Public Policy

This course surveys and analyzes the principles, institutions, policies, and politics of U.S. National and California State Governments. Students will use course concepts to situate themselves as citizens and political agents.

Course focuses on the nature and study of politics, from both a historical and contemporary perspective. Students explore the methods and approaches used in the field of Political Science to analyze a variety of political concepts and problems, including the nature and distribution of power, justice, citizenship, sustainability, leadership and agency.

This is a terminal mathematics course for liberal arts and social science majors. Topics include sets and counting, probability, linear systems, linear programming, statistics, and mathematics of finance, with emphasis on applications.

This course covers concepts and procedures of descriptive statistics, elementary probability theory and inferential statistics. Course content includes: summarizing data; computation and interpretation of descriptive statistics;; classical probability theory; probability distributions; binomial, normal, T, Chi-square and F distributions; making inferences; decisions and predictions. This course develops, analyzes, and interprets confidence intervals for population parameters, hypothesis testing for both one and two populations, correlation and regression, ANOVA, and test for independence. This course develops statistical thinking through the study of applications in variety of disciplines. The use of a statistical/graphing calculator and/or statistical analysis software is integrated into the course.

A focused survey of the chronological development of art and architecture from Impressionism to the present day. This course will cover the major movements of modern and contemporary art while examining their historical, cultural and philosophical context. Specific attention will be given to art theory and its part in shaping conversations about art history and the contemporary.

An introduction to artistic practices by exploring the myriad manifestations of visual culture in our world through a cross-cultural thematic approach. This course examines themes in art like Religion, Power, Reproduction and Sexuality, and traces them across cultures and time periods. Emphasis will be placed on learning the language of visual culture both in terms of the formal elements of design as well as the content of style and subject matter and finding connections and differences. Students will explore the various media of art from drawing, sculpture, fresco, oil, photography, motion pictures, architecture to contemporary advertising and design and investigate how various cultures have used specific media and themes. This course is designed to introduce Fine Art and Art History simultaneously providing a unique opportunity to explore these fields as well as to prepare students for a course of study in Fine Art and Art History.

A survey of the chronological development of painting, sculpture, and architecture in the United States from its pre-colonial past to the end of World War II. The contributions and influences of a variety of ethnic groups to the diversity of art in the United States will be addressed. The artistic contribution of Native American, African Americans, Asian Americans, Chicano/Latino Americans and European Americans will be studied in the larger context of American society, history, and culture.

This course is a comparative and integrative study of world dance styles of the United States. Included is the study of Native American, European American, African American, Chicano/Latin American, and Asian American dance styles from their historical origins to the present. The study of dance traditions from both the technical and cultural perspective is presented in relation to social, theatrical and artistic dance. Observation and descriptive skills are learned through films, live performances and lectures.

This course is a historical survey course which covers dance as a religious expression, social form and a performing art. Theatrical, social, and sacred ritual is investigated in different historic periods and places, predominately within Western civilization. Time periods covered include Ancient Egypt, Classical Greek, Dark Ages, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Romantic, Neo-Classic, and 20th Century. Styles and schools of thought include ballet, modern dance, jazz and tap, and world dance forms. Attendance of dance productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.

This lecture survey course addresses the many different requirements of putting on a production, providing the theoretical foundation that supports the production process, and building an information base of the specialized language and terminology, schedules and procedures necessary to produce a show. Students learn how to organize and prepare the different aspects of production, how to implement ideas, and how to communicate with specialists in the field.

This course is a survey of music in Western Civilization from Antiquity through Baroque (approximately 800 BC to 1750 AD). Emphasis is placed upon the principal composers and their works related to the history and philosophy of each stylistic period and interrelationships with the arts and humanities in general. The stylistic periods covered include Greco-Roman, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. The course is designed for the music student, but open to all.

This course concentrates on the origin, development and major musical styles of Jazz music in American culture with significant emphasis placed on the sociopolitical and economic realities that resulted in shaping the musical decisions of the primary innovators. The course will further illustrate how the multicultural intersection of the African-American, European-American and Chicano/Latino communities has been, and continues to be, an essential element for the existence and proliferation of thsi uniquely American art form. Designed for the non-major.

