2.3.3.1 Natural Sciences
(3 units minimum)
Courses in the natural sciences
are those which focus on the observation and collection of empirical data and the
classification of the facts and principles which form the foundation of the physical
universe and its living forms. To satisfy the general education requirement in natural
sciences, a course should help the student develop an appreciation and understanding
of the methods of science, and encourage an understanding of the relationships between
science and other human activities. This category includes introductory of integrative
courses in such areas as astronomy, biology, chemistry, general physical science,
geology, and physics.
2.3.3.2 Social and Behavioral
Sciences (3 units minimum)
Courses in the social and behavioral
sciences are those which focus on people as members of society. To satisfy the general
education requirement in social and behavioral sciences, a course should help the
student develop an awareness of the method of inquiry used by the social and behavioral
sciences. It should stimulate critical thinking about the ways people act and have
acted in response to their societies and should promote appreciation of how societies
and social subgroups operate. This category includes introductory of integrative
survey courses in such areas as anthropology, economics, history, political science,
psychology, sociology and related disciplines, exclusive of those which fulfill the
American Institutions requirement.
2.3.3.3 American Institutions
Requirement (3 units minimum)
Courses in American Institutions
are those which focus on the historical development of American institutions and
ideals, the operation of representative democratic government under the Constitution
of the United States, and the principles of state and local government established
under the Constitution of this State. To satisfy the general education requirement
in American Institutions, a course should help the student develop an appreciation
and understanding of the basic institutions, ideals, knowledge, and skills necessary
for intelligent and loyal citizenship. It should stimulate critical thinking, problem
solving, and literacy skills in regard to American historical, political, governmental,
economic, social, and intellectual issues as they relate to both domestic and foreign
affairs. This category includes introductory or integrative survey courses in history
and political science which qualify under the guidelines of either "a"
or "b" below.
(a) Any course which addresses
the historical development of American Institutions and ideals, inclusive of the
following:
1. Significant events occurring
in the entire area now included in the United States of America, including the relationships
of regions within that area and with external regions and powers as appropriate to
the understanding of those events within the United States during the period under
study.
2. The role of major ethnic
and social groups in such events and the contexts in which the events have occurred.
3. The events presented
within a framework which illustrates the continuity of the American experience and
its derivation from other cultures including consideration of three or more of the
following: politics, economics, social movements, and geography.
(b) Any course which addresses
the U.S. Constitution, representative democratic government operation, and the process
of California State and local government, inclusive of the following:
1. The political philosophies
of the framers of the Constitution and the nature and operation of United States
political institutions and processes under that Constitution as amended and interpreted.
2. The rights and obligations
of citizens in the political system established under the Constitution.
3. The Constitution of
the State of California within the framework of evolution of Federal-State relations
and the nature and processes of State and local government under that Constitution.
4. Contemporary relationships
of State and local government with the Federal government, the resolution of conflicts
and the establishment of cooperative processes under the constitutions of both the
State and nation, and the political processes involved.
2.3.3.4 Humanities (3 units
minimum)
Courses in the humanities are
those which study the cultural activities and artistic expressions of human beings.
To satisfy the general education requirement in the humanities, a course should help
the student develop an awareness of the ways in which people throughout the ages
and in different cultures have responded to themselves and the world around them
in artistic and cultural creation and help the student develop an aesthetic understanding
and an ability to make value judgments. This category includes introductory or integrative
courses in such areas as the arts, foreign languages, literature, philosophy and
religion.
2.3.3.5 Languages and Rationality
(6 units: 3 units each from (a) and (b)
Courses in language and rationality
are those which use and examine principles and guidelines of clear and logical thinking
and communication. Courses in this category should build upon rather than remediate
verbal and quantitative skills.
(a) English Composition.
Courses fulfilling the written composition requirement should include both expository
and argumentative writing.
(b) Communication and Analytical
Thinking. Courses fulfilling the communication and analytical thinking requirement
include oral communication, mathematics, logic, statistics, computer language and
programming, and related disciplines.
2.3.3.6 Living Skills (3
units minimum)
One physical education activity
course must be taken in this area and a minimum of 2 units from the other courses
included in this category.
Courses in this area may be selected
from a number of different disciplines that help students to acquire skills and knowledge
to understand themselves as whole persons (integral to their environment). This category
includes the study of courses that develop and maintain personal, social, physical
and emotional well-being. It is the intent that this area include such courses as
health education, human sexuality, marriage and family, nutrition, and personal adjustment.
2.3.3.6.1 Students with medical
excuses on file may be exempted from the physical activity course requirement.
Students not completing a physical
activity course on the basis of this exemption shall be required to complete a minimum
of 3 units in other courses in the Living Skills area.
2.3.4 While a course might satisfy
more than one general education requirement, it may not be counted more than once
for these purposes. Courses which are a part of the major requirement and meet the
intent of these general education guidelines may be used to satisfy both requirements.
2.3.5 Ethnic studies will be offered
in at least one of the required general education areas (2.3.3.1 - 2.3.3.5).
