Major Courses

An introductory course in biological principles intended for non-majors. Emphasis on scientific method, chemistry of life, interpretation of data, morphology and physiology of animals and plants, genetics, and current biological problems. Meets the general education requirement for natural sciences.

A general study of the geosciences including the areas of astronomy, meteorology and climate, geology, and oceanography.

Laboratory exercises in biology emphasizing basic scientific principles used in biology.

A laboratory experience designed to illustrate and reinforce geosciences principles and to introduce basic geosciences laboratory techniques.

The course consists of interrelations of history, art, literature, music, and philosophy. It covers the culture-epochs from the Ancient River-Valley Civilizations through the Medieval period.

The course consists of interrelations of history, art, literature, music, and philosophy. It covers the culture-epochs from the Renaissance to contemporary times.

This course is a study of human growth and development during the first two decades of life. Emphasis is placed on how teachers apply theoretical foundations of the learning process, cultural forces affecting behavior, testing, grouping of students, and inclusion. A certificate of clearance is required prior to engaging in fieldwork. Prerequisite for all other education courses.

Major areas include personal, family, and community health, including the effects of alcohol, dangerous drugs and narcotics, degenerative and infectious diseases, and tobacco on the human body. Exploration of community resources related to health issues is offered. Meets California Teacher Credential requirements.

The role of minorities in the development of America. Principal areas of focus are immigration and the immigrant experience and the ethnic experiences of Blacks, Indians, and Hispanics.

The social, economic, and political development of California from its discovery to the present. The latter part of the course is thematic in presentation (i.e., agriculture, transportation, water, etc.).

This course studies the world's geographic areas and the outstanding human, social, and physical features of realms and regions. In doing so, special attention is given to the more important features of histories, societies, cultures, and religions of the people living in the region. It also examines the relationship between human life and natural environment. The purpose is to help students better understand the world, our relationship with the environment, and human connections around the globe.

An intensive study of a particular area of world literature in translation (e.g., Greek drama, or the literature of Existentialism). See the instructor for the area currently being studied. May be offered as a dual-language topic such as Latin American authors.

The literature of women and ethnic minorities. Recommended for Liberal Studies majors. At least one literature survey course recommended.

Selected poems and plays are studied in their historical contexts. A variety of critical approaches are incorporated. Includes comedies, history plays, and tragedies.

The Metaphysical and cavalier Poets, and the prose of John Milton, in historical context. (3 units)

Neoclassical, Romantic, and Victorian literature in historical context.

American literature and thought, 1800-1914, with emphasis on Poe, Hawthorne, Emerson, Dickinson, Douglass, Whitman, Melville, Stowe, and Twain. (3 units)

This course describes how the cognitive processes of thought, perception, attention, and problem-solving develop in infants and young children. Students will have the opportunity to explore the value of active learning in the development of knowledge, the specific ways in which children construct knowledge, and the theoretical models that support cognitive development at home and in school.

This course explores the concept of active learning and its importance to children's construction of knowledge through perception and movement, essentials of every learning experience.

This course introduces students to the process through which a child develops a sense of self within a socio-cultural system. Students will learn the significance of a supportive interpersonal environment for personality development. They will evaluate theories of emotional and personality development in infants and young children. They will describe the effects of social and emotional development on learning.

This course will explore spiritual development in young children from a biblical perspective including the role of Scripture in spiritual formation. Students will learn how to facilitate effectively the spiritual growth of children through a comprehensive understanding of the process of spiritual formation.

Includes the study of principles of modern nutrition, the importance of a scientific knowledge of nutrition, specific food nutrients, nutritional controversies, and a study of convenience foods and their impact on present day diets.

A study of the physical growth and development of humans and how it interacts with and influences motor learning and performance.

A study of the physical needs of elementary school age children. Emphasis is on physical growth and development, basic movement skills, and the designing of movement programs for children.

A study of the sociological and psychological impact of physical activity on humans. The psychological factors of self-perception, motivation, cooperation, and competition will be examined and used as descriptors to illustrate the idea of sport as an institution of society.

This course is a survey of Latin American history from the Spanish discovery of the Americas through the Cold War in the twentieth century. The course focuses on the impact of Spanish and Portuguese colonialism, the wars of Latin American Independence, the development of Latin American republics, and the impact of US intervention in the region.

The course consists of a historical survey exploring primarily the cultural and intellectual features of specifically non-Western cultures, with emphasis given to East Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East, additionally covering Africa, and the pre-Columbian Americas.

This course studies the most important decisions of the Supreme Court on individual rights and the conflicts from which they have arisen, which means examining the trinity of individual values and rights in American civil liberties -- freedom, due process, and equality.

This course will focus on the sociological approach to the ascribed statuses of race, class, and gender in American Society. Also explores how these social concepts are perceived, reinforced, and altered through social institutions, social interaction, media influence, and the dynamics of social change.

A general survey of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian writings (New Testament) with special emphasis to the religious and national life of the Hebrew people, the life of Jesus, and the development of the early church. An Online Program requirement for Online Degree Programs only.