General Education Course Descriptions
The current CSUDH General Education Worksheet is available for
download to help you understand where the general education courses are used in the general education pattern.
Basic Skills
Composition
ENG 110 Freshman Composition I (3). Prerequisite: English Placement Test T-score above 147
or test score exemption or EPT T-score of 141 or below and ENG 088
and ENG 099 or EPT T-score ranging from T142-T147 and ENG 099. Basic writing skills emphasizing analytical exposition and textual analysis. Graded A-C/NC. Three hours of lecture per week.
ENG 111 Freshman Composition II (3). Prerequisite: ENG 110 or
equivalent. Reinforcement of basic writing skills with emphasis on persuasion and argumentation, including a documented essay. Aids in writing convincing arguments and assembling, organizing, and documenting evidence supporting a thesis. Graded A-C/NC.
Logic/Critical Reasoning
PHI 120 Critical Reasoning (3). Introduction to methods of critical thinking including the nature of arguments, formal and informal fallacies, deductive and inductive arguments. Provides student with critical skills in both academic and nonacademic context. A-C/NC grading.
PSY 110 Critical Thinking and Problem Solving (3). Course is designed to improve critical thinking and problem solving skills such as deductive and inductive reasoning, probabilistic reasoning and decision-making. May include computer assisted instruction. A-C/NC grading.
Oral Communication
THE 120 Fundamentals of Speech (2). Introduction to the basic principles of speech communication. Classes cover the use of organization and evidence in speech preparation, and emphasize research and performance techniques. Students develop speeches for a variety of topics and situations. A- C/NC grading.
Library Skills
LIB 150 Library Skills and Strategies (2). Designed to acquaint students with the use of academic libraries. Practical exercises will develop skills for effectively utilizing library resources to fulfill research needs. Recommended for all students. One hour of lecture and two hours of activity per week.
Natural Sciences
Physical Sciences
CHE 102 Chemistry for the Citizen (3). A non-mathematical treatment of the basic principles of chemistry and their application to various facets of life in a highly technological society.
EAR 100 Physical Geology (3). Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in EAR 101 is recommended. Volcanoes, earthquakes, oceanic processes and continental drift. Rock and mineral identification is enhanced by concurrent enrollment in EAR 101. Meets certain general education requirements (is fundamental to Earth Science majors/minors), and has wide-ranging applications in art, commerce, public policy, and science. Field Trip.
GEO 200 Physical Geography (3). Classical natural systems, including earth-sun relationships, atmospheric flows, terrestrial biogeography, landforms, and processes of change; introduction to modern monitoring methods using maps, satellite reconnaissance, and geographic information systems.
PHY 100 Patterns in Nature (3). Unifying principles of elastic, sound, light and matter waves. Models of nature. Successes and failures of wave and particle models and their synthesis. Designed for non-science students.
Life Sciences
ANT 101 Introduction to Biological Anthropology (3). Examination of human biology. Introduces scientific approaches to genetics and evolution, primate evolution and behavior, evidence from fossil record for human evolution ad biological variation among modern humans, human growth and disease patterns, and human demography.
BIO 102 General Biology (3). Representative topics in modern biology, emphasizing the present state of knowledge and the major means whereby this knowledge is being expanded.
Science Laboratory
BIO 103L General Biology Laboratory (1). Prerequisite: BIO 102 or equivalent (may be taken concurrently). Laboratory work and demonstrations in representative areas of modern biology. Emphasizes scientific methodology. Three hours of laboratory per week.
EAR 101L Physical Geology Laboratory (1). Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in EAR 100 is recommended. Nature and origin of rocks and minerals through determination of physical properties of specimens. Topographic and geologic map analysis. Geological features from stereoscopic air photos. Recommended elective for students interested in the outdoors, archaeology, mineral deposits, land use, and natural hazards.
Quantitative Reasoning
MAT 105 Finite Mathematics (3). Prerequisite: Fulfillment of the ELM Mathematics of finance, combinatorics, probability, statistical measures of central tendency and dispersion, ,problem solving and mathematical reasoning. And additional topics selected by the instructor e.g. linear programming, statistics, graph theory, game theory. A-C/NC grading. Satisfies the Quantitative Reasoning requirement of the General Education Program.
MAT 131 Elementary Statistics and Probability (3). Prerequisite: Fulfillment of the ELM requirement. A practical course in probability and statistics including such topics as the binomial and normal distributions, confidence intervals, t, F, and chi-square tests, linear regression and correlation, and conditional probability. Satisfies the Quantitative Reasoning requirement of the General Education Program.
MAT 153 College Algebra and Trigonometry (4). Prerequisite: MAT 095 or equivalent. Topics include functions and their graphs; systems of linear and quadratic equations; ratios, proportion, variation; sequences; mathematical induction; the binomial theorem; complex numbers; theory of equations and trigonometry. Satisfies the Quantitative Reasoning requirement of the General Studies Program.