This course is a musical and cultural survey of popular music widely referred to as Rock & Roll. Musical trends are followed from influential traditions of early blues and jazz at the beginning of the twentieth century and include the emergence of Rock and Roll in the early 1950s, Motown, the "British Invasion," Art Rock, Heavy Metal, Punk, Rap and Hip-Hop, Techno, Grunge, Electronica, Garage Rock and Modern Rock. The course concentrates on the contributions made by African American musicians beginning with Wynonie Harris, Joe Liggins, and Jackie Brenston, as well as the pioneers of Rock: Little Richard, Chuck Berry, and Joe Turner. Latino artists and the “East Los Angeles” sound, heavily inspired by Cannibal and the Head Hunters, The Premiers, and the Blendells, are discussed and their contributions are outlined. European cultures and the development of Country music, beginning with Jimmie Rogers and the Carter Family and the development of country music which roots come from the British Isles are also covered in depth.

This course is a survey of the music of Native Americans, European Americans, African Americans, Latino Americans and Asian Americans from their historical roots to the present, including blues, gospel, bluegrass, zydeco, salsa, mariachi, norteno, and taiko, and the impact of traditional music on American pop styles. The course examines musical elements, the role of music in society, and how music reflects culture. Students will develop listening and descriptive skills through a variety of media including recordings, video and live demonstration. The course is open to all regardless of previous musical background or experience.

This course provides the student with a general knowledge of theatre and its influence on modern society. Historical growth, basic vocabulary, skills, and crafts of theatre are emphasized. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.

This course covers the history of theatre and dramatic literature with emphasis on the relationship of the theatre to cultural development. Attendance of theatre productions for which students must purchase tickets is required.

This course is an examination of the developing child in a societal context, focusing on the interrelationship of family, school and community and the influence of multiple societal contexts. It explores the role of collaboration between family, community, and schools in supporting children’s development, birth through adolescence. Studies of family systems in contemporary society as they impact children and their individual heritage, diverse culture, ability and language will be examined, highlighting at least three major American cultures (Latina/o American, African American, Asian American, Native American, and European American). The processes of socialization and identity development will be highlighted, showing the importance of respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families.

The course examines the historical and current perspectives on diversity and inclusion and the impact of systemic societal influences on children’s development, learning, and school experiences. Strategies for developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate anti-bias curriculum will be explored, as well as approaches to promote inclusive and anti-racist classroom communities. Students will recognize and contrast the cultural and historical perspectives of at least 3 American cultural groups (Latino American, African American, Asian American, Native American and European American) to promote understanding, knowledge, and skills for educating children in a pluralistic society. Students will self-reflect on the influence of teachers’ own culture and life experiences on teaching and interactions with children and families.

This course introduces students to the variations in development of individuals with special needs, with special emphasis on children ages birth through eight and the resulting impact on families. Content includes an overview of historical and societal influences, laws related to children with special needs, and identification and referral processes. The course covers various categories of disability, including learning disabilities, physical disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, communication disorders, visual and hearing impairments, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and giftedness.

The course provides an introduction to the laws, regulations, standards, policies, and best practices related to health, safety, and nutrition in care and education settings for children birth through middle childhood. The key components that ensure physical health, mental health, and safety for both children and staff will be identified, along with the importance of collaboration with families and health professionals. Course discussion includes the teacher’s role in prevention strategies, nutrition and meal planning, integrating health, safety, and nutrition experiences into daily routines, and overall risk management.

This course introduces students to the concepts and issues related to teaching diverse learners in elementary school classrooms. Topics include teaching as a profession and career, historical and philosophical foundations of the American education system, contemporary educational issues, California's content standards and frameworks, and teacher performance standards. In addition to class time, the course requires a minimum of 45 hours of structured fieldwork in public school elementary classrooms that represent California's diverse student population, and includes cooperation with at least one carefully selected and campus-approved certificated classroom teacher.

This course is an introduction to the study of language. It provides an overview of the field of linguistics, its three dimensions of language structure: the sound system (phonetics and phonology), vocabulary (morphology), and grammar (syntax), and the way linguistic structure and context give rise to meaning (semantics and pragmatics). In addition the course considers how social practices are shaped by and shape language use, as well as how language is acquired and learned. The course provides a grounding in linguistics as a field of study, basic analytic skills for viewing and discussing language from a variety of perspectives, and greater awareness of the relevance of language across and within cultures.

This course will examine the major developmental milestones for children, both typically and atypically developing, from conception through adolescence in the areas of physical, psychosocial, and cognitive development. Emphasis will be on interactions between maturational and environmental factors within a culturally sensitive framework. While studying developmental theory and investigative research methodologies, students will observe children, evaluate individual differences and analyze characteristics of development at various stages.

This survey course covers ecological principles including ecosystem structure and function, population dynamics and the interdependence of living organisms. Current environmental issues and controversies such as global warming, biodiversity and species extinction, habitat destruction, food and energy resources and pollution will be explored. Strategies for sustainable living will be emphasized.

