This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.sierracollege.edu.

Special Note: Effective Fall 2021, students planning to graduate from the California State University (CSU) system must complete an Area F, Ethnic Studies course at the lower division level. This requirement applies to new incoming students who began taking courses at Sierra College in Fall 2021 or later. It is not mandatory for students with continuous attendance at Sierra College prior to Fall 2021.

A. English Language Communication and Critical Thinking

Minimum of 9 semester units with one course each in subareas A1, A2 and A3, completed with grades of "C-" or better.

A1. Oral Communication (3 semester units)
Introduction to Oral Communication
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Argumentation and Rhetorical Criticism
Small Group Communication
Communication Foundations
A2. Written Communication (3 semester units)
College Reading, Writing and Research
A3. Critical Thinking (3 semester units)
Argumentation and Rhetorical Criticism
Critical Thinking and Writing about Literature
Critical Thinking and Writing across the Curriculum
Analytical and Critical Thinking in Reading
Introduction to Critical Thinking
Introduction to Symbolic Logic

B. Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning

Minimum of 9 semester units with one course each in subareas B1, B2 and B4, plus one corresponding laboratory component required from either area B1 or B2 (laboratory courses and related lecture/laboratory combinations are indicated by an asterisk). The subarea B4 course must be completed with a grade of "C-" or better.

B1. Physical Science (3 semester units)
Introduction to Soil Science
Introduction to Planetary Systems
Introduction to Planetary Systems
and Observational Astronomy *
Introduction to Planetary Systems
and Astrophotography and Imaging *
Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe
Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe
and Observational Astronomy *
Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe
and Astrophotography and Imaging *
Life in the Universe
Elementary Astronomy
Elementary Astronomy
and Observational Astronomy *
Elementary Astronomy
and Astrophotography and Imaging *
Frontiers in Astronomy
General Chemistry I *
General Chemistry II *
Introduction to Chemistry I *
Introduction to Chemistry II *
General Chemistry I - Part 1 *
General Chemistry I - Part 2 *
Survey of Chemistry and Physics *
Physical Geology
Physical Geology
and Physical Geology Laboratory *
California Geology
Historical Geology
Historical Geology
and Historical Geology Laboratory *
Energy, Environment, and Climate
Introduction to Earth Science
Introduction to Earth Science
and Introduction to Earth Science Laboratory *
Introduction to Oceanography
Geology of National Parks and Monuments
Introduction to Environmental Sciences and Sustainability
Introduction to Environmental Sciences and Sustainability
and Introduction to Environmental Science Laboratory *
Energy, Environment, and Climate
California Water *
Conservation of Natural Resources
Physical Geography
Physical Geography
and Physical Geography Laboratory *
Weather and Climate
The Science of Electronics
Basic Concepts in Physics
Basic Concepts in Physics
and Basic Concepts in Physics Laboratory *
General Physics I
General Physics I
and General Physics I Laboratory *
General Physics II
General Physics II
and General Physics II Laboratory *
Survey of Chemistry and Physics *
Principles of Physics: Mechanics
Principles of Physics: Mechanics
and Principles of Physics Laboratory: Mechanics *
Principles of Physics: Electricity and Magnetism
Principles of Physics: Electricity and Magnetism
and Principles of Physics Laboratory: Electricity and Magnetism *
Principles of Physics: Heat, Waves and Modern Physics
Principles of Physics: Heat, Waves and Modern Physics
and Principles of Physics Laboratory: Heat, Waves and Modern Physics *
B2. Life Science (3 semester units)
Introduction to Plant Science *
Introduction to Animal Science *
Biological Anthropology
Biological Anthropology
and Biological Anthropology Laboratory *
Introduction to Forensic Anthropology
General Biology *
Botany *
General Zoology *
Microbiology *
Human Anatomy *
Human Physiology *
Introduction to Biology
Concepts of Biology *
Natural History, Ecology and Conservation *
Marine Biology *
Introduction to Plant Science *
Introduction to Ornithology
Introduction to Zoology *
Introduction to Entomology
Introduction to Mammalogy
General Human Anatomy and Physiology *
Biology: A Human Perspective
Biology: A Human Perspective
and Biology: A Human Perspective Laboratory *
Introduction to Environmental Sciences and Sustainability
Introduction to Environmental Sciences and Sustainability
and Introduction to Environmental Science Laboratory *
California Water *
Conservation of Natural Resources
Natural History, Ecology and Conservation *
Introduction to Biopsychology
Introduction to Biopsychology
and Biopsychology Laboratory *
B3. Laboratory Activity
One of the courses selected from area B1 or B2 must include a related laboratory. Laboratory courses and related lecture/laboratory combinations are indicated by an asterisk.
B4. Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (3 semester units)
Personal Finance
Problem Solving
College Algebra
Elementary Statistics
Discrete Mathematics
Calculus for Social and Life Sciences
Calculus for Social and Life Sciences
Concepts of Mathematics
The Nature of Mathematics
Mathematical Concepts for Elementary School Teachers
Modern Business Mathematics
Trigonometry
Pre-Calculus Mathematics
Analytical Geometry and Calculus I
Analytical Geometry and Calculus II
Analytical Geometry and Calculus III
Differential Equations and Linear Algebra
Business Calculus
Introduction to Psychological Statistics
Introduction to Statistics in Sociology

