Contact Information
- Division
- Liberal Arts
- Dean
- Anne Fleischmann
- Associate Deans
- Patrick Marasso, Lynn Medeiros
- Division Office
- W 107, Rocklin Campus
Overview
The Social Science curriculum is a mixture of survey courses and interdisciplinary studies. The courses vary in their subject matter. Students who major in Social Science generally do so in order to prepare themselves for graduate training in a variety of fields.
TRANSFER MAJOR REQUIREMENTS in Social Science are available in the Counseling Center. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for specific transfer requirements. Positions for which four-year graduates in Social Science are qualified include: civil service entry level management, entry into teacher training, entry into law school, entry into professional social work training and entry-level work in social service agencies.
Faculty
Sandra J. McDonald
Professor, Social Science
B.S., Tennessee State University
M.S., Vanderbilt University
Degrees/Certificates
Social and Behavioral Sciences
AA or AS Degree
(formerly Social Science)
The Social and Behavioral Sciences degree provides students with a broad perspective on human behavior. Successful completion of the curriculum in Social and Behavioral Sciences offers students a breadth of knowledge that could be focused into single discipline degrees as well as applied to an interdisciplinary degree. By drawing from a select group of disciplines, students will study about themselves and others as members of a larger society. Topics and discussions strengthen students’ ability to gather and apply information, evaluate how societies and social subgroups operate, gain knowledge to apply to life and think critically. The courses emphasize a span of social and behavioral disciplines. Students should choose the emphasis appropriate to their transfer institution or areas of interest. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements. Students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:
- Sierra College Associate Degree Requirements;
- California State University General Education Breadth pattern;
- Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC).
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Select 9 units from the following Behavioral Sciences: | 9 | |
| Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Native Peoples of North America | ||
| Introduction to Archaeology | ||
| Native Peoples of California | ||
| Magic, Witchcraft, Ritual, Myth and Religion | ||
| Anthropology of Sex, Gender and Sexuality | ||
| Small Group Communication | ||
| Communication Foundations | ||
| Performance of Diverse Literatures | ||
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Mass Communication: Media and Society | ||
| Human Development Through the Lifespan | ||
| Child, Family, and Community | ||
| Child Growth and Development | ||
| Teaching in a Diverse Society | ||
| Principles of Nutrition | ||
| General Principles of Psychology | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Developmental Psychology | ||
| Research Methods in Psychology | ||
| Psychology of Adjustment | ||
| Psychology of Death and Dying | ||
| Psychology of Intimate Relationships and Family (also HDEV 0021) | ||
| Psychology of Women | ||
| Human Sexuality | ||
| Alcohol, Drugs and Society | ||
| Psychology and Film | ||
| Cultural Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Social Problems | ||
| Race, Ethnicity and Inequality | ||
| The Family (also HDEV 0022) | ||
| Sociology of Women's Health | ||
| Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control | ||
| Introduction to Hip Hop and Social Justice | ||
| Introduction to Sociology of Sport | ||
| Sociology of Gender | ||
| Introduction to Social Justice | ||
| Introduction to Ethnic Studies | ||
| Dialogues in American Culture | ||
| Select 9 units from the following Social Sciences: | 9 | |
| Introduction to Administration of Justice | ||
| Food, Society and the Environment | ||
| Introduction to Agricultural Business and Economics | ||
| Law and Society | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| The Environment and the Human Impact | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Geography of California | ||
| World Regional Geography | ||
| Western Civilization to 1715 | ||
| Western Civilization since 1715 | ||
| History of the United States to 1877 | ||
| History of the United States since 1865 | ||
| The African American Experience in American History to 1877 | ||
| The African American Experience in American History since 1877 | ||
| History of Traditional East Asia | ||
| History of Modern East Asia | ||
| California History | ||
| Contemporary United States History | ||
| American Military History | ||
| Chicano/Mexican American History | ||
| Russian History - 10th Century to Present | ||
| Native American History | ||
| Women in American History | ||
| World History to 1500 | ||
| World History since 1500 | ||
| Introduction to LGBT Studies/Queer Theory (also WMST 2) | ||
| American Government | ||
| Comparative Government | ||
| International Relations | ||
| Russian and East European Political Systems | ||
| California Politics and Governement | ||
| Politics of the Developing World | ||
| American Foreign Policy | ||
| Politics of the Middle East | ||
| Terrorism | ||
| Introduction to Political Theory | ||
| Women and Politics in a Global Society | ||
| African American Culture and Experience | ||
| Immigration, Community and Culture: The Asian American Experience | ||
| Immigrants and Refugees in America: The European Experience | ||
| Introduction to Native American Studies | ||
| Native American Cultures and the Impact of Federal Policy | ||
| Ethnic Images in Film | ||
| Introduction to Women's Studies | ||
| Total Units | 18 | |
Courses
Understanding course descriptions
SSCI 0010. Introduction to Ethnic Studies
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to the diverse cultural, social, economic, historical, and political issues relating to the past and present life circumstances of Asian Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and other "old" and "new" immigrants. Topics also include majority-minority relations, implications of racism, and intergroup relations. (CSU, UC)
