Degree Requirements and Courses
Learn more about certificate and degree requirements, course content, recommended sequence, and schedule.
Geography AA-T Degree
This degree is designed to prepare students for a seamless transfer into the CSU system to complete a bachelor’s degree in Geography or a similar major.
Associate in Arts for Transfer | SC Program: AA-T.4002
The field of geography is rooted in the universal curiosity about the world around us, and the differences that occur from place to place. Shasta College's Geography Department offers students the opportunity to develop an understanding and appreciation of our complex world.
Geography is the study of Earth’s environments and how humans interact with them. Subject matter in the physical, biological, and social sciences is investigated in order to develop an understanding of our complex world. Students explore challenges and solutions to environmental change, resource use, urbanization, migration, conflict, and sustainability. Students are exposed to a range of geographic methods including field observation, research, map reading, and geospatial technologies.
The Associate in Arts in Geography for Transfer degree is designed to prepare students for a seamless transfer into the CSU system to complete a baccalaureate degree in Geography or a similar major.
Choose your path
Map your education by viewing the program map for the degree or certificate you’re interested in earning below. Meet with a counselor to create your official comprehensive education plan.
A program map shows all the required and recommended courses you need to graduate and a suggested order in which you should take them. The suggested sequence of courses is based on enrollment and includes all major and general education courses required for the degree.
Fall Semester, First Year
16 Units TotalENGL 1A
GE
4
Reading & Composition
ENGL 1A
This course is the transferable course in composition currently offered to qualified freshmen at practically all American colleges and universities. It presupposes that the students already have a substantial grasp of grammar, syntax, and organization, and that their writing is reasonably free from errors. The course concentrates on developing effective writing and reading. A library research paper is required for successful completion of the course.
This composition class is also taught by Distance Learning. In these sections of ENGL 1A, students will be required to attend class lecture/discussion in a virtual on-line classroom instead of physically attending in a classroom. This will require participation through a text-only Internet connection utilizing a WebCT classroom. Minimum requirement: ability to access World Wide Web addresses. Students may access WebCT through any Internet ramp, including Personal Computer or Web T.V. connection or any Internet connection accessible through the local library, work, school, etc.
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MATH 14
GE
4
Introduction to Statistics
MATH 14
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
An introductory course in statistics designed to show the role of modern statistical methods in the process of decision making. Concepts are introduced by example rather than by rigorous mathematical theory. The following topics will be covered: measures of central tendency and dispersion, regression and correlation, probability, sampling distributions including the normal, t, and chi-square, statistical inference using confidence intervals and hypotheses testing. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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An introductory course in statistics designed to show the role of modern statistical methods in the process of decision making. Concepts are introduced by example rather than by rigorous mathematical theory. The following topics will be covered: measures of central tendency and dispersion, regression and correlation, probability, sampling distributions including the normal, t, and chi-square, statistical inference using confidence intervals and hypotheses testing. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
HIST 2
GE
3
World Civilization to 1500 C.E.
HIST 2
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher
This course is a comparative survey of the major ancient world civilizations which developed between 3500 B.C.E. and 1500 C.E. It examines political institutions, religious ideologies, the rise and fall of empires, and the major cultural innovations of each of the major world civilizations. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is a comparative survey of the major ancient world civilizations which developed between 3500 B.C.E. and 1500 C.E. It examines political institutions, religious ideologies, the rise and fall of empires, and the major cultural innovations of each of the major world civilizations. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
GEOG 1A
M
4
Physical Geography
GEOG 1A
This course explores Earth's physical systems, their dynamic processes, and surface expressions. Topics include weather, climate, hydrology, tectonics, geomorphology, and the biosphere. Attention is given to spatial patterns and impacts of human activities. Lab activities will explore scientific data, its collection, display, and interpretation, for a range of Earth processes and formations. Scientific method of inquiry is employed through the development, testing, and defense of hypotheses to explain observed phenomena. Physical properties of radiation, temperature, pressure, gases, humidity, flowing water, and rocks, will be observed, measured and interpreted.
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GEOG 1AL
M
Lab
1
Physical Geography Lab
GEOG 1AL
Corequisite: GEOG 1A This course explores Earth's physical systems, through lab and field activities. Scientific method of inquiry is employed to the interpretation of climate, landforms, water, and living communities. Scientific data will be collected, displayed, and interpreted, for a range of Earth processes and formations. Students will use map products to make observations, take geographic measurements, and interpret phenomena, Students will also interpret physical phenomena, such as temperature, pressure, and humidity as they relate to geographic location.
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Spring Semester, First Year
15 Units TotalENGL 1C
GE
3
Critical Reasoning, Reading and Writing
ENGL 1C
Course focuses on critical thinking skills, close textual analysis, and expository and argumentative writing. Students apply critical thinking skills in reading non-fiction and fiction, and in writing essays of definition, cause/effect analysis, argumentation, refutation, and advocacy. Students will learn to use research strategies in analyzing others' ideas and supporting their own. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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CMST 60
GE
3
Public Speaking
CMST 60
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190 or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on public speaking. Subjects covered are audience analysis, choosing speech topics, finding and using supporting materials, arranging and outlining related points, essentials of speech delivery and evaluation. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays.
