General Education (Prior to Fall 2018)

One of the principles on which a modern university rests is the assumption that there is an important difference between learning to make a living and building the foundation for a life. While the first goal is important, the second is fundamental.

In focusing on the students’ development as whole or “educated” people, a university distinguishes itself from a trade school. The goal of a university education is not simply the acquisition and application of knowledge, but the creation of people who firmly grasp the worth of clear thinking and know how to do it; who understand and appreciate the differences between peoples and cultures as well as their similarities; who have a sense of history and social forces; who can express thought clearly and have quantitative ability; who know something about the arts as well as how to enjoy them; who can talk and think intelligently about the physical and life sciences, the humanities, and literature; and, above all, who have the desire and capability for learning. This goal is why a university degree is so highly valued by individuals, employers, and the community at large.

The Sacramento State General Education Program is designed to educate in this holistic sense. Thus, it is not simply a series of courses to complete or hoops for students to jump through as they complete the courses in their major. Rather, general education lies at the heart of what a university education is all about.

Therefore students should carefully select courses and actively seek subject areas that are new and may challenge their world views or cherished assumptions and offer new experiences, such as inquiry-based or community-based learning. In short, students should not take the easy way out. This is their opportunity to lay the foundation for the rest of their lives, and to define themselves as educated members of the human community. Their time at the university is precious and the General Education Program has been designed to help them begin the process of becoming truly educated people. In deciding to pursue a university degree, they have chosen well and should make the best use of the opportunities open to them.

Objectives

Upon completion of the General Education Program requirements, students will be expected to:

  • read, write, and understand relatively complex and sophisticated English prose;
  • construct a non-fallacious verbal argument, recognize fallacious arguments, and follow the verbal arguments of others;
  • find and use common information resources, engage in specialized library research, use computers, and seek out appropriate expert opinion and advice;
  • use mathematical ideas to accomplish a variety of tasks;
  • gain a general understanding of current theory, concepts, knowledge, and scientific methods pertaining to the nature of the physical universe, ecosystems, and life on this planet;
  • develop an acquaintance and understanding of cultures and major dynamic social institutions which affect one’s life,
  • possess a significant and useful understanding of peoples from a diversity of cultures and backgrounds, including women and ethnic and other minority groups who have been the objects of prejudice and adverse discrimination within our society.  

In addition to these basic skills, courses in the sciences, arts, humanities, and social sciences have been selected to help students attain the university’s baccalaureate learning goals and to satisfy particular GE Area Learning Outcomes. The Baccalaureate Learning Goals include:

  • Competence in the Disciplines: The ability to demonstrate the competencies and values listed below in at least one major field of study and to demonstrate informed understandings of other fields, drawing on the knowledge and skills of disciplines outside the major.
  • Knowledge of Human Cultures and the Physical and Natural World through study in the sciences and mathematics, social sciences, humanities, histories, languages, and the arts. Focused by engagement with big questions, contemporary and enduring.
  • Intellectual and Practical Skills, Including: inquiry and analysis, critical, philosophical, and creative thinking, written and oral communication, quantitative literacy, information literacy, teamwork and problem solving, practiced extensively across the curriculum, in the context of progressively more challenging problems, projects, and standards for performance.
  • Personal and Social Responsibility, Including: civic knowledge and engagement—local and global, intercultural knowledge and competence1, ethical reasoning and action, foundations and skills for lifelong learning anchored through active involvement with diverse communities and real-world challenges.
  • Integrative Learning2, Including: synthesis and advanced accomplishment across general and specialized studies.

Sacramento State General Education courses are designed, selected, and approved by the faculty to meet these program objectives. Students will benefit from consultation with the Academic Advising Center or advisors in their major departments in planning their General Education course choices. Students may search the online Schedule of Classes by Area or other specification(s) for currently available GE courses.