MAT 171 Survey of Calculus for Management and Life Sciences (4). Prerequisite: Fulfillment of the ELM requirement. Not available for credit to students who have credit in MAT 191or its equivalent or courses that have MAT 191 as a prerequisite. Functions, linear equations, the derivative and its applications, the integral and its applications, and partial derivatives. Satisfies the Quantitative Reasoning requirement of the General Education Program.
MAT 191 Calculus I (5). Prerequisite: MAT 153 or equivalent with a grade of C or better and fulfillment of the ELM requirement. Limits, continuity, derivatives, differentiation formulas, applications of derivatives, introduction to integration, fundamental theorem of calculus, application of integration. Satisfies the Quantitative Reasoning requirement of the General Education Program.
MAT 193 Calculus II (5). Prerequisite: MAT 191 or equivalent with a C grade or better. Differentiation and integration of transcendental function. Techniques and application of integration. Polar coordinates. Infinite sequences and series, power series, convergence. Satisfies the Quantitative Reasoning requirement of the General Education Program.
Humanities
HUM 200 Introduction to the Humanities (3). Prerequisites: ENG 111 or equivalent. Examines the inner-relationships among the humanities (art, literature, music, and philosophy) in Western culture by studying the theme of tradition and change in two periods, the Renaissance and the 20th century (including the Harlem Renaissance).
Arts
ART 100 Looking at Art (3). Learning to perceive art through discussion of selected historical periods, development of a descriptive vocabulary, and observation of actual works of art. Introduction to theories of interpretation and evaluation.
Art 101 Experiencing Creative Art (3). Learning modes of artistic expression through discussion of theories of composition, examination of the lives and goals of selected artists and art movements, and creation of individual and group art projects. Discussion of projects to develop skills in art criticism.
CHS 125 An Introduction to Chicano and Latino Musical Culture in the United States (3). The course examines musical expression of Chicano and Latino peoples in the present geographical boundaries of the United States. The course emphasizes the intercultural dynamics in the formation of Chicano and Latino music which incorporates African American, Native American, and European roots.
COM 130 Film Classics (3). Viewing and analysis of selected American and foreign films of the sound era which represent milestones in the development of the cinema. Guest filmmakers and performers from the industry may discuss various screenings with the class. Repeatable course.
DAN 130 Dance Perceptions (3). Introduction of dance in America through the viewing of dance, films, videotapes, and live performances. Application of aesthetic perception and criticism skills to determine artistic value of ballet, modern jazz, and tap dance performances. Three hours of lecture/viewing per week.
MUS 101 Introducing Music (3). The technique of listening to music. The elements of music, musical forms, and historical styles. Concert attendance and discussion will be an integral part of the course.
MUS 110 Music Fundamentals (3). Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in MUS 109 is recommended. Music rudiments taught through reading, writing, harmonizing and creating songs. Includes principles of notation, key signatures, scales, intervals, triads and chord processions.
THE 100 Television, Film, and Theatre (3). Appreciation of the performing arts of television, film, and the live theater through the viewing of films and videotapes, as well as attendance at plays and musicals.
THE 160 Acting for Non-majors (3). Introductory course for non-majors who wish to develop awareness and control of the voice and body while building self-confidence, and improving concentration and imagination.
Letters
AFS 200 Introduction to Africana Studies (3). Prerequisite: Completion of EPT requirement. An introduction to the discipline of Africana Studies. An overview of the philosophical underpinnings, evolution, theories, concepts, and practical applications of the disciplines; and the African-centered, holistic method of studying the African world.
AFS 231 Africana Literary Traditions (3). Prerequisite: ENG 111. Introduction to Africana Literary traditions. Focuses on how Africana writers use language and images to recreate their specific and shared histories. Selects authors who represent distinct literary traditions and discusses the major characteristics of each tradition.
APP 101 Introduction to Asian-Pacific Studies (3). Basic themes and key issues in Asia and the Pacific region. Multi-disciplinary survey of art, literature, philosophy, religion, politics, and society. Background to understanding tradition and change in the region, and introduction to the multi-cultural roots of Asian-Pacific Americans.
CHS 100 The Americas: European Cultural and Historical Synthesis (3). An in-depth study of the Mexican Indian and European Peoples who created major New World mestizo culture that influences a significant portion of the Western Hemisphere today.
CHS 205 Introduction to Chicano Literature (3). Prerequisite: CHS 100 recommended. An introduction to selected works of modern Chicano literature including an analysis of influences, themes, and techniques. Special attention given to certain issues of the Chicano experience reflected in the literature. Frequent written assignments.
ENG 230 Appreciation of Literature (3). Prerequisite: ENG 111. Ways of reading literature to enhance understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment. Requires frequent writing assignments.