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This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on public speaking. Subjects covered are audience analysis, choosing speech topics, finding and using supporting materials, arranging and outlining related points, essentials of speech delivery and evaluation. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays.
HIST 17A
GE
3
United States History
HIST 17A
Advisory: ENGL 190 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
This course is a survey of the history of the United States from Pre-Columbian Peoples to the end of Reconstruction. Topics include contact and settlement of America, the movement toward independence, the formation of a new nation and Constitution, westward expansion and manifest destiny, the causes and consequences of the Civil War, and Reconstruction. This course satisfies the CSU requirement for US History (US-1). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is a survey of the history of the United States from Pre-Columbian Peoples to the end of Reconstruction. Topics include contact and settlement of America, the movement toward independence, the formation of a new nation and Constitution, westward expansion and manifest destiny, the causes and consequences of the Civil War, and Reconstruction. This course satisfies the CSU requirement for US History (US-1). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
GEOG 7
M
3
California Geography
GEOG 7
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 280 or English Placement Level 5 or higher.
This course provides an introduction to California's diversified geography including climate, landforms, natural vegetation, and mineral and water resources. The cultural landscapes of ethnic diversity, our Native American past, urban and agricultural regions and the economic challenges of the future are also examined. California Geography examines these topics, their spatial distributions and their impact on the environment. Class includes a Saturday field trip; Internet offering includes a virtual field trip. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course provides an introduction to California's diversified geography including climate, landforms, natural vegetation, and mineral and water resources. The cultural landscapes of ethnic diversity, our Native American past, urban and agricultural regions and the economic challenges of the future are also examined. California Geography examines these topics, their spatial distributions and their impact on the environment. Class includes a Saturday field trip; Internet offering includes a virtual field trip. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
GEOG 9
M
3
Map and Geospatial Principles
GEOG 9
This course is an introduction to maps, imagery, and geospatial technologies. Students will learn geographic techniques for data collection, interpretation, and presentation. Map principles along with types of maps and their applications are covered. Methodologies include map reading, use of imagery, geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), and map creation. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Fall Semester, Second Year
15 Units TotalART 4
GE
3
Ethnic Art of the World
ART 4
A survey course of the visual arts of Ethnic and Indian Cultures. Explored are the Eskimo, North West Coast, Pueblo, Apache, Navaho, Iroquois, Plains, Southeastern, California, Mexico, Peru, Africa, Polynesia, Melanesia, Micronesia, India, Japan, China, and Barbarians. Stress is given to the styles, motifs, symbols and meaning of the cultures by examining crafts, drawings, sculpture, woodcuts and paintings. This course designed for Humanities elective, recommended for Art Core Programs, and required for Art History Concentration.
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ETHS 1
GE
3
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
ETHS 1
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher
This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race and ethnicity in the United States. It examines social justice movements in relation to ethnic and racial groups in the United States to provide a basis for a better understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political conditions among key social groups including, but not limited to, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latina/o Americans. This course examines the systemic nature of racial/ethnic oppression through an examination of key concepts including racialization and ethnocentrism, with a specific focus on the persistence of white supremacy. Using an anti-racist framework, the course will examine historical and contemporary social movements dedicated to the decolonization of social institutions, resistance, and social justice. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race and ethnicity in the United States. It examines social justice movements in relation to ethnic and racial groups in the United States to provide a basis for a better understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political conditions among key social groups including, but not limited to, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latina/o Americans. This course examines the systemic nature of racial/ethnic oppression through an examination of key concepts including racialization and ethnocentrism, with a specific focus on the persistence of white supremacy. Using an anti-racist framework, the course will examine historical and contemporary social movements dedicated to the decolonization of social institutions, resistance, and social justice. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
POLS 2
GE
3
Introduction to American Government
POLS 2
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190 or ESL 138, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
An introduction to United States and California government and politics, including their constitutions, political institutions and processes, and political actors. Examination of political behavior, political issues, and public policy. This course satisfies the CSU requirement in U.S. Constitution and California State and local government (US-2 and US-3). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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An introduction to United States and California government and politics, including their constitutions, political institutions and processes, and political actors. Examination of political behavior, political issues, and public policy. This course satisfies the CSU requirement in U.S. Constitution and California State and local government (US-2 and US-3). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
HUM 4
GE
3
Humanities Through the Film
HUM 4
This course is an examination of the motion picture as an art form. This course offers a concise introduction to the history of film against the broader changes in popular culture since the late nineteenth century. Students will see how elements of film can provide valuable insights into how movies communicate and convey meaning to their audiences using a unique network of techniques. Students will see how film, film genres, and developments within the film industry offer a first-hand look at how specific films illuminate important aspects of philosophical, historical, aesthetic, and social life and analyze how film connects with the larger world. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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GEOG 5
M
3
Digital Planet
GEOG 5
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190 or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
This course will explore the technologies and the societal implications of our digital planet. Specific attention is given to geospatial technologies which provide locational services, imagery, mapping and other capabilities. In addition to use in industry, government, and non-profit sectors, these technologies are also common on mobile devices and in Internet applications. Investigation of issues related to society, population, and geo-politics will be undertaken using a variety of Internet-based technologies that are ideally suited to analyzing sociological data and geographic patterns. This course will also consider issues of geographic perception, social justice, equity, privacy, and representational accuracy of our digital planet. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course will explore the technologies and the societal implications of our digital planet. Specific attention is given to geospatial technologies which provide locational services, imagery, mapping and other capabilities. In addition to use in industry, government, and non-profit sectors, these technologies are also common on mobile devices and in Internet applications. Investigation of issues related to society, population, and geo-politics will be undertaken using a variety of Internet-based technologies that are ideally suited to analyzing sociological data and geographic patterns. This course will also consider issues of geographic perception, social justice, equity, privacy, and representational accuracy of our digital planet. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Spring Semester, Second Year
15 Units TotalAGNR 60
GE
3
Environmental Science
AGNR 60
Advisory: Students who wish to add a lab component to this class should co-enroll in AGNR 61.
