Associate of Arts

The Social Science program provides the first and second year foundation for successful transfer towards a baccalaureate degree at a four-year college or university.  Students should select specialized courses that support and/or align with their intended program of study at their identified transfer institution.  Students are encouraged to meet with a transfer counselor to effectively design a plan for successful transfer to a four-year institution.

It is the mission of the Department of Social Sciences to develop capable citizens who are empowered with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to make informed and responsible decisions in a diverse and interdependent world.  In addition to the Associate Degree for transfer purposes and certificates in Ethnic Studies and Global Studies, the social sciences provide substantial support to other fields of study and practice.  Students can pursue a general degree or develop a concentration in History, Political Science, or Sociology/Anthropology.  Through a number of elective classes in Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Ethnic and Diversity Studies, Geography, Global Studies, History, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology we strive to give students the social science knowledge and skills that promote an interdisciplinary understanding of human society and behavior.

Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will:

1. Engage in critical thinking and skeptical inquiry to analyze human society and behavior.
2. Analyze the impact on human groups of historical, political, cultural, economic and social forces and structures.
3. Apply research methods to demonstrate an understanding of how social scientific knowledge is produced, and to evaluate contemporary and disciplinary issues within the social sciences.
4. Describe the major concepts, theoretical perspectives and empirical findings in the selected disciplines.
5. Communicate an understanding of global diversity in its cultural, political, social, economic and geographic manifestations, and of the relationship between culture, community and equity.