FRE 220 Second-Year French (3). Prerequisite: At least one year of college French or consent of instructor. Individualized instruction in French language, life and letters for second-year and advanced first-year students in French. This course taken successfully twice completes lower division requirements for the major and minor. Repeatable course.
HUM 212 Introduction to African American Culture (3). Prerequisite: ENG 110. Exploration of the fusion of African and American cultures in the development of the African American culture, with particular emphasis on music, dance oral literature, language, drama and art. Three hours of lecture per week.
PHI 101 Values and Society (3). The role of values as motivations and as goals in our lives. General knowledge of what values are and how they influence us on individual and societal levels. Students are asked to construct solutions to value problems, for example, problems of justice. Essays as well as exams.
PHI 102 Humanity, Nature and God (3). Critical examination of perennial philosophical issues such as the nature of philosophy, the existence of God, free will, truth. Both Western and non-Western perspectives are discussed. Gives student a general understanding of his/her societal context. Essays as well as exams.
SPA 151 Introduction to Hispanic culture (3). Introduction to Hispanic Culture. A designated geographical area studies course focusing on patterns of culture in the Spanish-speaking world. Specific topic will vary from semester to semester; for example, Mexico and the Southwestern U.S., or Contemporary Spain. Conducted in English.
SPA 221 Intermediate Spanish II (3). Prerequisite: SPA 220 or equivalent. A continuation of Spanish 220, with emphasis on reading and writing.
Social Sciences
Individuals, Groups, and Society
AFS 212 Introduction to Comparative Ethnic and Global Societies (3). Explores the lived experiences of the Ethnic/Global communities in the U.S. and their places of origin. The course will examine the socio-cultural dynamics in Chicano/Latino,
Asian-Pacific and Africana communities.
ANT 100 Introduction to Cultures (3). Examination of the anthropological
approach to the study of human behavior. The concept of culture, cultural institutions and processes, evolution of cultural systems, application of the concept of culture to current social problems.
APP 212 Introduction to Comparative Ethnic and Global Societies (3). Explores the lived experiences of the Ethnic/Global communities in the U.S. and their places of origin. The course will examine the socio-cultural dynamics in Chicano/Latino,
Asian-Pacific and Africana communities.
CHS 212 Introduction to Comparative Ethnic and Global Societies (3). Explores the lived experiences of the Ethnic/Global communities in the U.S. and their places of origin. The course will examine the socio-cultural dynamics in Chicano/Latino,
Asian-Pacific and Africana communities.
ECO 200 Contemporary Economic Issues and Problems (3). An examination of contemporary economic institutions , issues and problems as they affect various groups in our society. Familiarization with basic analytical tools and techniques necessary for studying current issues.
PSY 101 General Studies Psychology: Understanding Human Behavior (3)
An introduction to psychology emphasizing the personal, cognitive and social development and functioning of the individual, and the influence of both physiological and social factors. Consideration of basic concepts and applications.
SOC 101 The Individual in Society (3). An introduction to the study of self, socialization, and social interaction. Inter-personal relations and the structure of social roles; deviance and normality in everyday life.
SOC 102 Understanding Social Relationships (3). Dynamics of the basic units of society, such as marriage and family groups, associations, and bureaucracy. Study of work, class and nobility, conflict and cooperation, crime, delinquency and social control.
WMS 250 Introduction to Women’s Studies (3). Introduces students to Women’s Studies. Students learn about gender from a multicultural, multiracial feminist and global perspective. Emphasis is on women’s history; gender, culture and nation; social institutions; sexuality, sexism and violence; and local and transnational women’s movements.
Global and Historical Perspectives
AFS 201 African World Civilizations (3). A survey of African Civilizations from antiquity to the present. The survey includes a review of the African presence in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The course examines the experience of peoples of African descent and their contributions to world civilizations.
CHS 200 Key Themes in Chicano/a and Latino/a History (3). Explores the history and experience of Chicanos/as and the Latinos/as in the United States in the 19th and 20tth Centuries and will explore the following themes: immigration, migration, labor, education, gender roles, and community organizations.
ANT 102 Ancient Civilizations (3). Examination of origins and development of world civilizations. Using evidence from the archaeological record, the written record, the arts, literature, and the sciences, human cultural achievements are examined from the earliest beginnings to the sixteenth century.
GEO 100 Human Geography (3). Cultural, physical, and biological earth systems. Emphasizes human geography and adaptation to physical habitats.
HIS 100 Perspectives on the Present (3). Exploration of the ways in which history and historians provide perspective and background analysis of current issues. Focus is upon case studies, such as origins of the Civil Rights movement; the family in history ; cycles of economic depression; colonial independence movements; origins of modern science.
HIS 120 World Civilizations I (3). The rise and development of key world civilizations from ancient times to 1500. Emphasis upon ideas, cultures, individuals and institutions that are part of the world’s heritage.