Course Requirements

The following courses have been approved to meet the 48-unit General Education pattern required of Sacramento State students. At least 9 units must be in upper division GE courses (100-199) taken after you complete 60 units of coursework. Enrollment in upper division GE courses is limited to students who have completed Areas A1, A2, A3, and have taken at least 45 units (not limited to GE classes). At least nine units of GE must be taken in residence (i.e., at Sacramento State). In addition, a second semester composition course and demonstration of proficiency in a foreign language are required for graduation.

General Education/Graduation Requirements Checklist

General Education Requirements Units
General Education requirements cover a breadth of areas spanning A. Basic Subjects, B. Physical Universe & Its Life Forms, C. Arts & Humanities, D. The Individual and Society, and E. Understanding Personal Development. For a list of courses that satisfy each Area and Requirement, please see the University Catalog.
General Education Requirements: (9 units must be taken at Sacramento State) 48
Lower Division: A total of 39 units of General Education Courses must be taken at the lower-division level (courses numbered 1-99) covering Areas A, B, C, D, and E. 39
Upper Division: A total of 9 units of General Education Courses must be taken at the upper-division level (courses numbered 100-199) from Areas B, C, D, or E. These units should be completed within the total unit requirements for Areas B, C, D, or E. 9
Basic Subjects 9
A1. Oral Communication "C- or better required" 3
A2. Written Communication "C- or better required" 3
A3. Critical Thinking "C- or better required" 3
Physical Universe & Its Life Forms 12
B1. Physical Science 3
B2. Life Forms 3
B3. Lab NOTE: Lab experience to be taken with one of the following: B1, B2 or B5.
B4. Math Concepts "C- or better required" 3
B5. Additional Course (Any B to reach 12 units) - Note: Possible upper-division course to complete Area & upper-division requirements. 3
Arts & Humanities 12
C1. Arts 3
C2. Humanities 3
C1/C2. Any Area Course C. - Note: recommended (if needed): 6 units of the Foreign Language requirement in C2 which double-counts for the Foreign Language proficiency requirement. 3
C1/C2. Any Area C Course - Note: Possible upper-division course to complete Area & upper-division requirements. 3
*The Individual & Society - Minimum of THREE disciplines (e.g. ANTH, ECON, ETHN, GOVT, HIST, RPTA, etc.) must be taken in Area D 12
D. Any Area D Course 3
D. Any Area D Course - Note: possible upper-division course to complete Area & upper-division requirements. 3
D. Any Area D Course - Note: Recommend a U.S. History course which double-counts for the American Institutions Graduation Requirement. 3
D. Any Area D Course - Note: Recommend a U.S. Constitution and CA Government course which double-counts for the American Institutions Graduation Requirement. 3
Understanding Personal Development 3
E. Any Area E course - Note: Possible upper-division course to complete Area & upper-division requirements. 3
Graduation Requirements Units
Minimum 2.0 GPA required for GE
Graduation Requirements (required by CSU)
American Institutions: U.S. History - The following courses satisfy the U.S. History Graduation Requirement and Area D: HIST 17A, HIST 17B, HIST 159, HIST 161, HIST 162, HIST 167, HIST 177, ANTH 101 3
American Institutions: U.S. Constitution & CA Government - The following satisfy the U.S. Constitution & CA Government graduation requirement Area D: GOVT 1, GOVT 113, GOVT 150 3
Writing Intensive (WI) - May satisfy Upper Division General Education or Major "C- or better required" 3
Graduation Requirements (required by CA State University, Sacramento)
English Composition II: ENGL 20 "C- or better required" 3
Race and Ethnicity in American Society (RE) - May double-count for unit requirements in General Education Areas C, D, or E 3
Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement - If not satisfied before entering Sacramento State, it may be satisfied in General Education Area C2 (Humanities). "C- or better required." The alternative methods for satisfying the Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement are described here: http://www.csus.edu/wll/for-students/graduation-requirement.html. 6

To help you complete your degree in a timely manner and not take more units than absolutely necessary, there are ways to use single courses to meet more than one requirement (overlap). There is no way to list all possible overlaps so please complete this checklist with a professional advisor. We can help you identify the best course of action. Academic Advising Center can be visited csus.edu/acad or please call: (916) 278-1000 or email at advising@csus.edu.