C. Arts and Humanities

Minimum of 9 semester units with at least one course each in subareas C1 and C2.

C1. Arts
History of Graphic Design
Graphic Design: Principles and Process
History of Filmmaking
Art Appreciation
Survey of Western Art I: Prehistory through the Middle Ages
Survey of Western Art II: Renaissance Traditions
Survey of Western Art III: Modern through Contemporary
History of Women in Art
History and Aesthetics of Photography
History of the Arts of Africa, the Americas, and Oceania
History of Latinx and Chicanx Art
History of Asian Art
History of Islamic Art
Two-Dimensional Design Foundations
Drawing I
Drawing II
Figure Drawing I
Color Theory
Oil Painting I
Watercolor Painting I
Acrylic Painting I
Sculpture I
Ceramic Sculpture/Handbuilding
Figure Sculpture
Collage and Assemblage
Printmaking I
Performance of Diverse Literatures
American Film Masterpieces
International Film Masterpieces
The Filmed Novel
The Documentary Film
Ethnic Images in Film
Fashion History
Introduction to Humanities I
Introduction to Humanities II
Introduction to Asian Humanities
Music Appreciation
Music Theory I
Music Theory III
Music Fundamentals
Introduction and History of Jazz
Survey of Music History and Literature to 1750
Survey of Music History and Literature from 1750 to Present
Introduction to Music: History of Rock and Roll
History and Aesthetics of Photography
Elementary Photography
Documentary Photography
Acting I
Introduction to Theatre
Costume History
C2. Humanities
Visual Communication
Visual Communication
American Sign Language I
American Sign Language II
American Sign Language III
American Sign Language IV
Introduction to Deaf Studies
Critical Thinking and Writing about Literature
Introduction to LGBTIQ Literature
Introduction to Shakespeare and Popular Culture
Creative Writing (Non-Fiction)
Introduction to Creative Writing
Creative Writing (Poetry)
Creative Writing (Fiction)
Introduction to Literary Criticism and Critical Concepts
Literature by Women
Introduction to Drama as Literature
American Literature - Beginnings through Civil War
American Literature - Civil War to the Present
Introduction to Poetry
Introduction to Shakespeare (The Drama)
Introduction to the Novel
Introduction to the Short Story
American Film Masterpieces
International Film Masterpieces
The Filmed Novel
Children's Literature
Young Adult Literature
English Literature
English Literature
World Literature
World Literature
Literature of Science Fiction
Introduction to Chicana/o Studies
Elementary French - Level I
Elementary French - Level II
Intermediate French - Level I
Intermediate French - Level II
Elementary German - Level I
Elementary German - Level II
Children's Literature
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 World History
Women in American History
World History to 1500
World History since 1500
Introduction to Humanities I
Introduction to Humanities II
Introduction to Asian Humanities
Classical Roots of the Contemporary Western World
Introduction to Women, Gender and Religion
World Religions
Introduction to Mythology
Introduction to Atheism
Introduction to the Hebrew Bible
Introduction to the New Testament
Elementary Italian - Level I
Elementary Italian - Level II
Elementary Japanese - Level I
Elementary Japanese - Level II
Queer (LGBTIQ) Film History
Introduction to Philosophy: Ethics
Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality
Philosophy of Religion
Introduction to Asian Philosophy
History of Ancient Greek Philosophy
History of Modern Philosophy
Introduction to Philosophy of Women in Western Cultures
Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy
Introduction to Environmental Ethics
Introduction to the Philosophy of Science
Elementary Spanish - Level I
Elementary Spanish - Level II
Intermediate Spanish - Level I
Intermediate Spanish - Level II
Intermediate Conversational Spanish
Introduction to Women, Gender and Religion