This course is an introduction to the conservation or wise use of natural resources and incorporates discussions about the complex relationships of man to the environment. Students will learn about the diverse agencies that manage our resources along with their history and philosophies. Each of the major natural resources such as water, air, energy, forests, wildlife, agriculture, and soils will be covered and students will learn about the environmental policy and laws that govern use of these resources. An emphasis is placed on the practical components of Environmental Science as it relates to social and economic aspects of conservation. This course may be offered in a distance learning format.
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This course is an introduction to the conservation or wise use of natural resources and incorporates discussions about the complex relationships of man to the environment. Students will learn about the diverse agencies that manage our resources along with their history and philosophies. Each of the major natural resources such as water, air, energy, forests, wildlife, agriculture, and soils will be covered and students will learn about the environmental policy and laws that govern use of these resources. An emphasis is placed on the practical components of Environmental Science as it relates to social and economic aspects of conservation. This course may be offered in a distance learning format.
HLTH 1
GE
3
Health and Wellness
HLTH 1
This course focuses upon those elements of human behavior which influence the health status of both the individual and the community. Topics include personal fitness, nutrition, sexuality, sexually transmitted disease, drug dependence including alcohol and tobacco. Also included are topics dealing with lifestyle disease, especially cancer, cardiovascular disease and lung disease. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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GEOG 8
M
3
World Regional Geography
GEOG 8
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 280 or English Placement Level 5 or higher.
This course will introduce students to the world's major geographic regions. This course will increase student awareness of geographic concepts by examining the physical, cultural, economic and political characteristics of the major realms of the world through the unifying concept of the geographic region. This course will illustrate the importance of the world's geographic regions and how they interrelate. The location of important geographic features such as mountain ranges, rivers, countries, and major cities will be an important part of the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course will introduce students to the world's major geographic regions. This course will increase student awareness of geographic concepts by examining the physical, cultural, economic and political characteristics of the major realms of the world through the unifying concept of the geographic region. This course will illustrate the importance of the world's geographic regions and how they interrelate. The location of important geographic features such as mountain ranges, rivers, countries, and major cities will be an important part of the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
GEOG 10
M
3
Intro to Geographic Information Systems
GEOG 10
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in CIS 1 or demonstrated computer literacy.
This course covers the theory and practice of geographic information systems (GIS). Students learn essential GIS procedures for data viewing, acquisition, manipulation, geographic referencing, and map creation. GIS data types, properties, database operations and applications are covered. Basic methods of GIS analysis are also included. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course covers the theory and practice of geographic information systems (GIS). Students learn essential GIS procedures for data viewing, acquisition, manipulation, geographic referencing, and map creation. GIS data types, properties, database operations and applications are covered. Basic methods of GIS analysis are also included. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
PHIL 8
3
Logic
PHIL 8
Advisory: A grade of C or better in ENGL 1A or English Placement Level 7.
Logic is the science that evaluates arguments. PHIL 8 provides students with extensive experience in identifying a range of correct and incorrect argument forms. Examples will come from everyday life. Students will also learn to use both the traditional categorical syllogism and modern statement logic. The equivalent of this course in content and objectives may also be offered on the Internet.
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Logic is the science that evaluates arguments. PHIL 8 provides students with extensive experience in identifying a range of correct and incorrect argument forms. Examples will come from everyday life. Students will also learn to use both the traditional categorical syllogism and modern statement logic. The equivalent of this course in content and objectives may also be offered on the Internet.
Please see a counselor to discuss options for meeting general education requirements for transfer to California State Universities (CSU) and/or University of California (UC) campuses, as well as any specific additional courses that may be required by your chosen institution of transfer.
*Alternative Courses: Please see a Shasta College counselor for alternative course options. You can also view the following to find other courses to meet degree/certificate requirements:
- California State Universities – General Education
- IGETC – Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum
Need a print out? Feel free to download and/or print out a copy of the sample program map(s).
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Fax
(530) 225-4652
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Science, Language Arts & Mathematics (SLAM)
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Phone
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Fax
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