Associate of Arts in Social Sciences

Social Science courses are designed to provide the student with an understanding and appreciation of the many different social, political, economic, psychological, and cultural experiences in the United States. Using an inter-disciplinary approach, students will learn to study diverse topics, such as Urban Education, Media, American Pop Culture, Poverty, and LGBTQ Studies from a variety of academic viewpoints. Experience a sampling of all the social sciences wrapped up in one course.

SOC S 101 Urban Education in America

SOC S 101 is designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the American system of education, especially in urban multi-cultural schools. It deals with the psychology, sociology, politics, and philosophy of urban education. The course covers the current conditions of American schools and selected challenges of California’s diverse urban schools. The focus is on the issues facing teachers and students working in diverse, multiracial, multi-ethnic urban settings and on the efforts being made to respond to the needs of teachers and students. Lecture 3 hours.

Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 120 or ESL 151.
Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring.
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC

SOC S 105 Our Digital World: The Internet, Social Media, and Society

SOC S 105 introduces students to the landscape of emerging media within the information society. Using an interdisciplinary approach, students develop a critical understanding of the psychology, history, politics, and economics of new information technologies and the sociocultural shifts from which they evolved. By focusing on cutting edge content and events, students study and apply theoretical concepts to real-life issues, such as the impact of technology on society, the relationship between digital devices and identity, privacy and surveillance, intellectual property, hacktivism, cybercrime, and more. Through the use of multimedia materials, students explore the complex and interconnected relationship between emerging media, technology, and society. Lecture 3 hours.

Recommended Preparation: ENGL 100, ENGL 191, or ESL 141, or the equivalent.
Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring.
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC

SOC S 110 American Pop Culture

SOC S 110 is an interdisciplinary course that examines how popular culture impacts everyday American life. Various forms of popular culture including music, film television, advertising, sports, fashion, design, toys, magazines, comic books, and cyberculture are analyzed. Students assess how American popular culture reveals historical forces at work that influence the lives of people living in the United States. Via a contextualized discussion of American popular culture, this course introduces students to other academic fields such as History, Ethnic Studies, Political Science, and Economics. Lecture 3 hours.

Recommended Preparation: ENGL 100, ENGL 191, or ESL 141, or the equivalent.
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC

SOC S 120 Responses to Poverty

SOC S 120 is an introduction to the causes and immediate effects of poverty as it exists today. This course examines poverty within the context of cultural, economical, political, psychological, and social forces. Consequences of poverty in other countries are also considered. Theories and practical means to address poverty will be considered and analyzed. Lecture 3 hours.

Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 120 or ESL 151.
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC

SOC S 127 Los Angeles County: History, Politics, and Culture

SOC S 127 examines one of the most culturally diverse places on Earth - Los Angeles County. The region is viewed in three contexts: its history, its portrayals in literature, and the issues it faces today. The historic underpinnings of the region are explored from the Gabrielino people of the Spanish, Mexican, and United States eras. This course includes the stories of ethnic and racial groups, including some not often associated with the area’s history. The last segment of the course examines contemporary issues, opportunities, and problems facing Los Angeles County. Lecture 3 hours.

Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 120 or ESL 151.
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC

SOC S 130 Introduction to LGBTQ Studies

SOC S 130 is an interdisciplinary course that introduces the field of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer studies (LGBTQ studies). This course traces the history of LGBTQ identities, communities, organizations, and resistance movements in the United States from the colonial era to the contemporary moment, with particular emphasis since World War II. Students interrogate the political, economic, and cultural inequalities related to sexuality and gender identity as well as examine the historical emergence of LGBTQ as an academic discipline. Through an interdisciplinary lens, this course further explores the diversity of sexuality and gender in relation to the intersections of race, ethnicity, and class. Lecture 3 hours.

Recommended Preparation: ENGL 100, ENGL 191, or ESL 141, or the equivalent.
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC. (C-ID SJS 130)

This program prepares students to write, read, and think critically about local and global communities. Students are prepared to transfer to baccalaureate degree programs in anthropology, child development, economics, ethnic studies, gender studies, geography, global studies, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, and sociology. Students must complete all required core classes and choose other courses from the additional courses listed to a total of 18 units.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will have developed a broad and critical understanding of the complex interconnections between the human and environmental forces in their world. The student will be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills and a basic understanding of the complex interrelationships between humankind and the biophysical environment.

All courses used to satisfy the major for the Associate in Arts degree must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

Academic Calendar

• Semester system (16 weeks).
• Fall Semester begins at the end of August.
• Spring Semester begins mid-February.
• Summer Session (mid-June to mid-August.); along with a short-term Winter Session of six weeks in early January.

New International students applying directly from overseas can only apply for the Fall or Spring Semesters. The short-term Sessions offer limited class scheduling for "new" students and are best designed for "continuing students."

Admission Requirements

High School transcripts and Diploma; minimum of 2.0 or "C" grade point average, if transferring directly from a U.S.-based College or University. TOEFL score minimum 45 on iBT, or IELTS 'band score' of 4.5 minimum – if English is not your first language of instruction. Also, Affidavit of Support Form & Bank Statement, and one-page personal essay. "Conditional Admission" is available for students without TOEFL or IELTS, and transferring-in from a Language School program.

Application Deadlines (for overseas Applicants)

• July 1 for Fall Semester;

• December 1 for Spring Semester;

• [May 15th for “Summer Session” -- Summer only for students "transferring" inside the U.S. with a current and valid Form I-20.]

• Deadlines may be flexible; please contact the International Student Office for details.

Tuition & Fees/Living Expenses

• Tuition & Fees (Academic Year 2020-21): $7,581 USD (full-time; two semesters).

• Estimated off-campus living expenses: $13,000 USD.

• Total costs for bank statement = $22,965 USD.

• Note: above costs are subject to periodic/annual changes. [Please plan your budget accordingly].

• Tuition/Fees are paid per Semester upon registration.

• "Tuition Advanced Deposit" is not required.

• The College offers a tuition payment plan each semester.