HIS 121 World Civilizations II (3). Contacts and conflicts among peoples and nations of the world from 1500 to the present. Emphasis upon ideas, movements, individuals and institutions that have shaped the modern world.
POL 100 General Studies Political Science: World Perspectives (3). An introduction to world affairs and the role of the individual in an increasingly complex and interdependent international system. Both the conceptual and practical aspects of problem solving and decision making are examined as they relate to international cooperation and conflict.
Perspectives on U.S. History
HIS 101 History of the United States (3). A study of the ideals, creeds, institutions, and behavior of the peoples of the United States. Meets the State requirement in U.S. History.
Perspectives on U.S. and Calif. Government
POL 101 American Institutions (3). A study of contemporary political institutions with emphasis on the philosophy, structure, and behavior of the American political system, including the state of California. Meets the State requirement in U.S. Constitution and California State and Local government.
The Whole Person
HEA 100 Health and Lifestyles (3). To familiarize the student with relationships among the physical, social and psychological aspects of health, which include: self care, prevention and analysis of personal health problems through participation in self-assessment techniques. Topics include the relationship of lifestyles to nutrition, stress, physical fitness, death and dying, and mental illness.
HSC 201 Health Care Systems and Perspectives (3). Examinations of health care delivery systems and personal health as integrated physiological, social, and psychological processes. Topics include role of healthcare providers; major healthcare organizations; contemporary healthcare issues; interactions of healthcare and physical environmental changes which influence health of the whole person
KIN 235 Lifetime Fitness (3). Examination of components of fitness; training principles, energy sources; nutrition and weight control research; stress reduction techniques; and fitness programs. Fitness assessment and development of personalized
fitness program. Meets General Education Requirement for the Whole Person.
REC 100 Dimensions of Leisure (3). Investigation of leisure, recreation, and personal and social adjustments to leisure. Examination of use and misuse of leisure. Students develop personal philosophy of recreation and increase awareness of impact of leisure on American society.
UNV 101 Personal, Social and Intellectual Development (3). A consideration of individual development with the goal of increasing knowledge of self and others within the University. Topics include self-knowledge and assessment, learning to learn, career development, and making the best use of University resources.
Upper Division Integrative Studies
Integrative Studies in the Humanities
HUM 310 Key Concepts (3). Prerequisite: HUM 200 or equivalent. Analysis of a major concept in humanistic thought and expression, e.g. the individual and society, success and values in the U.S., death and dying, war and society, etc. Repeatable for credit with different topics.
HUM 312 Key Movements (3). Prerequisite: HUM 200 or equivalent. Analysis of
major historical movement from a humanistic perspective, e.g. Harlem Renaissance, Modernism, the Jazz Age, African Literature and Culture, etc. Repeatable for credit with different topics.
HUM 314 Key Issues (3). Prerequisite: HUM 200 or equivalent. Analysis of major contemporary issues from a humanistic point of view. Examples include the role of the arts in society; literature and the rights of women, romantic love, visions of Los Angeles, etc. Repeatable for credit with different topics.
Integrative Studies in the Natural Sciences
SMT 310 Science and Technology (3). Prerequisite: Completion of lower division G. E. science requirements. An assessment of the interrelationships of Science and Technology. Study of the development of technological advances and the scientific principles behind them.
SMT 312 Natural Processes and Human Welfare (3). Prerequisite: Completion of lower division G .E. science requirements. Impact of natural events on human activities and vice versa. Mankind's uneasy relationship with atmosphere, ocean and not-so-solid earth.
SMT 314 Introduction to Cosmology (3). Prerequisite: Completion of lower division G. E. science requirements. An introduction to the major theories of the origin and structure of the universe and the evidence for them, with attention to the way earlier ideas have been incorporated in modern thought. The "Big Bang Theory" will be examined in depth.
SMT 416 Earth Sciences for Teachers (3). Prerequisite: Completion of lower division G.E. science requirements. Study of planet earth including such topics as geology, volcanoes, earthquakes, fossils, oceanography, weather, and astronomy as appropriate for elementary and junior high school teachers. Two hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.
Integrative Studies in Social Sciences
SBS 318 Cultural Pluralism (3). Prerequisite: Completion of lower division social science requirements. Analysis of cultural diversity and the processes of cultural interaction, inner-ethnic relations and social integration on the community, national and international levels. Repeatable for credit for up to nine units with different topics.
January 2008
Cultural Pluralism
ANT 312, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 342, 389; CHS 300; HIS 305;
MUS 401; PHI 383; POL 343;
SBS
318; SOC 322, 331, 383; or SPA 352
Should you have any questions, please visit the UAC in Welch Hall A-220 or email uac@csudh.edu or call 310-243-3538.
University Advisement Center
California State University, Dominguez Hills