Associate of Arts Social Science Degree
The Associate of Arts degree Social Science emphasizes the study of social and behavioral sciences. Students will recognize, describe and analyze individual behaviors and social institutions that influence our world. This degree is multidisciplinary preparing students to transfer in majors such as psychology, sociology, political science, history, anthropology and religious studies.
Associated Major Sheet (PDF)
Major/Program Requirements
A minimum of (3) three units must be taken from each of the following groups:
Required Courses:
History and Culture
Political and Social Institutions
Philosophy and Religion
Behavioral Science
A student receiving a degree in this field will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding that History shares with English a narrative tradition that relies on the written word to tell its story by evaluating documents
- Discuss and appraise the influence of multiple factors or "causes" in an historical event or development
- Recognize and evaluate the influence of contingency or chance in an historical event or development
- Compare, contrast and evaluate the influence or role of actions or inaction in determining an outcome in an historical event or development
- Considering History's multi-discipline nature, describe and appraise the role that "environment" (physical, social, cultural, technological and economic, etc.) may play in an historical event or development
- Critique and evaluate an historical event or development as a study of human activity and conclude how it informs us about human nature
- Analyze and evaluate an historical event or development that demonstrates the fact that at times we cannot have absolute certainty about what happened in the past
Students planning to transfer to a four-year university are cautioned that this degree may not meet all of the lower division requirements for transfer into a particular major; however, through careful educational planning with a counselor, this degree would offer a solid foundation in the transfer process. Students should consult with a counselor for specific information regarding their intended major at the university of their choice.