AHC General Education - Category 2A: Social Sciences

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.

An introduction to the study of language and communication in relation to culture. Focus is on the structure, function, and history of language as well as the social, symbolic and practical uses of language. Linguistic concepts, methodologies, and theoretical assumptions will be explored. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for ENGL 105.

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 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.

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.

An introduction to the study of language and communication in relation to culture. Focus is on the structure, function and history of language as well as the social, symbolic and practical uses of language. Linguistic concepts, methodologies, and theoretical assumptions will also be explored. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for ANTH 105.

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 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.

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.

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.

A study of the forces and conditions involved in the actions, interactions and relations of nations and organizations within the international system. Emphasis is placed on the tools of analysis for understanding and predicting behavior on the international stage.

This course is an introduction to the comparative analysis of contemporary governmental institutions, political processes and their environments. The survey includes current political institutions, citizen participation, political problems, politics, and policies within these systems. 

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.

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.

A sociological exploration of the Hispanic culture which includes their educational, political and economic status. Emphasis will be on immigration patterns, culture, images, cultural values, social images, assimilation patterns and pluralism. Hispanic groups to be studied will include Mexican Americans, Puerto Rican Americans, Cuban Americans.(F,S)

A study of intercultural communication theory. An understanding of cultural aspects and communication problems within and between ethnic groups is emphasized.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A study of the development of visual communication in art, graphic design, illustration and popular culture. Emphasis is on the role of graphic designers and illustrators, the impact and interpretation of graphic images, symbols, and typography used in informative and persuasive media. The course is designed for graphics majors who want to transfer and is a Humanities elective for general education requirements.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.