The Associate in Arts in Spanish for Transfer degree (AA-T in Spanish) is a 60 unit program which provides students the lower division coursework required for transfer to a CSU institution for the major in Spanish. Students must complete the following requirements: - 60 semester or 90 quarter CSU-transferable units - the California State University-General Education-Breadth pattern (CSU GE-Breadth) OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern - a minimum of 18 semester or 27 quarter units in the major or area of emphasis as determined by the community college district - obtainment of a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 - earn a grade of “C” (or “P”) or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program a student will be able to:

🗸 Communicate at the respective level on common daily topics.
🗸 Speak and convey information with accuracy and pronunciation acceptable to native-speakers of the language.
🗸 Respond with written and spoken expressions of the target language according to the level of study.
🗸 Explain aspects of diverse cultural and global awareness.
🗸 Customize the mode of communication appropriate to the specific audience.
🗸 Respond with written and spoken expressions in Spanish.
🗸 Customize the mode of communication appropriate to specific Spanish speaking audiences.
🗸 Explain aspects of diverse cultural and global awareness relevant to Spanish speaking countries.
🗸 Communicate on common daily topics in Spanish.
🗸 Speak and convey information with accuracy and pronunciation acceptable to native-speakers of the Spanish language.

The Associate in Arts in Sociology for Transfer (AA-T in Sociology) is a 60 unit program which provides students the lower division coursework required for transfer to a CSU institution for the major in Sociology. Students must complete the following requirements:

1. 60 semester or 90 quarter CSU-transferable units

2. the California State University-General Education-Breadth pattern (CSU GE-Breadth); OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern.

3. a minimum of 18 semester or 27 quarter units in the major or area of emphasis as determined by the community college district.

4. obtainment of a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.

5. earn a grade of C or P or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program a student will be able to:

🗸 Specify and contrast the major theoretical perspectives within sociology.
🗸 Recognize major dimensions of the diversity of human social experiences.
🗸 Distinguish scientific from non-scientific discourse on human social behavior.
🗸 Distinguish the sociological perspective from the perspectives of other social sciences.
Contrast the merits and limitations of various social science research methodologies with emphasis on the role of sampling and surveys in sociological research.
🗸 Analyze the major dimensions of the diversity of human social experiences using scientific discourse.
🗸 Identify and distinguish various major theoretical perspectives within sociology and how these differ from other social science disciplines.
🗸 Evaluate social science research methodologies and apply empirical research to human behavior.

A student obtaining an Associate of Arts degree in Sociology (Sociology, AA) will be able to demonstrate critical thinking, analytic problem solving, and communication skills. Students apply these skills to understand diverse communities, their interactions, and social change, and/or to use scientific methods to find empirical answers to complex social questions. The Sociology Program at West Valley College is primarily transfer oriented. It prepares students to enter 4-year Sociology or any Sociology-related program at the university level.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program a student will be able to:

🗸 Evaluate social science research methodologies and/or apply empirical research to human behavior.
🗸 Contrast the merits and limitations of various social science research methodologies with emphasis on the role of sampling and surveys in sociological research.
🗸 Identify and distinguish various major theoretical perspectives within sociology and how these differ from other social science disciplines
🗸 Analyze the major dimensions of the diversity of human social 🗸experiences using scientific discourse.
🗸 Distinguish the sociological perspective from the perspectives of other social sciences.
🗸 Identify social factors that influence family structure and function.

The Associate in Arts in Social Justice Studies: General Studies for Transfer degree (AA-T) is a 60 unit program which provides students with a pathway for turning their passion for change, human rights, and the ideals of justice into an interdisciplinary focus area of study for transfer. The program gives students choices in their coursework, so that each individual can focus on the issues or areas that most appeal to them within the framework of social justice coursework that includes themes of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, sex identity, culture and diversity, gender, and sexuality. This interdisciplinary program will prepare students for a workplace and world where awareness of inequality, microaggressions as well as systemic marginalization and discrimination, and a capacity to understand and address social responsibility, have become globally interconnected.