D. Social Sciences

Minimum of 6 semester units - two different disciplines recommended but not required.

Introduction to Administration of Justice
Food, Society and the Environment
Introduction to Agricultural Business and Economics
Cultural Anthropology
Native Peoples of North America
Introduction to Archaeology
Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology
Native Peoples of California
Magic, Witchcraft, Ritual, Myth and Religion
Global Problems
Anthropology of Sex, Gender and Sexuality
History of Women in Art
History of Latinx and Chicanx Art
Law and Society
Intercultural Communication
Interpersonal Communication
Communication Theory, Methods, and Practice
Mass Communication: Media and Society
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
Introduction to Environmental Sciences and Sustainability
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
Dialogues in American Culture
Introduction to African American Studies
Introduction to Chicana/o Studies
Immigrants and Refugees in America: The European Experience
Native American Policy and Law
Ethnic Images in Film
Introduction to Native American Studies
Clothing and Culture
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 World History
Women in American History
The American West
World History to 1500
World History since 1500
Human Development Through the Lifespan
Child, Family, and Community
Child Growth and Development
Psychology of Intimate Relationships and Family
The Family
Introduction to Asian Humanities
Introduction to Women, Gender and Religion
Introduction to LGBT Studies/Queer Theory
Principles of Nutrition
American Government
Comparative Government
International Relations
Russian and East European Political Systems
California Politics and Government
Politics of the Developing World
American Foreign Policy
Politics of the Middle East
Terrorism
Introduction to Political Theory
Introduction to Political Science Research Methods
Women and Politics in a Global Society
General Principles of Psychology
Social Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Research Methods in Psychology
Psychology of Adjustment
Abnormal Psychology
Psychology of Death and Dying
Psychology of Intimate Relationships and Family
Psychology of Women
Human Sexuality
Alcohol, Drugs and Society
Psychology and Film
Environmental Psychology
Cultural Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
Social Problems
Race, Ethnicity and Inequality
The Family
Sociology of Women's Health
Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control
Feminism and Social Action
Sociology of Gender
Introduction to Hip Hop and Social Justice
Introduction to Social Justice
Introduction to Women's Studies
Introduction to LGBT Studies/Queer Theory
Introduction to Women, Gender and Religion
Feminism and Social Action

E. Lifelong Learning and Self-Development

Minimum of 3 semester units (of which only one semester unit may be physical activity).

Human Physiology
General Human Anatomy and Physiology
The Sierra Nevada
Human Development Through the Lifespan
Child Growth and Development
Psychology of Intimate Relationships and Family
The Family
Nutrition throughout the Life Cycle
Health Education
Health and Aging
ACE Personal Trainer Preparation
Physiology of Fitness
Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries
Principles of Nutrition
Nutrition Throughout the Life Cycle
College and Life Success
Career Planning
Stress and Well Being
General Principles of Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Psychology of Adjustment
Psychology of Death and Dying
Psychology of Intimate Relationships and Family
Psychology of Women
Human Sexuality
Alcohol, Drugs and Society
First Year Seminar
The Family
Sociology of Women's Health
Physical Activity (1 semester unit maximum)
Fire Academy Physical Training
Cardio Fitness - Level I
Cardio Fitness - Level II
Cross Training
Weight Training
Strength Training - Circuit and Power Lifting
Physical Fitness
Aerobic Fitness
Cardio Kickboxing
Fitness and Weight Management Boot Camp
Instructional Methods for Group Fitness
Peaceful Self Defense
Basic Self Defense
Multi Self Defense System
Tai Chi
Self-Defense for Personal Safety
Badminton
Recreational Basketball
Flag Football
Golf
Soccer Level I
Soccer Level II
Tennis
Advanced Tennis
Volleyball
Beach Volleyball
Futsal - Level I
Futsal - Level II
Water Exercise for Fitness
Fundamentals of Swimming
Swimming Conditioning
Ballet I
Ballet II
Jazz Dance
Ballroom Dance
Modern Dance
Line Dance
Fundamentals of Yoga
Mat Pilates
Adapted Aquatics
Adapted Aerobic Fitness
Adapted Individualized Exercises
Sports Activities
Backpacking
Rock Climbing