This introductory course will use an interdisciplinary approach to provide students with a broad perspective on environmental problems and solutions. Students will be introduced to the strategies used by scientists, economists, political analysts and other writers and researchers to investigate and analyze environmental and urban issues, human/nature relationships, natural and built environments, and environmental citizenship.

This course introduces the field of environmental ethics with an emphasis on global environmental problems and global citizenship. The conceptual foundations of environmental attitudes and values are examined through an historical survey of philosophies of nature and human/nature relations. Ethical theories are presented and used to analyze contemporary environmental problems, e.g. mistreatment of animals, pollution, climate change, species extinction, natural resource depletion, environmental racism etc. The ethical assumptions underlying various national and international responses to environmental problems will be analyzed and evaluated.

This course examines environmental politics. The political, economic, and social origins of environmental change and degradation are examined, as well as democratic, bureaucratic and market-based solutions to environmental problems advocated by environmental movements, interest groups and political parties. Arguments for best public policy responses to a range of environmental problems will be assessed and debated. The course offers a practical problem-solving approach focusing primarily on the relations between a range of contemporary political values and on what it means to take political responsibility for reducing the human impact on the earth.

This course will focus on the theory and application of psychological principles as they relate to the causes of, and potential solutions to, current global environmental problems. Modern ecological issues (such as global climate change, habitat-loss, etc.) have their historical origin in human behavior; this class will focus both on relevant causal behaviors, and on the mental mechanisms that give rise to such behavior. An evolutionary perspective will be employed to identify the pathways by which the clash of a “universal human nature” and the modern environment results in an “evolutionary mismatch.” Evolutionary models such as the “tragedy of the commons” will be elucidated with relevant and real world examples. In addition, the course will explore potential avenues to effectively reshape human kind’s social, technological and economic relationship with its environment. As such, a systems approach will be taken that considers the human as a part of, as well as an influence on, ecosystems. Cutting edge research will be integrated from different domains of psychology (cognitive, social, developmental and evolutionary, etc.) as well as related fields (genetics, behavioral economics, game-theory, anthropology, etc.) to comprehensively study the human-environment interaction.

This introductory course will use an interdisciplinary approach to provide students with a broad perspective on environmental problems and solutions. Students will be introduced to the strategies used by scientists, economists, political analysts and other writers and researchers to investigate and analyze environmental and urban issues, human/nature relationships, natural and built environments, and environmental citizenship.

This course surveys the physical and human geography of California and the processes shaping its landscapes. Topics include natural features and resources, such as geology, climate, plants and animals, and hydrology. Historical and current trends in human population, migration, and settlement patterns are considered, including a review of the state's major cultural groups. Primary and advanced economic activities are examined within modern rural and urban settings. Emphasis is on the profound connections between these topics, on California's unequaled diversity and the rapid change that is transforming our people and its landscapes.

This course introduces the field of environmental ethics with an emphasis on global environmental problems and global citizenship. The conceptual foundations of environmental attitudes and values are examined through an historical survey of philosophies of nature and human/nature relations. Ethical theories are presented and used to analyze contemporary environmental problems, e.g. mistreatment of animals, pollution, climate change, species extinction, natural resource depletion, environmental racism etc. The ethical assumptions underlying various national and international responses to environmental problems will be analyzed and evaluated.

This course examines environmental politics. The political, economic, and social origins of environmental change and degradation are examined, as well as democratic, bureaucratic and market-based solutions to environmental problems advocated by environmental movements, interest groups and political parties. Arguments for best public policy responses to a range of environmental problems will be assessed and debated. The course offers a practical problem-solving approach focusing primarily on the relations between a range of contemporary political values and on what it means to take political responsibility for reducing the human impact on the earth.

This course will focus on the theory and application of psychological principles as they relate to the causes of, and potential solutions to, current global environmental problems. Modern ecological issues (such as global climate change, habitat-loss, etc.) have their historical origin in human behavior; this class will focus both on relevant causal behaviors, and on the mental mechanisms that give rise to such behavior. An evolutionary perspective will be employed to identify the pathways by which the clash of a “universal human nature” and the modern environment results in an “evolutionary mismatch.” Evolutionary models such as the “tragedy of the commons” will be elucidated with relevant and real world examples. In addition, the course will explore potential avenues to effectively reshape human kind’s social, technological and economic relationship with its environment. As such, a systems approach will be taken that considers the human as a part of, as well as an influence on, ecosystems. Cutting edge research will be integrated from different domains of psychology (cognitive, social, developmental and evolutionary, etc.) as well as related fields (genetics, behavioral economics, game-theory, anthropology, etc.) to comprehensively study the human-environment interaction.

