE Area D6 & US History, Local GE Area 2.

Prerequisite: ENGL C070. Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance to the Honors Program or eligibility for this honors course as determined by the instructor.

72 hours lecture. The course examines the social, political, economic, and cultural history of the United States from Reconstruction to the present. Special attention will be paid to the study of selected topics, such as American institutions, ideologies, and Constitutional development. The honors course provides more content and requires greater intensity and depth of study than the non-honors class. Approved for IGETC Area 4F & US History, CSU GE Area D6 & US History, Local GE Area 2.

Advisory: ENGL C070

54 hours lecture. The course covers Mexican history from Pre-Columbian period to the present. It includes an analysis of the social, cultural, political, and economic aspects of the Mexican past. Approved for IGETC Area 3B, CSU GE Area D3 or D6, Local GEArea 2 & 6.

Prerequisite: MATH C053 or MATH C055

54 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This course covers data analysis using descriptive and inferential statistics. Graphs and computations include measures of central tendency and dispersion, correlation and regression, and presentation of data on a histogram, scatter plot, box plot, and the normal curve. Probability concepts include those for discrete and continuous random variables. Sampling and hypothesis testing are covered for means and variances. Topics from algebra are combined with applications in statistics in the lab portion of the class. This course applies to the degree requirements for students not majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields. Approved for IGETC Area 2, CSU GE Area B4, Local GE Area 4.

Prerequisite: MATH C053 or MATH C055. Advisory: ENGL C101 Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance to the Honors Program or eligibility for this honors course as determined by the instructor.

72 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This course covers elements of descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency, dispersion and presentation of data. Included are concepts of probability, random variables and normally distributed random variables. Sampling error, sampling processes and the distribution of sample means are applied to real life examples. Students will conduct hypothesis testing of means and proportions for one and two populations and linear regression testing using the least squares criterion. Students use descriptive and inferential methods employing linear regression and study one and two way analysis of variance. The honors section provides more content and requires greater intensity and depth of study than the non-honors class; the honors course also requires at least one extra research assignment. Approved for IGETC Area 2, CSU GE Area B4, Local GE Area 4.

Advisory: ENGL C070

54 hours lecture. This course introduces students to the principles of inductive and deductive inference and their practical applications in everyday situations, such as problem solving and evaluation of arguments. The course examines the uses of language, formal and informal fallacies, syllogistic argument forms, and scientific method. This course also develops the ability to integrate the principles of critical thinking with the techniques of effective written argument. Approved for CSU Area A3, Local GE Area 3.

Advisory: ENGL C070

54 hours lecture. The course includes the study of American government with an emphasis on national, state, and local government. In addition, students undertake a comprehensive analysis of government structure, functions, principles, and problems. Approved for IGETC Area 4H & CONSTITUTION AND GOVERNMENT, CSU GE Area D8 & CONSTITUTION AND GOVERNMENT, Local GE Area 2.

Prerequisite: ENGL C070 Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance for the Honors Program or eligibility for this honors course as determined in consultation with the instructor.

72 hours lecture. This course covers the study of American government with an emphasis on national, state, and local government. In addition, students undertake a comprehensive analysis of government structure, functions, principles, and problems. The honors course provides more content and requires greater intensity and depth of study than the non-honors class. Approved for IGETC Area 4H & CONSTITUTION AND GOVERNMENT, CSU GE Area D8 & CONSTITUTION AND GOVERNMENT, Local GE Area 2.

Advisory: ENGL C070

54 hours lecture. This course introduces students to the comparative analysis of government and politics. A number of key political concepts are discussed, which include statehood, democracy and democratization, governmental institutions and political systems, and the development of parties and interest groups. Course concepts are applied to a variety of modern nations to illustrate different political systems. Approved for IGETC Area 4H, CSU GE Area D8, Local GE Area 2 & 6.

