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Associate of Arts Degree
General Studies in Social Sciences

The General Studies degree with an area of emphasis is designed to give students a broad introduction to an area of knowledge represented by related disciplines and topics. This degree is intended for students who may not be intending to pursue a specific occupational major, nor are they necessarily planning to transfer. However, careful educational planning with a counselor will help to ensure that, if a student did decide at a later date to transfer to a university, they would have a foundation in the transfer planning process. Students will select an “Area of Emphasis” from the following four options based on their interests and educational goals.

These courses emphasize the perspective, concepts, theories and methodologies of the variety of disciplines that comprise study in the social sciences. Students will study human experience in the context of the larger society. Students will study how individuals, social subgroups, and societies operate in relation to each other. This emphasis includes lower division coursework that prepares students for potential careers in the helping professions such as teaching, business, government, social work, and non-profit organizations.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
Select sample path/map:
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
Major ElectiveM3.0

Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

RHC GE 4 - American InstitutionsM1.0

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

ENGL C1000 - College Composition and Research (RHC GE 1b and 8a)GE3.5
ENGL C1000 - College Composition and Research (3.5 units)

Previously ENGL-101

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or eligibility for college composition.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. This course is designed for students who wish to fulfill the General Education requirement for Written Communication.

RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE1.0

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

ElectiveEL3.0

Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:11.5 
2nd Semester
Major ElectiveM3.0

Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Major ElectiveM3.0

Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Select one: PSY 190 / MATH 130 / MATH 130H (RHC GE 2)*GE4.0
Notes:
While the above course(s) are recommended, students may take any of the following courses to fulfill this requirement:  FIN 101, MATH 060, MATH 073, MATH 130/H, MATH 140, MATH 150, MATH 160, MATH 170, MATH 175, MATH 180, MATH 190/H, PSY 190.

PSY 190 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a pre-statistics or an intermediate algebra course.
Advisory:ENGL 101 and the ability to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*The UC will grant credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 130 or MATH 130H or PSY 190)

This course provides an overview of the types of statistics that are important in the behavioral sciences. It is designed to teach students majoring in psychology, sociology, political science, and anthropology how to present and interpret experimental data. The course focuses on hypothesis testing and the statistics used to analyze assumptions, with topics including basic probability, measures of central tendency, measures of variance, sampling, and inferential statistics.

MATH 130 - Statistics (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a pre-statistics or an intermediate algebra course.
Advisory: ENGL 101; READ 101
Transfers to: UC (*crdit limit),CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 130 or MATH 130H)

This course is designed for students majoring in business, social sciences, and life sciences. This course provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics. Students learn to read, interpret, and present data in a well-organized way via a study of frequency distributions, graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation, and linear regression. While discussing inferential statistics, students learn to make generalizations about populations, including probability, sampling techniques, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests.

MATH 130H - Statistics Honors (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a pre-statistics or an intermediate algebra course and ENGL 101
Advisory: READ 101
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 130 or MATH 130H)

This course is designed for students majoring in business, social sciences, and life sciences. This course provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics. Students learn to read, interpret, and present data in a well-organized way via a study of frequency distributions, graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation, and linear regression. While discussing inferential statistics, students learn to make generalizations about populations, including probability, sampling techniques, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests. This course is intended for students who meet Honors Program requirements.

RHC GE 7a - Fine ArtsGE1.0

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE1.0

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

Total Semester Units:12.0 
Summer 1
RHC GE 7b - HumanitiesGE1.0

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

ElectiveEL3.0

Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:4.0 
3rd Semester
Major ElectiveM3.0

Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Major ElectiveM3.0

Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

RHC GE 5 - Natural Sciences with LabGE1.0

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

RHC GE 8 - Oral Communication and Critical ThinkingGE1.0

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

Total Semester Units:8.0 
4th Semester
RHC GE 6 - Social and Behavioral SciencesGE1.0

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

ElectiveEL3.0

Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

ElectiveEL3.0

Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

ElectiveEL3.0

Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

ElectiveEL3.0

Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:13.0 
Total Units for General Studies in Social Sciences AA program 48.5 
Notes:
  • AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
  • *PSY 190 is the preferred math/quantitative reasoning course for Behavioral and Social Science majors. Please meet with a counselor to discuss major preparation requirements.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
GEGeneral Education course
ELElective Course
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
Major ElectiveM3.0

Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Major ElectiveM3.0

Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

US HISTORY (IGETC 3B)M3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

All CSU campuses have a graduation requirement in American Institutions. Students may choose one of the following US History courses to partially fulfill this requirement: HIST 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 170.

ENGL C1000 - College Composition and Research (IGETC 1A)GE3.5
ENGL C1000 - College Composition and Research (3.5 units)

Previously ENGL-101

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or eligibility for college composition.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. This course is designed for students who wish to fulfill the General Education requirement for Written Communication.

UC ElectiveEL3.0

Select a course that transfers to UC. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:15.5 
2nd Semester
Select one: POLS 110 / POLS 110H (IGETC 4)M3.0
POLS 110 - Government of the United States (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: POLS 110 or POLS 110H)

This course surveys and analyzes the origins, principles, institutions, policies, and politics of U.S. National and California State Governments, including their constitutions. Emphasis is placed on the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and an understanding of the political processes and issues involved in the workings of government. This course fulfills the American Institutions requirement for the Associate Degree. It also is suitable for students wishing to expand their knowledge of local, state and national governments.