The course provides an introduction to the laws, regulations, standards, policies, and best practices related to health, safety, and nutrition in care and education settings for children birth through middle childhood. The key components that ensure physical health, mental health, and safety for both children and staff will be identified, along with the importance of collaboration with families and health professionals. Course discussion includes the teacher’s role in prevention strategies, nutrition and meal planning, integrating health, safety, and nutrition experiences into daily routines, and overall risk management.

This course is designed to explore and develop approaches to, and perspectives of, healthful living. Topics include but are not limited to: dimensions of wellness, stress management, nutrition, physical activity and exercise, behavioral health, aging, and strategies for establishing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

This course introduces the student to the health and healing beliefs and practices among people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Cultural concepts applicable to health and wellness behavior are examined. The health, healing beliefs and practices of select American cultural groups: Native, Asian, African, Latino, and European, will be studied in the larger context of the American health care delivery system.

This course introduces the field of Integrative Health as it is practiced in modern healthcare settings. Integrative Health addresses wellness of the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. The course will explore the major domains of Integrative Health, and the philosophies of health and healing that unite all of these domains. Topics include current education, practice, and research in natural products, mind-body-spirit therapies, manipulative and body based therapies, energy therapies, and global perspectives of Integrative Health practice.

This course introduces the student to the health and healing beliefs and practices among people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Cultural concepts applicable to health and wellness behavior are examined. The health, healing beliefs and practices of select American cultural groups: Native, Asian, African, Latino, and European, will be studied in the larger context of the American health care delivery system.

Human nutrition, integrating anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and psychology, is studied in relation to wellness and degenerative disease prevention. Scientific information and principles provide the foundation for evaluating current concepts in nutrition for practical application in daily living.

The evolution of American food culture is examined from a historical, contemporary, economic, political and scientific survey of ethnic groups in America, including Native Americans, European Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latinos. Immigration, enculturation, acculturation, religion, food availability, food preference, food behavior, food preparation, food beliefs and food-related gender roles are considered. These factors are compared and contrasted across the ethnic groups and regions in America. The impact of “Americanization” on ethnic cuisines and impact of ethnic cuisines on the American economy are explored. Current research on the health- and nutrition-related implications of ethnic groups’ food choices/practices is reviewed. Engendering cultural sensitivity and competency is at the core of this course.

Community psychology focuses on the impact of society on individual and community functioning. As a prevention science, Community Psychology seeks to understand relationships between environmental conditions and the well-being of community members. Through the application of psychological principles, community psychologists seek to understand the ecological context of human experiences, empower individuals and communities, initiate action research, and implement social change. In this course, students will be introduced to the history, goals, and methods of community psychology and community mental health. Using a community engagement approach to learning, students will learn outside of the classroom through service learning within community based organizations. Students will have the opportunity to explore topics within the classroom and the community such as: family and community violence, oppression, criminal justice, community mental health, and mental health policy.

This course considers individual human behavior in relation to the social environment. The power of the situation, other individuals, and the social group will be examined. Emphasized topics include: aggression, prejudice and stereotypes, interpersonal attraction, attitudes and attitude change, conformity, group phenomena, gender roles, cultural norms, person perception, and social cognition.

This course provides students with an overview of the characteristics of the criminal justice system in the United States. An emphasis is placed on examining the structure and functions of the police, courts and corrections. The following additional topics are explored: the origins of criminal law, theories of crime, the adjudication of a criminal case, measurement of crime, the evolution of the principles and approaches utilized by the justice system, the social impact of crime, sentencing policies and related subject areas.

This course introduces students to the supply and demand model, the concept of elasticity, productivity and cost structures. Within the Supply and Demand framework, the class studies the impact of government intervention on markets. The class evaluates alternative market structures in terms of prices, efficiency, and the role of the government.

This course introduces students to measurement of economic aggregates, economic models, and economic policy. Measures of economic aggregates include: GDP, the unemployment rate, the GDP Deflator, and the Consumer Price Index. The Great Depression is used as an introduction to macroeconomic policy. The course covers the tools of fiscal and monetary policy and their impact on aggregate demand, prices, income and interest rates. Additionally, the course introduces students to following models: Classical, Keynesian, Monetarist, and Supply Side with their corresponding policy implications and recommendations.