Advisory: ENGL C070

54 hours lecture. This course is an examination of various theoretical approaches to politics, as well as basic political problems and their proposed solutions. The course also covers analysis of selected political theories and the relevance of theory to contemporary problems. Students are introduced to long standing debates over the nature of justice, the proper use of power, and the meanings of equality and freedom and their implications for the contemporary state and state policies. Approved for IGETC Area 4H, CSU GE Area D8, Local GE Area 2.

Advisory: ENGL C070

54 hours lecture. This course offers the student an introduction to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes focusing on exploration of major psychological theories and concepts, methods, and research findings in psychology. Topics include the biological bases of behavior and mental processes, perceptions, consciousness, memory, cognition, learning, motivation, emotion, development, intelligence, personality, social psychology, psychological disorders and therapeutic approaches, and applied psychology. The American Psychological Association (APA) format is taught and applied to written assignments and papers. Approved for IGETC Area 4I, CSU GE Area D9, Local GE Area 2.

Advisory: ENGL C101 Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance for the Honors Program or eligibility for this honors course as determined in consultation with the instructor.

72 hours lecture. This course offers the student an introduction to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes focusing on exploration of major psychological theories and concepts, methods, and research findings in psychology. Topics include the biological bases of behavior and mental processes, perceptions, consciousness, memory, cognition, learning, motivation, emotion, development, intelligence, personality, social psychology, psychological disorders and therapeutic approaches, and applied psychology. The American Psychological Association (APA) format is taught and applied to written assignments and papers. The honors course provides more content and requires greater intensity and depth of study than the non-honors class. Approved for IGETC Area 4I, CSU GE Area D9, Local GE Area 2.

Advisory: ENGL C070

54 hours lecture. This course provides an overview of the history and theories related to substance abuse, including alcoholism, drug abuse, and chemical dependency. The course addresses cultural, religious, and political influences, as well as public policy issues, prevention, and treatment, including recovery, relapse and self-help models. Approved for Local GE Area 2.

Advisory: ENGL C070

54 hours lecture. This course covers the complex and diverse psychological, biological, socio-cultural, and historical aspects of human sexuality. Discussions include evaluation of prominent theories, examination of academic research and exploration of current issues pertaining to human sexuality. Students are encouraged to become aware of their own sexual attitudes, values, and to evaluate the consistency of their behaviors within their own moral frameworks. Current sex norms and various aspects of interpersonal and individual sexual adjustment are explored. Approved for IGETC Area 4I, CSU GE Area E, Local GE Area 2.

Advisory: ENGL C070

54 hours lecture. This course provides an overview, from a psychological perspective, of human development from conception through death, including biological and environmental influences. Theories and research of physical, cognitive, personality, and social development are examined, as well as attention to developmental problems. Approved for IGETC Area 4I, CSU GE Area D9 or E, Local GE Area 2.

Prerequisite: ENGL C070, PSYC C101

54 hours lecture. This course introduces the scientific study of the biological bases of behavior and its fundamental role in the neurosciences. Physiological, hormonal, and neurochemical mechanisms, and brain-behavior relationships underlying the psychological phenomena of sensation, perception, regulatory processes, emotion, learning, memory, and psychological disorders are addressed. The course also notes historical scientific contributions and current research principles for studying brain-behavior relationships and mental processes. Ethical standards for human and animal research are discussed in the context of both invasive and non-invasive experimental research. Approved for IGETC Area 4I, CSU GE Area D9, Local GE Area 2.

Prerequisite: ENGL C070, PSYC C101

54 hours lecture. This course introduces the scientific study of psychopathology and atypical behaviors, broadly defined. Students investigate abnormal behavior from a variety of perspectives including biological, psychological, and sociocultural approaches. An integrative survey of theory and research in abnormal behavior, and intervention and prevention strategies for psychological disorders are also introduced. Approved for IGETC Area 4I, CSU GE Area D9, Local GE Area 2.

