Sierra College Philosophy for General Education: General education is designed to introduce students to the variety of means through which people comprehend the modern world. General education introduces the content and methodology of the major areas of knowledge: the humanities and fine arts, the natural sciences and the social sciences. The general education program provides the opportunity for students to develop the intellectual skills, information technology facility, affective and creative capabilities, social attitudes and appreciation for cultural diversity that will make them effective learners and citizens.

Note: Students who possess a baccalaureate or higher degree completed at a college or university accredited through a CHEA (Council for Higher Education Accreditation) recognized Regional Accrediting Agency will have satisfied Sierra College general education and competency requirements for the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree. International coursework from non-United States regionally accredited institutions cannot be used to waive Sierra College General Education.

I. General Education Breadth Requirements

Area 1 - English Communication 

Select two courses (minimum 6 semester units) - one from Group 1A and one from Group 1B or Group 1C:

Group 1A - English Composition
Academic Reading and Writing
Group 1B - Critical thinking
Argumentation and Rhetorical Criticism
Critical Thinking and Writing about Literature
Critical Thinking and Writing
Introduction to Critical Thinking
Introduction to Symbolic Logic
Group 1C - Oral Communication
Business Communications
Introduction to Oral Communication
Introduction to Public Speaking
Small Group Communication
Communication Foundations
Interpersonal Communication
Acting I
Acting II

Area 2 - Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning

Select one course (minimum 3 semester units) from the following:

Personal Finance
Problem Solving
Data Science for All
College Algebra
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
Introduction to Statistics

Area 3 - Arts and Humanities

Select one course (Minimum 3 semester units) from Arts or Humanities:

Arts
History of Graphic Design
Sketching for Design
Graphic Design I: Principles and Process
History of Filmmaking
Documentary Filmmaking
Two-Dimensional Design Foundations
Three-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
Ceramics I
Ceramics II
Figure Sculpture
Raku Ceramics
Metal Arts
Advanced Metal Arts
Fiber Arts I
Art Metal Casting
Collage and Assemblage
Printmaking I
Introduction to Jewelry and Metalsmithing
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 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
Performance of Diverse Literatures
Creative Writing (Non-Fiction)
Introduction to Creative Writing
Creative Writing (Poetry)
Creative Writing (Fiction)
Fashion History
Introduction to Humanities I
Introduction to Humanities II
Introduction to Asian Humanities
Music Appreciation
Music Theory I
Music Theory II
Music Theory III
Music Theory IV
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
Introduction to Music Cultures of the World
Beginning Voice
Intermediate Voice
Advanced Voice I
Advanced Voice II
Beginning Piano I
Beginning Piano II
Intermediate Piano I
Intermediate Piano II
Jazz Ensemble
Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Concert Choir
Wind Ensemble
Symphonic Band
History of Photography
Beginning Photography
Documentary Photography
Documentary Filmmaking
Acting I
Introduction to Theatre
Costume History
Acting for Musical Theatre
Script Analysis
Humanities
Visual Communication
Communication Theory, Methods, and Practice
Visual Communication
Multimedia Reporting
American Sign Language I
American Sign Language II
American Sign Language III
American Sign Language IV
Critical Thinking and Writing about Literature
Introduction to LGBTIQ Literature
Introduction to Shakespeare and Popular Culture
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
The Documentary Film
Children's Literature
Young Adult Literature
English Literature
English Literature
World Literature
World Literature
Literature of Science Fiction
Advanced Reading and Writing
Introduction to Chicana/o Studies
Ethnic Images in Film
Elementary French - Level I
Elementary French - Level II
Intermediate French - Level I
Intermediate French - Level II
Elementary German - Level I
Elementary German - Level II
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
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
Children's Literature
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
Queer (LGBTIQ) Film History
Introduction to Music Cultures of the World
Introduction to Philosophy: Ethics
Introduction to Critical Thinking
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
Script Analysis
Introduction to Women, Gender and Religion
 
 

Area 4 - Social and Behavioral Sciences 

Select one course (minimum 3 semester units) from Social or Behavioral Sciences:

