Interdisciplinary Studies, Option 2: Contemporary Issues Associate in Arts Degree Program

Program Overview

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Interdisciplinary Studies, Option 2: Contemporary Issues Associate in Arts Degree Program

Program Overview

This degree option provides students with both an introduction to the wide range of issues facing contemporary society and the tools to analyze these issues critically. Depending on the student's focus, this degree offers transfer possibilities into such majors as Communications, Environmental Studies, Ethnic Studies, Sociology, and Social Services. Note: most courses listed in this major can also be used to meet requirements for the California State University General Education or IGETC.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be able to:

• Read, write, speak and listen to communicate effectively.
• Perform quantitative analysis using appropriate resources.
• Analyze information, reason critically and creatively and formulate ideas logically.
• Understand and appreciate the diversity of the human experience.
• Recognize ethical principles and behave responsibly.

University Transfer Program

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Program Requirements

Major Requirements

• Required Core Courses: 6 units. At least 6 units of courses that introduce students to major disciplines in the social sciences. The 6 units of courses must be selected from the following options and include at least two different discipline areas:
  • BUS. 100 | Introduction to Business | 3 units
  • COMM 110 | Public Speaking | 3 units
  • ECON 100 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 units
  • ECON 102 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 units
  • GEOG 110 | Cultural Geography | 3 units
  • PSYC 100 | General Psychology | 3 units
  • PSYC 300 | Social Psychology | 3 units
  • SOCI 100 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 units
• Required Selective Courses: 3 units. At least 3 units of courses in statistics or critical thinking, selected from the following:
  • ENGL 165 | Composition, Argument, and Critical Thinking | 3 units
  • MATH 200 | Elementary Probability and Statistics | 4 units
  • PHIL 103 | Critical Thinking and Argumentative Writing | 3 units
  • PSYC 121 | Basic Statistical Concepts | 3 units
• Required Selective Courses: 9 units. At least 9 units of courses that explore particular issues facing contemporary society. The 9 units of courses must be selected from the following options and include at least two different discipline areas:
  • ARCH 100 | Survey of Modern Architecture | 3 units
  • BIOL 102 | Environmental Science and Conservation | 3 units
  • BIOL 195 | Biology Field Laboratory | 1 unit
  • DGME 100 | Media in Society | 3 units
  • DGME 102 | Media Law and Ethics | 3 units
  • PHIL 244 | Introduction to Ethics: Contemporary Social and Moral Issues | 3 units
  • PLSC 130 | International Relations | 3 units
  • PLSC 215 | Contemporary Issues In American Politics | 3 units
  • SOCI 105 | Social Problems | 3 units
  • SOCI 141 | Race and Ethnic Relations | 3 units
• Total Required Major Units: 18
• And required General Education coursework and electives as needed to meet the minimum 60 units required for the Associate degree.

Program Outline

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Interdisciplinary Studies, Option 2: Contemporary Issues Associate in Arts Degree Program

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Degree Overview:

This program provides an introduction to the diverse range of issues facing contemporary society and equips students with the analytical tools to critically evaluate these issues. It offers transfer possibilities into various majors like Communications, Environmental Studies, Ethnic Studies, Sociology, and Social Services. Most courses within this major also fulfill California State University General Education (GE) or IGETC requirements.

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Outline:

This program is structured around three sets of courses:

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Required Core Courses (6 units):

These courses introduce students to major disciplines in the social sciences. Students must choose at least two different disciplines from the following options:

• BUS.
100: Introduction to Business (3 units)
• COMM 110: Public Speaking (3 units)
• ECON 100: Principles of Macroeconomics (3 units)
• ECON 102: Principles of Microeconomics (3 units)
• GEOG 110: Cultural Geography (3 units)
• PSYC 100: General Psychology (3 units)
• PSYC 300: Social Psychology (3 units)
• SOCI 100: Introduction to Sociology (3 units)

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Required Selective Courses: Statistics/Critical Thinking (3 units):

Students choose one course from the following:

• ENGL 165: Composition, Argument, and Critical Thinking (3 units)
• MATH 200: Elementary Probability and Statistics (4 units)
• PHIL 103: Critical Thinking (3 units)
• PSYC 121: Basic Statistical Concepts (3 units)

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Required Selective Courses: Contemporary Issues (9 units):

Students explore particular contemporary issues through courses in at least two different disciplines from the following:

• ARCH 100: Survey of Modern Architecture (3 units)
• BIOL 102: Environmental Science and Conservation (3 units)
• BIOL 195: Biology Field Laboratory (1 unit)
• DGME 100: Media in Society (3 units)
• DGME 102: Media Law and Ethics (3 units)
• PHIL 244: Introduction to Ethics: Contemporary Social and Moral Issues (3 units)
• PLSC 130: International Relations (3 units)
• PLSC 215: Contemporary Issues in American Politics (3 units)
• SOCI 105: Social Problems (3 units)
• SOCI 141: Race and Ethnic Relations (3 units)

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Assessment:

Information on assessment methods and criteria used in the program is not provided in the context.

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Teaching:

Information regarding teaching methods, faculty, and unique approaches is not provided in the context.

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Careers:

Information on potential career paths, opportunities, and outcomes associated with the completion of the program is not provided in the context.

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Other:

• This program requires a minimum of 60 units to earn the Associate in Arts degree.
• Students must also fulfill General Education requirements and complete electives as needed.
• Consult the AA/AS Degree Requirements for more information.