POLS 110H - Government of the United States Honors (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ENGL 101
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: POLS 110 or POLS 110H)

This course surveys and analyzes the origins, principles, institutions, policies, and politics of U.S. National and California State Governments, including their constitutions. Emphasis is placed on the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and an understanding of the political processes and issues involved in the workings of government. This course fulfills the American Institutions requirement for the Associate Degree. It also is suitable for students wishing to expand their knowledge of local, state and national governments. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program.

Select one: PSY 190 / MATH 130 / MATH 130H (IGETC 2A)*GE4.0
Notes:
While the above course(s) are recommended, students may take any of the following courses to fulfill this requirement: MATH 130/H, MATH 150, MATH 160, MATH 170, MATH 180, MATH 190/H, PSY 190.

PSY 190 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a pre-statistics or an intermediate algebra course.
Advisory:ENGL 101 and the ability to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*The UC will grant credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 130 or MATH 130H or PSY 190)

This course provides an overview of the types of statistics that are important in the behavioral sciences. It is designed to teach students majoring in psychology, sociology, political science, and anthropology how to present and interpret experimental data. The course focuses on hypothesis testing and the statistics used to analyze assumptions, with topics including basic probability, measures of central tendency, measures of variance, sampling, and inferential statistics.

MATH 130 - Statistics (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a pre-statistics or an intermediate algebra course.
Advisory: ENGL 101; READ 101
Transfers to: UC (*crdit limit),CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 130 or MATH 130H)

This course is designed for students majoring in business, social sciences, and life sciences. This course provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics. Students learn to read, interpret, and present data in a well-organized way via a study of frequency distributions, graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation, and linear regression. While discussing inferential statistics, students learn to make generalizations about populations, including probability, sampling techniques, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests.

MATH 130H - Statistics Honors (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a pre-statistics or an intermediate algebra course and ENGL 101
Advisory: READ 101
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 130 or MATH 130H)

This course is designed for students majoring in business, social sciences, and life sciences. This course provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics. Students learn to read, interpret, and present data in a well-organized way via a study of frequency distributions, graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation, and linear regression. While discussing inferential statistics, students learn to make generalizations about populations, including probability, sampling techniques, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests. This course is intended for students who meet Honors Program requirements.

Cal-GETC 3a - ArtsGE1.0
Cal-GETC 3a - Arts (1.0 units)

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

UC ElectiveEL3.0

Select a course that transfers to UC. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:11.0 
Summer 1
Cal-GETC 6 - Ethnic StudiesM1.0
Cal-GETC 6 - Ethnic Studies (1.0 units)

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

Cal-GETC 3a or 3b - Arts or HumanitiesGE3.0†
Cal-GETC 3a or 3b - Arts or Humanities (3.0† units)

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.

Arts
Select one:
ARCH 103
ARTS: ART 104, 105, 105H, 106, 106H, 107, 108, 109, 110, 112, 113, 115, 117
DANC 179, 179H, 199, 199H
GDSN 110
MUS 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135, 136
MUST 151, 152
THTR 101, 105, 105H

Humanities
Select one:
ANTH 104
ASL 124, 201
CHIN 102
CHST 101, 146, 148, 148H
ENGL126
FR 102, 201, 202
HIST 101, 102, 122, 131, 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 167, 170
HUM 110, 111, 125, 125H, 130, 140, 145
JAPN 102
LIT 102, 102H, 112A, 112AH, 112B, 112BH, 114, 114H, 117, 117H, 130, 130H, 140, 140H, 141, 141H, 142, 142H, 144A, 144AH, 144B, 144BH, 145, 145H, 146A,146AH, 146B, 146BH, 147, 147H, 148, 148H, 149, 149H
PHIL 101, 101H, 102, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 128H, 135, 140
POLS 128, 128H;
SPAN 102, 201, 201H, 202

Total Semester Units:4.0† 
3rd Semester
Cal-GETC 5a - Physical ScienceGE1.0
Cal-GETC 5a - Physical Science (1.0 units)

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

Cal-GETC 5c - LaboratoryGE1.0
Cal-GETC 5c - Laboratory (1.0 units)

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

Cal-GETC 1b - Critical Thinking and CompositionGE1.0
Cal-GETC 1b - Critical Thinking and Composition (1.0 units)

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

Cal-GETC 1c - Oral CommunicationGE1.0
Cal-GETC 1c - Oral Communication (1.0 units)

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

UC ElectiveEL3.0

Select a course that transfers to UC. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:7.0 
4th Semester
Major ElectiveM3.0

Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Cal-GETC 5b - Biological ScienceGE1.0
Cal-GETC 5b - Biological Science (1.0 units)

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

Cal-GETC 00 - EmptyGE1.0
Cal-GETC 00 - Empty (1.0 units)

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
Courses in this area that also appear in IGETC 3B Humanities may be counted toward both areas.

Proficiency equivalent to two years of high school study in the same language or select one:
ASL 101, 102, 201;
CHIN 101, 102;
FR 101, 102, 201, 202;
JAPN 101, 102;
SPAN 101, 101S, 102, 102S, 201, 201H, 202
There are additional ways to satisfy the Language Other than English Requirement. Please see a counselor for advisement.

UC ElectiveEL3.0

Select a course that transfers to UC. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:8.0 
Total Units for General Studies in Social Sciences AA program (Transfer to Cal-GETC)45.5† 
Notes:
  • AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
  • *PSY 190 is the preferred course for Behavioral and Social Science majors. Please meet with a counselor to discuss major preparation requirements.
Legend:
Some classes may have higher units
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
GEGeneral Education course
ELElective Course
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

1

Students will think critically in order to understand social issues.


2

Students will recognize verbally or in writing the basic vocabulary and concepts of at least one social or behavioral science discipline.


About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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