Students must choose their General Education classes from the Areas and classes listed below:

Area A: Basic Subjects (9 units)

These requirements must be completed before enrollment in upper division GE courses. A grade of "C-" or better is required in all courses taken in Area A.

A1: Oral Communication3
Select one of the following:
Introduction to Public Speaking
The Communication Experience
A2: Written Communication3
Select one of the following:
Accelerated Academic Literacies
Accelerated Academic Literacies - Multilingual
Academic Literacies II
Academic Literacies II-Multilingual
A3: Critical Thinking3
Select one of the following:
Language, Culture, and Critical Thinking
Argumentation
Critical Thinking and the Educated Person
Critical Thinking and the Educated Person: Honors
Environmental Issues and Critical Thinking
Media Literacy and Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
Science and Pseudoscience
Sense and Nonsense in Social Issues and Research
Total Units9

Area B: The Physical Universe and Its Life Forms (12 Units)

At least 3 units must be taken in each of Areas B1, B2 and B4. At least one course with a laboratory component must be taken in Area B1 or B2.

AREA B1: PHYSICAL SCIENCE3
Select one of the following:
Introduction to the Solar System
Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology
Introduction to Astrobiology
Astronomical Observation Laboratory
General Chemistry I
CHEM 5 Chemistry for Nurses
Introduction to General Chemistry
Physical Geography: The Distribution of Natural Phenomena
Violent Weather/Changing Atmosphere
Laboratory in Physical Geography
Geology Of Mexico
Natural Disasters
Earth Science
Earth Science Lab
Physical Geology
Physical Geology Lab
General Physics: Mechanics, Heat, Sound
Physics In Our World
General Physics: Mechanics
AREA B2: LIFE FORMS3
Select one of the following:
Introduction to Biological Anthropology
Biological Anthropology Laboratory
Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology
Introduction to the Science of Biology
Our Living World: Evolution, Ecology and Behavior
Basic Biological Concepts
Laboratory Investigations in Biology
Biology: A Human Perspective
Introduction to Environmental Science
Honors Environmental Science
AREA B3: LAB
Select a course from the following:
Astronomical Observation Laboratory
Biological Anthropology Laboratory
Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology
Laboratory Investigations in Biology
General Chemistry I
General Chemistry II
CHEM 5 Chemistry for Nurses
Introduction to General Chemistry
Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry
Laboratory in Physical Geography
Geology Of Mexico
Earth Science Lab
Physical Geology Lab
Exercise and Sport Physiology
General Physics: Mechanics, Heat, Sound
General Physics: Mechanics
AREA B4: MATHEMATICAL CONCEPTS AND QUANTITATIVE REASONING 13
Select one of the following:
Mathematical Reasoning
Honors Mathematical Reasoning
An Introduction to Exploration, Conjecture, and Proof in Mathematics
Modern Business Mathematics
Calculus I for the Social and Life Sciences
Calculus II for the Social and Life Sciences
Pre-Calculus Mathematics
Calculus I
Calculus II
Introduction to Linear Algebra
Introduction to Statistics
Introductory Statistics with Developmental Mathematics
Introductory Statistics with Developmental Mathematics
Introduction to Probability and Statistics
AREA B5: FURTHER STUDIES IN PHYSICAL SCIENCE, LIFE FORMS, AND QUANTITATIVE REASONING 2 3
Select one from the following two categories:
Lower Division
ANTH 15 World Prehistory and the Evolution of Modern Humanity
ANTH 17
General Chemistry II
Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry
Introduction to Computer Science
Introduction to Programming Logic
Mathematical Practices Across Cultures
Historical Geology
Deductive Logic I
Upper Division
The Solar System and Space Exploration
Stars, Galaxies and Cosmology
CHDV 143
FACS 112 Current Topics in Nutritional Sciences
FACS 113 Nutrition and Metabolism
Elements Of Meteorology
Climate
Biogeography
Global Climate Change
Oceanography
History of the Physical Sciences
Exercise and Sport Physiology
The Brain and Gender-Related Differences
Philosophy Of Science
Total Units12

Area C: The Arts and Humanities (12 Units)

At least 3 units must be taken from Areas C1 (ARTS) and C2 (HUMANITIES).