The Social Justice Studies: General Studies for Transfer degree (AA-T) provides students the lower division coursework required for transfer to a CSU institution for the major in a variety of interdisciplinary or traditional disciplines, such as Ethnic Studies, Women and Gender Studies, Justice Studies, Sociology, English, Humanities, Philosophy, History, Anthropology, Psychology, Art, or Political Science. Social Justice Studies emerged out of historical and ongoing social progress movements such as the Labor, Civil Rights, Disability Rights, LGBTQ, and Women’s Liberation movements. Students explore interconnected systems of discrimination and oppression, including institutional, relational, cultural, and socioeconomic racism, sexism, ableism, classism, heterosexism, and cisgenderism. Social Justice scholarship locates intersectional identities of race, class, sex, ability, gender, sexuality, religion, culture, and nation, to explore inequities and identify systems of oppression and advantage that exist as a result of marginalization, cultural supremacy/insensitivity, and/or violence.

The goal of the program is not to engender a singular approach to social justice issues but rather to present students with a dynamic academic framework for thinking creatively and pragmatically about contemporary social issues.

Areas of scholarship that inform social justice include education; anthropology; race and ethnic studies; cognitive, developmental and social psychology; gay, lesbian bisexual, transgender and queer studies; history; literature; Queer Theory; Judaic and Middle Eastern studies; sociology, and women, gender, and sexuality studies. The Social Justice Studies transfer degree offers students the opportunity to prepare for rewarding work, such as with government agencies, colleges and universities, consulting firms, research institutes, corporations, domestic and international non-governmental or community or environmental organizations, human rights organizations, the United Nations, and international development organizations, or in journalism, writing, or social work.

Students must complete the following requirements:

1. 60 semester or 90 quarter CSU-transferable units

2. the California State University-General Education-Breadth pattern (CSU GE-Breadth); OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern.

3. a minimum of 18 semester or 27 quarter units in the major or area of emphasis as determined by the community college district.

4. obtainment of a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.

5. earn a grade of C (or P) or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program a student will be able to:

🗸 Research theories on socialization and acculturation that inform identity and group affiliations, in various historical eras and global communities.
🗸 Analyze specific manifestations of oppression such as regionalism, colorism, ableism, classism, ethnocentrism, heterosexism, racism, sexism, and the systems, dynamics, and interpersonal as well as institutional power structures that keep these oppressions in place.
🗸 Examine social, cultural, and historical contexts for movements such as civil, women's, disability, and LGBTQ rights as well as movements for several specific marginalized communities and peoples of color.
🗸 Study social justice strategies such as dialogue across differences, alliance building, collaboration, and advocacy.
🗸 Recognize, from various disciplinary perspectives, intersecting systems of oppression, the dynamics of power and privilege, and prejudice and discrimination.
🗸 Engage in reading, discussing, and writing about theories and practices of social change, resistance and empowerment, social progress movements, and activism.

The Associate in Science Degree in Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary program that includes courses in geology, chemistry, math, physics, biology and economics. Students develop a critical understanding of how the natural world works, how humans interact and impact the environment, and how to develop sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.

To fulfill the requirements for this degree, students will complete the required and elective courses in the area of emphasis and the appropriate general education pattern (either CSU GE or IGETC) totaling 60 semester CSU-transferable units.

Program Learning Outcomes

✔ Apply the principles of physical sciences, natural sciences, and technology with research to address current environmental issues through the process of Scientific Method.

✔ Analyze the interactivity between physical, natural, and social systems and the impact on environmental policies, sustainable development, environmental justice, and racial justice.

✔ Demonstrate proficiency in research, analytical, and communication skills necessary to present critical analysis of the human-environment relationship and responses to environmental challenges.

The Associate in Arts in Psychology degree (AA in Psychology) is a 60 unit program which provides students the lower division coursework required for transfer to four-year institutions for the Baccalaureate degree in Psychology for the goal of training for careers in clinical, educational, organizational, and research fields.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program a student will be able to:

🗸 Describe the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
🗸 Describe the anatomy and function of the major components of the nervous system, and the physiological basis of neuronal communication, including how drugs, stress, nutrition, interpersonal attraction and other exogenous factors affect the function of the nervous system.
🗸 Explain how psychosocial factors influence behavior and attitudes, and recognize the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity.
🗸 Specify how psychological principles are applied to real-life situations in business, industry, child rearing, and social interactions.
🗸 Analyze data by selecting the appropriate methods, accurately evaluate and interpret the results, and communicate the results including the proper use of tables and graphs.
🗸 Apply the scientific method and critical thinking skills to formulate valid hypotheses, operationally define constructs, and evaluate claims.