Prerequisite: MATH C121

54 hours lecture. This course covers research methods in the social and behavioral sciences, as well as proper reporting of results in American Psychological Association (APA) style. These methods include research design (experimental, non-experimental, and quasi-experimental), the interpretation of behavioral data using descriptive and inferential statistics, and research ethics. Approved for IGETC Area 4I, CSU GE Area D7, Local GE Area 2.

Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100

54 hours lecture. This course introduces concepts and research findings of contemporary sociology; this includes analyzing human groups such as the family, the peer group, the work group, social class, institutions, mass behavior, and culture. Discussion is centered on the effects of social change in an industrial society. Approved for IGETC Area 4J, CSU GE Area D10, Local GE Area 2 & 6.

Advisory: ENGL C070

54 hours lecture. This course is an examination of sex, gender, and sexuality in the modern world, particularly in the United States, and includes historical, cross-cultural, psychological, sociological, and political aspects. The focus of this course is analysis and discussion of sex and gender relations in the home, family, and the work place, politics, law, the mass media, and health care systems. Approved for IGETC Area 4J, CSU GE Area D4, Local GE Area 2 & 6.

Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100

54 hours lecture. In this course, students apply critical reasoning skills to the analysis of race, ethnicity, and racism. The course covers the cultural, political, and economic practices and institutions that support or challenge racism, racial and ethnic inequalities, and the patterns of interaction among various racial and ethnic groups. Through multiple and varied readings and classroom discussion, students discover the interrelatedness of concepts such as race, class, and gender, and the roots and future of our “melting pot” society. Approved for IGETC Area 4C or 4D, CSU GE Area D3 or D4, Local GE Area 2 or 3, & 6.

Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100

54 hours lecture. This course provides a sociological analysis of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. It explores the history and social construction of crime and criminality and examines the definition of crime and its violations as well as the laws and methods used to control criminal behavior. Students discuss social research of crime and basic theoretical explanations of criminal behavior. Approved for IGETC Area 4J, CSU Area D10, Local GE Area 2 & 6.

Advisory: ENGL C070

54 hours lecture. Through the use of films, documentaries and analytical essays students use critical reasoning skills to discover how the structures of race, class, gender and similar constructs have shaped and formed our society and our culture. There is analysis, discussion, and written critique of selected films and readings. Approved for IGETC Area 4C or 4J, CSU GE Area D3 or D10, Local GE Area 2 or 3, & 6.

Complete one of the following general education patterns:

The awarding of an Associate Degree at Cerro Coso Community College is intended to represent more than an accumulation of units. It is intended to lead students through patterns of learning experiences designed to develop certain capabilities and insights.

Please consult the Transfer Center or Counseling for more information regarding which classes will transfer to a four-year institution.

Students desiring transfer to the California State University system may conform to either (1) the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or (2) CSU General Education Certification.

Please consult the Transfer Center or Counseling for more information regarding which classes will transfer to a four-year institution.

IGETC is a series of courses that community college students can use to satisfy lower division general education requirements at any CSU or UC campus.

Please consult the Transfer Center or Counseling for more information regarding which classes will transfer to a four-year institution.

Program Pathways

Official Catalog Copy

Additionally, some of the general education courses needed to complete this major are available at all our locations.

The classes needed for this degree are available at nearly all of our campuses. Some of the other courses and general education courses may also be available online and at other campuses. Consult a counselor at your local campus for degree pathway options.

See Counseling for specific help with enrolling and completing this major.

How can I afford it?

This degree requires 60.0 units and will likely take 4 semesters.

Approximate Total Costs

CA Residents

60.0 units

at $46 per unit

Equals $2,760 in tuition and fees

Plus approximately $3,600* for books and supplies

Total cost $6,360 for 4 semesters

Non-residents

60.0 units

at $329 per unit

Equals $19,740 in tuition and fees

Plus approximately $3,600* for books and supplies

Total cost $23,340 for 4 semesters

*This is an estimate. Actual costs will vary.

Need help? Financial Aid can help with fee waivers and scholarships and other aid. Make sure to fill out your FAFSA every January.