AREA C1: ARTS3 - 9
Select 3-9 units from the following two divisions:
Lower Division
Art, Religions, and Power before 1400
Art, Empires, and Cross-Cultural Exchange, 1400-1800
Global Modern and Contemporary Art
History of Islamic Art
Traditional Asian Art
Modern and Contemporary Asian Art
Art of the Americas
Introduction to Art and Visual Culture
Beginning Drawing
Beginning Painting
Beginning Watercolor
Form, Space Vision
Beginning Jewelry
Beginning Metalsmithing
Clay Sculpture
Beginning Sculpture
Introduction to Graphic Design
History Of Graphic Design
Introduction to Interior Design
Design
Basic Music
Music In World Cultures
Survey of Music Literature I
Survey of Music Literature II
Music Appreciation
Digital Photography I
Introduction To Theatre
History of the Theatre: Ancient to Renaissance
Theatre History After 1660
Aesthetics of Theatre and Film
Appreciation Of Acting
Upper Division
The Studio: Explorations in Arts and Letters
Latin American and Latino Art History
Art of India and Southeast Asia
Art of China and Japan
Modern East Asian Cinema
Appreciation and History of Dance
Dance Cultures Of America
African-Caribbean Dance
Art of Autobiography
Modern British Drama, 1889-Present
The Essential Shakespeare
Twentieth-Century American Drama
Masterpieces of the Cinema
The Film
Contemporary Issues in Film
Introduction to Italian Cinema I
American Popular Music: Jazz History
History of Rock Music
Hip-Hop in Urban America
World Music: Asia
World Music: Africa
World Music: Latin America
The American Musical Theater
American Society and Its Music
Philosophy Of Art
Multicultural Puppetry
Black Drama in the African Diaspora
Women and Theatre: Staging Diversity (WGS 144)
African American Theatre and Culture
Contemporary Chicano/Latino Theatre: Themes and Performance 1965-Present
Multicultural Perspectives in American Theatre
Multicultural Perspectives in American Film
WGS 146
AREA C2: HUMANITIES3 - 9
Select 3-9 units from the following two divisions
Lower Division
Magic, Witchcraft and Religion
Comparative Early Civilizations
Elementary Mandarin
American Sign Language 2
Introduction to British Literature I
Introduction to British Literature II
Introduction to American Literature I
Introduction to American Literature II
Introduction to World Literatures in English
Modern Short Plays
Elementary French
Intermediate French
Elementary German
GOVT 10
Survey of Early Western Civilization
Survey of Modern Western Civilization
Asian Civilizations
History of African Civilizations
Islam and the West
World History I: to 1500
World History I: to 1500
World History from 1500 to the Present.
World History from 1500 to the Present
Arts and Ideas of the West: Ancient to Medieval
Arts and Ideas of the West: Renaissance to Modern
Arts and Ideas of Asia: Ancient to Medieval
Arts and Ideas of Asia: Medieval to Modern
Elementary Italian
Elementary Japanese
Elementary Korean 1B
Ethics
Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge, World and Self
History of Philosophy
History of Early Modern Philosophy
Elementary Punjabi
Elementary Russian
Elementary Spanish
World Literatures in Film
Upper Division
Archaeology of Mexico
Japanese Culture and Society