The program strives to motivate students to strengthen their problem-solving, analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and communication skills that will assist them in their further studies and careers. The program further aims to develop marketable students that are responsible citizens aware of and informed about the variety of differing views on current economic events and policy issues and how they impact our lives.

To fulfill the requirements for this degree, students will complete the required and elective courses in the area of emphasis and the appropriate general education pattern (either CSU GE or IGETC) totaling 60 semester CSU-transferable units.

Program Learning Outcomes

✔ Recalls or recognizes specific microeconomic rules.

✔ Applies microeconomic concepts needed to define or solve a particular problem when the concepts are explicitly mentioned.

✔ Recalls or recognizes specific macroeconomic rules.

✔ Applies macroeconomic concepts needed to define or solve a particular problem when the concepts are explicitly mentioned.

The Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer is a 60 unit program which provides lower division education to students planning to transfer to a local CSU with a similar major and major in Psychology. Students must complete the following requirements:

1. 60 semester or 90 quarter CSU-transferable units

2. the California State University-General Education-Breadth pattern (CSU GE-Breadth); OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern.

3. a minimum of 18 semester or 27 quarter units in the major or area of emphasis as determined by the community college district.

4. obtainment of a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.

5. earn a grade of C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program a student will be able to:

🗸 Explain how psychosocial factors influence behavior and attitudes, and recognize the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity.
🗸 Apply the scientific method and critical thinking skills to formulate valid hypotheses, operationally define constructs, and evaluate claims.
🗸 Analyze data by selecting the appropriate methods, accurately evaluate and interpret the results, and communicate the results including the proper use of tables and graphs.
🗸 Describe the major concepts, theoretical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
🗸 Describe the anatomy and function of the major components of the nervous system, and the physiological basis of neuronal communication, including how drugs, stress, nutrition, interpersonal attraction, and other exogenous factors affect the function of the individual.
🗸 Specify how psychological principles are applied to real-life situations in business, industry, child-rearing, and social interaction.

The Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer degree (AA-T in Political Science) is a 60 unit program which is designed to provide lower division education to students planning to transfer to a CSU institution in pursuit of a baccalaureate degree in Political Science, International Relations, Social and Behavioral Sciences, or Government. Students must complete the following ADT requirements:

1. 60 semester or 90 quarter CSU-transferable units

2. the California State University-General Education-Breadth pattern (CSU GE-Breadth); OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern.

3. a minimum of 18 semester or 27 quarter units in the major or area of emphasis as determined by the community college district.

4. obtainment of a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.

5. earn a grade of C (or P) or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program a student will be able to:

🗸 Identify the institutions, players and processes in American national and state governments.
🗸 Analyze the exercise of power in governmental institutions; analyze how public policy is formulated, legislated, implemented and evaluated within our democratic framework.
🗸 Explain the ideas of the great political thinkers and how those ideas apply to our democracy and to our world today.
🗸 Describe the structure and functions of American government.
🗸 Compare the U.S. political system to others in the world.
🗸 Describe the political relations among nations and the transnational relations practiced by people, organizations, and institutions across national boundaries.

A student obtaining an A.A. degree in Political Science will be able to demonstrate critical thinking, analytic problem solving, research and communication skills, all of which are valued by institutions of higher education and the labor market. Students will apply these skills to understand the structure and functions of American government; the institutions, players, and processes in American national and state governments; the exercise of power in governmental institutions; comparison of the U.S. political system to others in the world; and political relations among nations and the transnational relations practiced by people, organizations, and institutions across national boundaries. The Political Science Program at West Valley College is primarily transfer oriented. It prepares students to enter 4-year Political Science or any Political Science-related program at the university level. Students are required to earn a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 and earn a grade of C or better in all courses required for the major.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program a student will be able to:

🗸 Analyze the exercise of power in governmental institutions; analyze how public policy is formulated, legislated, implemented and evaluated within our democratic framework
🗸 Identify the institutions, players and processes in American national and state governments
🗸 Describe the political relations among nations and the transnational relations practiced by people, organizations, and institutions across national boundaries
🗸 Describe the structure and functions of American government
🗸 Explain the ideas of the great political thinkers and how those ideas apply to our democracy and to our world today
🗸 Compare the U.S. political system to others in the world