ASSOCIATE IN ARTS FOR TRANSFER | SC PROGRAM: AA-T.4005

This degree will provide you with an understanding of communication theory and competencies that are crucial for success in both personal and business relationships. You will learn analytical and critical thinking skills that are valuable for business and life decisions. The results are often immediate and dramatic, improving both personal and professional relationships in both large and small groups.

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 Total
ENGL C1000
GE 4
Academic Reading and Writing
ENGL C1000
Units 4
Note: For students who would benefit from further instruction and individual support while taking their first college-transfer level English course, ENGL C1000E is a recommended alternative to ENGL C1000.

In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. An argumentative research essay is required for the successful completion of the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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SOC 3
GE 3
Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
SOC 3
Units 3
This course is an introduction to the basic statistical methods and analyses commonly used in the behavioral sciences. Topics include descriptive and inferential statistics; levels and types of measurement; measures of central tendency and dispersion; normal, t, and chi-square distributions; probability and hypothesis testing; and correlation and regression. Applications of statistical software to the behavioral sciences and/or other social science data is required. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ETHS 1
GE 3
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
ETHS 1
Units 3
Advisory: Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course

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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COMM C1000
M 3
Introduction to Public Speaking
COMM C1000
Units 3
In this course, students learn and apply foundational rhetorical theories and techniques of public speaking in a multicultural democratic society. Students discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas in public discourse through research, reasoning, organization, composition, delivery to a live audience and evaluation of various types of speeches, including informative and persuasive speeches. This course may be taught in a distance education format.
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COMM 10
M 3
Interpersonal Communication
COMM 10
Units 3
This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with an emphasis on interpersonal communication. Emphasis is placed on the psychological, social, cultural, and linguistic factors that affect normal person-to-person interactions. Subjects covered are the understanding of ethical interpersonal communication based on communication theory and research, listening, verbal and nonverbal communication, self-awareness/ self-concept, perception, emotions, relationships, communication climates, and conflict management. Students will increase their knowledge and skills in interpersonal communication. College-level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines, and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, First Year

15 Units Total
ENGL 1B
GE 3
Literature and Composition
ENGL 1B
Units 3
This course emphasizes the development of critical thinking and writing skills through close study of the major genres of literature: poetry, drama, short story and novel. Students receive further instruction and practice in analytical writing, developing arguments about literary works and the critical reception of those works. In discussion and writing, students will also examine arguments as such, learning to identify sound as well as fallacious reasoning in critical assessments of literature. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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POLS C1000
GE 3
American Government and Politics
POLS C1000
Units 3
Advisory: ENGL C1000 or English Placement Level 7 or higher.

This course is an introduction to government and politics in the United States and California. Students examine the constitutions, structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political behaviors, political issues, and public policy using political science theory and methodology. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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COMM 20
M 3
Intercultural Communication
COMM 20
Units 3
The purpose of this course is to develop the skills necessary to build and maintain positive communication and relationships across cultures. Students will focus on similarities and differences in communication behaviors. Perceptions, language usage, nonverbal style, thinking modes, and values will be explored within and between members of different ethnic and cultural groups, as well as the appreciation and comparison of communication among diverse groups within the larger context of American culture. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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COMM 50
M 3
Gender and Communication
COMM 50
Units 3
This course introduces students to gender-related communication, integrating theory and practice in order to heighten awareness of the importance of gender as a communication variable. With an emphasis on perception, verbal and nonverbal similarities and differences are examined in interpersonal, small group, organizational, and public settings. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ELCT
3
Elective - see counselor for options
ELCT
Units 3
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Fall Semester, Second Year

14 Units Total
ESCI 12
GE 4
General Earth Science
ESCI 12
Units 4
Note: Required field trips when offered face to face.

This is a survey course designed for non-science majors. It spans the Earth-related sciences, including geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. In general, the course focuses on physical processes and materials as related to each discipline. Topics include the geologic evolution of the Earth, economic resources derived from the Earth, Earth materials, evolution and character of the oceans, ocean-atmosphere interactions, atmospheric processes including weather and climate, the solar system and Earth as part of the universe. Using an Earth systems approach, lecture and laboratory will consider concepts centered on the sustainable use of natural resources. The laboratory portion of this course provides hands-on activities that support and demonstrate lecture concepts. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HUM 4
GE 3
Humanities Through the Film
HUM 4
Units 3
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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COMM 54
M 3
Small Group Communication
COMM 54
Units 3
This course provides students with the foundational knowledge and practice of speech-making in a democratic society, while simultaneously emphasizing theory and research about communication in a variety of small-group contexts. This course exposes students to rhetorical theory, small group theory, and public speaking fundamentals within the context of their interpersonal interactions, group communication processes, and live presentations (including informative and persuasive speeches). Students will learn historical roots and key rhetorical theories that ground the study and practice of public speaking, and be able to discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas and information in public discourse. Students will also explore and evaluate group communication processes, including problem-solving, conflict management, decision-making and leadership. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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COMM 30
M 3
Oral Interpretation
COMM 30
Units 3
This course introduces students to the field of performance studies through the oral interpretation of various literary genres, including Western and Non-Western literature. The focus is on audience analysis, selection and thematic analysis of literature, script writing, discussion and application of vocal and physiological delivery techniques, program performance, and post-performance evaluation. Theoretical issues and historical developments are examined and applied to the current performance trends in solo, duo, and interpreters' theatre. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ELCT
1
Elective - see counselor for options
ELCT
Units 1
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Spring Semester, Second Year

15 Units Total
HIST 17A
GE 3
United States History
HIST 17A
Units 3
Advisory: ENGL 1A with a grade of C 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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ART 1
GE 3
Introduction to Art
ART 1
Units 3
This course provides a general introduction to art that offers a look at works of art through the study of theory, terminology, themes, design principles, media, and techniques, with an introduction to the visual arts across time and diverse cultures. This course is recommended as a Humanities elective. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGNR 60
GE 3
Environmental Science
AGNR 60
Units 3
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. The course will cover each of the major natural resources - such as water, air, energy, forests, wildlife, agriculture, and soils - as well as environmental policy and laws that govern the 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 education format.
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COMM 40
M 3
Argumentation and Debate
COMM 40
Units 3
Advisory: Completion of a class in public speaking or public speaking experience.

This course presents basic argumentation theory including research, methods of analysis, use and tests of evidence, refutation, and the logical and ethical responsibilities of advocacy. Emphasis is placed on the preparation and presentation of cases for and against propositions or points of view through extensive research, writing, debate, and public address. Basic principles are applied in a variety of formal and informal debate situations. Public speaking training and/or experience are recommended for enrollment. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ELCT
3
Elective - see counselor for options
ELCT
Units 3
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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:

Contact Us for More Information

Academic/Instructional Division Office