SSCI 0013. Dialogues in American Culture
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduces students to a variety of contemporary topics through guest lectures and discussions. Explores the rich diversity of people, cultures, and opportunities within America, emphasizing theoretical and practical understanding of diversity. Employing a wide range of interdisciplinary social and behavioral science perspectives. The lecture-discussions and films explore topics including ethnicity, aging, (dis) ability, social class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, race, identity, politics and science. (CSU, UC)
SSCI 0020. African American Culture and Experience
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to the study of African American culture and experience in the United States. Places the African American experience at the center of the discourse and incorporates methodology from other disciplines that serve as a foundation for integrative and comparative perspectives. A critical examination of the African American experience and its antecedents. (CSU, UC)
SSCI 0025. Mexican American/Latino Culture and Image
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to Mexican American/Chicano/Latino culture using a comparative and interdisciplinary approach with focus on representation in media and popular culture. Course designed to provide an awareness of social, political, economic and cultural aspects of Mexican American, Chicano and Latino life in United States inclusive of social movements and protests. Field trips may be required. (CSU, UC)
SSCI 0028. Independent Study
Units: 1-3
Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level in an area where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study might include, but is not limited to, research papers, special subject area projects, and research projects. See Independent Study page in catalog. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)
SSCI 0030. Immigration, Community and Culture: The Asian American Experience
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to Asian American cultures in the United States from mid-1800's to present using a comparative and interdisciplinary approach. Examination of the development and evolution of Chinese, Filipino, Asian Indians, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese communities within the context of social, historical, economic, and political forces within the United States. Topics include immigration and settlement issues, social movements, assimilation, media images, stereotypes and discrimination, community building, art and popular culture. Field trips may be required. (CSU, UC)
SSCI 0035. Immigrants and Refugees in America: The European Experience
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Survey of immigration, acculturation, assimilation and cultures of peoples from northern, western, southern, eastern and central Europe. Includes a comparative overview of pre-immigration, immigration and post-immigration experiences of the people from these groups to the United States. (CSU, UC)
SSCI 0041. Introduction to Native American Studies
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Survey of the cultures of Native American people of North America focusing on the social, religious, economic, and artistic nature of various native groups. Examination of the antiquity, distribution, and linguistic history of native cultures. Addresses the contemporary status of native cultural traditions taking into account social change and adaptation. Emphasis on geographic, cultural, historical, and botanical environment of local native cultures. An optional field trip may be included. (CSU, UC)
SSCI 0045. Native American Cultures and the Impact of Federal Policy
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
In-depth study of Native American cultures and the impact of state and federal laws pertaining to tribal sovereignty and self-governance. Covers the effects of and resistance to colonization and cultural appropriation upon Native American cultures and religions. Students gain a practical understanding of the legal, political and cultural challenges faced by Native American tribal nations in our own region and across the country. (CSU, UC)
SSCI 0050. Ethnic Images in Film
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Interdisciplinary approach to study ethnic culture, race, socio-economic class, and gender in the United States through the medium of film. Examines film content for representation and accuracy, the multiple dimensions of media stereotypes, and the authenticity of diverse ethnic experiences with particular emphasis on gender, race and class. Note: not a course in film making or film criticism. (CSU, UC)
SSCI 0300F. Italian Life, Culture and Politics
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to Italian life and culture through the exploration and examination of history, politics, economics, art, literature and traditions. Special attention will be given to the Medici banking system, the Italian City Republics as well as the period known as the Italian Renaissance. (CSU, UC)
SSCI 0300G. Oaxacan Life and Culture
Units: 3
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to Oaxacan life and culture through exploration of its history, culture, politics, ecology and challenges. Emphasis includes the relationship between Southern Mexico and U.S. cultures. Involves field trips to local artisan villages, ecological preserves, museums, archeological sites and guest lectures. (CSU, UC)
Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)
- Read and discuss the influences of race, ethnicity, religion, economic status, gender, and sexual orientation.
- Evaluate and examine theories of race relations and the persistence of racism, classism, and sexism.
- Analyze the concepts of individual/institutional racism, cycles of oppression, matrix of domination and policies of exclusion.
- Identify, recognize and appreciate the extensive contributions of historically marginalized people in the formation of the U.S.