Rise of Religious Cults
The Religious Landscape of the Sacramento Valley
CHDV 141
Chinese Civilization
European Economic History
Multicultural Children's Literature
Postcolonial Literature
Introduction To Comedy
Introduction To Tragedy
Forms of African-American Poetry
Forms of African-American Fiction
American Identities: In the Intersection of Race, Gender, and Ethnicity
Jewish American Literature
Chicano Literature
Asian American Literature
Topics in Multi-Ethnic Literatures
Twentieth Century Fiction by Women
Asian American Women (WGS 118)
American Indians, Film and Popular Culture
Native Voice, Memory, and Biography
Native American Oral Tradition and Storytelling
African Religions and Philosophies
French Civilization
Heroes, Dragons and Quests
German Mythology and Legend
German Folk Literature, Legend, and Lore
King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table in Germany
German Civilization: Beginning to 16th Century
German Civilization: 17th Century to Present
Mediterranean Europe: From the Renaissance to the European Union
Great Ages and Issues in Modern European History
Everyday Life and Society in Antiquity
The Ancient Near East: A Cultural History
Ancient Greece
Ancient Rome
Early Medieval Europe
History of Women in Western Civilization, Prehistory-Middle Ages
History of Women in Western Civilization, Renaissance-Present
Evolution of Christianity to the Reformation
Evolution of Christianity Since the Reformation
Medieval Russia
History Of Mexico To 1910
History of Women in Africa
Middle Eastern History to 1800
Cultural History of Japan to 1800
The History of Manga
History of Buddhism
China: Antiquity to 1600 AD
Images Of America
Hollywood and America
HIST 170
The Culture of Classical Greece
The Culture of Classical Rome
Paganism in the Roman World
Classical Mythology
Reason and Revelation: The Origins of Western Culture
Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
Introduction to the New Testament
Medieval Culture
Renaissance
Baroque and the Enlightenment
Romanticism and Revolution
Birth Of The Modern
Global Crossings: Art and Culture 1945 to Present
HRS 140
Introduction To Judaism
Introduction to Christianity
Introduction To Islam
Introduction to Islamic Cultures
African Arts and Cultures
World Mythology
Great Mystics of the World
Food, Farming, and the Sacred
Spirit and Nature
Multicultural America
American Space and Identity
Introduction to the East Asian World
The Classical Culture of China
Chinese Philosophy and Religion
Modern Japanese Literature and Culture
Zen Buddhism and Daoism
Religions of India
Religions of India I: The Formative Period
The Hindu Year: Fall
The Hindu Year: Spring
World Religions and Cultures in Cinema
Fantasy and Romance
Italian Civilization: The Dialogue Form It's Origins and European Context
Martial Arts: Karate
Martial Arts: Tae Kwon Do
Martial Arts: Tai Chi
Professional and Public Service Ethics
History Of Ethics
Philosophy In Literature
Existentialism
Political Philosophy
Philosophy Of Religion
Chinese Philosophy
Philosophies Of India
Russian Civilization
Sociology of Popular Culture
Asian Societies
Middle Eastern Societies and Culture
Total Units6-18