This course stresses the application of economic theory to important current problems with special emphasis on the role of government and public policy in their resolution. Problems emphasized may include resource management, the environment, government expenditures, public programs, issues of growth and development, and various market irrationalities. This problem-oriented course allows for a detailed examination of significant 21st century domestic and global economic problems and provides students with the opportunity for extensive supervised research.

This course introduces students to the multi-disciplinary study of urban society and space. Cities are examined both as complex social-economic groupings of people, and as material landscapes of buildings, pathways, and public and private spaces. Attention is paid to what cities are and have been (the evolving urban experience of the past and present) as well as to ever-changing ideas about what cities should be (urban planning and design for the future). While the overall perspective of the course is global, its primary focus is on the cities of North America and, in particular, the Los Angeles metropolitan area. This emphasis is evident both in the classroom and in field trips or other assignments that ask students to apply classroom ideas to our local urban setting.

This course surveys ethnic groups in America from pre-contact to the present, including Native Americans, European Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latinos, emphasizing the forces prompting emigration and immigration, their roles in shaping American society and culture, their reception by and adaptation to American society, as well as an examination of contending theoretical models of the immigrant experience in America.

The social construction of race and ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation in American society and their relationship to local, state, and national government is covered. Of particular concern are problems of assimilation and integration into the political system, the politics of exclusion, discrimination, voting behavior and pressure group politics, ideology, resistance and political action, the social construction of race and racism, the poor and the culture of poverty, political problems of the aged, the young, women, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people. This course satisfies the SMC requirement for American Cultures.

This course is an introduction to the legal concepts and contemporary legal conflicts in the United States, including the philosophical and historical basis for resolution of conflict. Historical and contemporary conflicts in the areas of civil liberties and civil rights, as well as other current legal conflicts and controversies are addressed. This course satisfies a requirement for the Law Pathway program.

Community psychology focuses on the impact of society on individual and community functioning. As a prevention science, Community Psychology seeks to understand relationships between environmental conditions and the well-being of community members. Through the application of psychological principles, community psychologists seek to understand the ecological context of human experiences, empower individuals and communities, initiate action research, and implement social change. In this course, students will be introduced to the history, goals, and methods of community psychology and community mental health. Using a community engagement approach to learning, students will learn outside of the classroom through service learning within community based organizations. Students will have the opportunity to explore topics within the classroom and the community such as: family and community violence, oppression, criminal justice, community mental health, and mental health policy.

This course considers individual human behavior in relation to the social environment. The power of the situation, other individuals, and the social group will be examined. Emphasized topics include: aggression, prejudice and stereotypes, interpersonal attraction, attitudes and attitude change, conformity, group phenomena, gender roles, cultural norms, person perception, and social cognition.

This course involves a sociological examination of the social, cultural, political, and economic conditions experienced by African Americans in the United States. Current and past institutional practices relating to inequality, institutional discrimination, segregation, cultural pluralism, and assimilation are analyzed. Social movements within African American communities as well as intra- and intergroup relations are also considered.

This course introduces students to the characteristics and issues facing the large pan-ethnic Latina/o population in the United States. Attention will be given to the social, cultural, economic and political factors impacting the various Latino groups, as well as how those factors contribute both to differentiate and build coalition with other groups in American society. While the experiences of the diverse Latina/o groups will be examined, particular emphasis is placed on the experiences of Mexican Americans.

This course introduces students to the social conditions and issues facing Asian/Pacific Americans. Using a sociological perspective, the pan-ethnic identity of Asian/Pacific Americans will be critically examined. Attention will be given to the social, cultural, economic, and political factors impacting the various Asian/Pacific groups, as well as how those factors impact both intra- and intergroup relations.

This course involves the critical examination of patterns, practices, and relations among racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Particular attention will be given to problems of ongoing discrimination, prejudice, assimilation and cultural pluralism, and power differences between groups. Interconnections between race, ethnicity, social class, gender, and other systems of inequality will be emphasized. Social movements organized within and among racial and ethnic groups that address institutional inequalities in this society will be analyzed.

This course introduces students to the multi-disciplinary study of urban society and space. Cities are examined both as complex social-economic groupings of people, and as material landscapes of buildings, pathways, and public and private spaces. Attention is paid to what cities are and have been (the evolving urban experience of the past and present) as well as to ever-changing ideas about what cities should be (urban planning and design for the future). While the overall perspective of the course is global, its primary focus is on the cities of North America and, in particular, the Los Angeles metropolitan area. This emphasis is evident both in the classroom and in field trips or other assignments that ask students to apply classroom ideas to our local urban setting.