F. Ethnic Studies

Minimum 3 semester units

Introduction to Ethnic Studies
Introduction to African American Studies
Introduction to Chicana/o Studies
Native American Policy and Law
Ethnic Images in Film
Introduction to Native American Studies
 
 
MINIMUM LOWER-DIVISION GENERAL EDUCATION UNITS 39
Additional upper-division general education units completed at the California State University campus 9
Minimum general education units to obtain Bachelor's degree 48

CSU Graduation Requirement in United States History, Constitution and American Ideals

Minimum of 2 courses1 chosen from one of the following course combinations. (This CSU graduation requirement may be met before or after transfer to a CSU campus and is not required for CSU GE certification.)

A. HIST 0017A and HIST 0017B
B. HIST 0017A and HIST 0020
C. HIST 0017A and POLS 0001
D. HIST 0017A and POLS 0005
E. HIST 0017A and POLS 0018
F. HIST 0017B and HIST 0027
G. HIST 0017B and POLS 0001
H. HIST 0018A and POLS 0001
I. HIST 0018B and POLS 0001
J. HIST 0020 and HIST 0027
K. HIST 0023 and POLS 0001
L. HIST 0025 and POLS 0001
M. HIST 0027 and POLS 0001
N. HIST 0027 and POLS 0005
O. HIST 0027 and POLS 0018
P. HIST 0049 and POLS 0001
1

Course(s) may be applied to CSU GE Breadth areas C2 or D and this CSU graduation requirement.

Notes

  1. To qualify as an upper-division transfer, a student must: 
  • complete 60 or more CSU transferable semester units with a grade point average of at least 2.0 (2.4 if a nonresident) in all transferable college units attempted; and
  • complete at least 30 of those units from general education courses in areas A through D, including courses in each of the following areas with grades of "C-" or better: A1, A2, A3, and B4.
  1. While a course may be listed in multiple areas, it may only be applied to one area. (The CSU graduation requirement in U.S. History, Constitution and American Ideals is not part of CSU GE Breadth; therefore, courses may be applied to both of these requirements.)
  2. Students with Advanced Placement (AP), College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations should check with a counselor to verify application of the examinations to the appropriate general education areas.
  3. International coursework from non-United States regionally accredited institutions cannot be applied to CSU GE Breadth requirements.
  4. Courses on this CSU General Education Breadth list are approved annually for the academic year, which begins with the Fall 2022 semester and remains valid through Summer 2023. If a course is taken before it is approved or after it is removed, it cannot be used to satisfy CSU GE Breadth. See a counselor or check assist.org for up-to-date as well as historical course approval information.
  5. Students pursuing majors with extensive lower-division unit requirements, such as Engineering, are advised to focus on completing the pre-major requirements while meeting minimum admission requirements. Consult with a counselor to determine the most appropriate transfer path.
  6. A maximum of 70 semester units may be transferred to a CSU campus. Coursework completed above the 70 units may be used to meet CSU general education, major, and/or graduation requirements even if the units will not count toward the baccalaureate degree.
  7. CSU Sacramento requires a 2.0 GPA in general education courses (except as noted in #1 above), and a foreign language for graduation.
  8. The CSU Sacramento English 20 graduation requirement can be satisfied by completing Sierra’s ENGL 0001B or ENGL 0001C. Either of these courses may “double count” to meet both the English 20 graduation requirement and the CSU General Education Breadth requirement for area A3. Consult with a counselor and/or see the CSUS catalog for graduation requirements.