Social Sciences
Introduction to Administration of Justice
Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture
Food, Society and the Environment
Introduction to Agricultural Business and Economics
History of Women in Art
History of Latinx and Chicanx Art
Introduction to Business
Law and Society
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
Introduction to Asian American Studies
Introduction to African American Studies
Introduction to Chicana/o Studies
Federal Indian Law and Policy
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
Introduction to Women, Gender and Religion
Psychology of Sport
Introduction to LGBT Studies/Queer Theory
Study of Happiness and Well-Being
American Government and Politics
Introduction to Comparative Government
Introduction to 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
Cultural Psychology
Feminism and Social Action
Sociology of Gender
Introduction to Women's Studies
Introduction to LGBT Studies/Queer Theory
Introduction to Women, Gender and Religion
Feminism and Social Action
Introduction to Disability Studies
Behavioral Sciences
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
Ethical Studies in Business
Personal Finance
Small Group Communication
Communication Foundations
Intercultural Communication
Interpersonal Communication
Communication Theory, Methods, and Practice
Mass Communication: Media and Society
Newswriting and Reporting Techniques
Multimedia Reporting
Introduction to Environmental Sciences and Sustainability
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
Geography of California
Human Development Through the Lifespan
Child, Family, and Community
Child Growth and Development
Psychology of Intimate Relationships and Family
The Family
Teaching in a Diverse Society
Introduction to Asian Humanities
Principles of Nutrition
Sports Nutrition
Introduction to 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

Area 5 - Natural Sciences 

Select one course or Course Combination (minimum 3 semester units) from Life or Physical Sciences:

(To earn an AS degree, an approved laboratory course/combination must be completed. Laboratory courses and lecture/laboratory courses are indicated by an asterisk (*).

Life Sciences
Introduction to Plant Science (*)
Food, Society and the Environment
Introduction to Animal Science (*)
Biological Anthropology
Biological Anthropology
and Biological Anthropology Laboratory (*)
Introduction to Forensic Anthropology
Life in the Universe
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 (*)
Wildland Trees and Shrubs (Dendrology) (*)
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 (*)
Organismal Biology (*)
Introduction to Environmental Sciences and Sustainability
Introduction to Environmental Sciences and Sustainability
and Introduction to Environmental Science Laboratory (*)
The Sierra Nevada
Energy, Environment, and Climate
California Water (*)
Conservation of Natural Resources
Natural History, Ecology and Conservation (*)
Introduction to Biopsychology
Introduction to Biopsychology
and Biopsychology Laboratory (*)
Physical Sciences
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
Introduction to Oceanography
and Introduction to Oceanography Laboratory (*)
Geology of National Parks and Monuments
Introduction to Environmental Sciences and Sustainability
Introduction to Environmental Sciences and Sustainability
and Introduction to Environmental Science Laboratory (*)
The Sierra Nevada
Energy, Environment, and Climate
California Water
Conservation of Natural Resources
Physical Geography
Physical Geography
and Physical Geography Laboratory (*)
Weather and Climate
Analytical Geometry and Calculus I
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 (*)

Area 6 - Ethnic Studies 

Select one course (minimum 3 semester units) from the following:

Introduction to Ethnic Studies
Introduction to Asian American Studies
Introduction to African American Studies
Introduction to Chicana/o Studies
Federal Indian Law and Policy
Ethnic Images in Film
Introduction to Native American Studies

A) To earn an AA or AS at Sierra College, students must:

  • Complete a minimum of 18 semester (27 quarter) units of focused study in a major;
  • Complete a minimum of 21 semester (28-31.5 quarter) units of General Education in the areas described above;
  • Complete a total of 60 units, including major, general education, and elective courses;
  • Complete at least 12 units at Sierra College ;
  • Complete courses with a grade of “C” or better or a grade of “P” if the course is taken on a “Pass/No Pass” basis;
  • Complete the requirements of the degree with a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0.

B) Courses may meet multiple requirements, including General Education. However, one course may not be counted in more than one General Education area.

C) Students who possess a baccalaureate or higher degree completed at a college or university accredited through a CHEA (Council for Higher Education Accreditation) recognized Regional Accrediting Agency will have satisfied Sierra College general    education and competency requirements for the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree. International coursework from non-United States regionally accredited institutions cannot be used to waive Sierra College General Education.

D) Students who intend to transfer to a four-year institution should speak to a Counselor, as the AA/AS General Education option may not be the best option. Please see California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) for transfer general education requirements.

E) Students who wish to earn an AA-T or AS-T must complete California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC).

F) All students are strongly advised to speak with a counselor choosing a major, general education, or transfer pathway.