Area D: The Individual and Society (12 Units)

Minimum of three disciplines (e.g. ANTH, ECON, ETHN, FACS, GOVT, HIST, RPTA, etc.) must be taken in Area D. The American Institutions graduation requirement may be satisfied in Area D with 3 units of US history courses and 3 units of US Constitution and CA government courses (see Graduation Requirements: American Institutions).

Select 12 units from the following two divisions12
Lower Division
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Introduction to Archaeology
Introduction to Criminal Justice and Society
Introduction to Deaf Studies
Introduction to Macroeconomic Analysis
Introduction to Microeconomic Analysis
Africa: Myths and Realities
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
Introduction to Ethnic Studies (Honors)
Introduction to Asian American Studies
Introduction to Chicano/Latino Studies
Introduction to Native American Studies
Introduction to Pan African Studies
FACS 30 Fashion and Human Environment
The Family and Social Issues
Cultural Geography
GOVT 1
GOVT 1H
GOVT 35
Major Problems in U.S. History
United States History, 1607-1877
United States History, 1877-Present
Health Care: Issues and Delivery Systems
Introductory Psychology
Race, Class Gender and Leisure
Principles of Sociology
Social Problems
Issues in Crime and Social Control
Upper Division
Cultural Diversity
The Nature of Culture
Culture and Society in Mexico
Peoples of Southeast Asia
Cultures of South Asia
Women Cross-Culturally
Culture and Poverty
CHDV 145
Freedom Of Speech
Women and the Criminal Justice System
Gangs and Threat Groups in America
Sexual Offenses and Offenders
Violence and Terrorism
Restorative Justice and Conflict Resolution
American Criminal Justice and Minority Groups
Drug Abuse and Criminal Behavior
Economics of Racism
Urban Education
Sustainable Design and Construction
American Environmental History
Ethnic America
The Asian American Experience
Contemporary Asian American Issues
Asian American Communities
Asian Americans and Globalization
Asian American Politics and Public Policy
Sikh Americans and Globalization
Chicano/Mexican-American Experience
La Raza Studies
US Mexican Border Relations
Race and Ethnicity in Latin America and Caribbean
Native American Experience
Politics of the African Diaspora
Native American Tribal Governments
Genocide and Holocaust Studies
Pan African Studies
Population Geography
Geology and the Environment
Aging Issues in Contemporary America
GOVT 113
GOVT 134
GOVT 141
GOVT 142
GOVT 143
GOVT 144
GOVT 147
GOVT 148
GOVT 150
GOVT 163
GOVT 165
GOVT 169A
GOVT 180
Culture and Language in Modern Greece, 1821-1909
Culture and Language in Modern Greece, 1909-Present
Europe Since 1945
The Fall Of Communism
Revolutionary and Modern Mexico
Colonial Latin America
Modern and Contemporary Latin America
History of Africa Since 1800
The Modern Middle East
Modern Japan, 1800-present
China, 1600 to Present
History of US Foreign Relations
The American Vision
Social History of the United States
The City in US History
History of American Women
The History of the Civil Rights Movement: From Reconstruction to Deconstruction, 1865-Present
HIST 175 Sex, Population, and Birth Control in America
The African-American Experience, 1603-Present
HLSC 114 Human Ecology and Health
Women in Film and American Culture
Urban Design and Society
War, Peace and the Mass Media
Women in the Mass Media
Labor and the American Social Structure
Business, Ethics and Society
Ethics and Social Issues
Business and Computer Ethics
Bioethics
Science and Human Values
Births, Deaths and Borders
Chicano Community
Ethnic and Race Relations
Animals in Society
Criminology
Delinquency
Conflict, Oil and Development in the Middle East
Sociology of Globalization
Crosscultural Theory and Practice: Issues of Race, Gender and Class
Theories of Criminal Behavior
Crimes Without Victims
Poverty and Homelessness in America
Welfare In America
Health Services and Systems
Exploration of Veteran Studies: An Ethnographic Approach
Total Units12

 Area E: Understanding Personal Development (3 Units)

Only a single one-unit KINS activity course may be applied to this area. A one-unit KINS course cannot be combined with a two-unit DNCE course to meet this requirement. KINS 99 may be taken concurrently with any 1 unit KINS activity course for a total of 3 units of Area E GE credit.

Select one from the following:3
Lower Division
First Year Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person
Freshman Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person
First Year Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person
CHDV 30
CHDV 35
First Year Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person
First Year Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person
CSAD 21 First Year Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person
First Year Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person
First Year Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person
First Year Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person
First Year Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person
First Year Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person
FACS 10 Nutrition and Wellness
First Year Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person
The Child In The Family
First Year Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person
First Year Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person
HLSC 50 Healthy Lifestyles
First Year Seminar: Education, Self-Examination, and Living
First Year Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person
First Year Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person
First Year Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person
First Year Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person
First Year Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person
First Year Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person
First Year Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person
First Year Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person
The Photographic Self
First Year Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person
Leadership and Group Development
The Outdoor Recreation Experience
First Year Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person
First Year Seminar: Becoming an Educated Person
Upper Division
Communication and American Culture
Sex Role Stereotyping in American Education
Biracial and Multiracial Identity in the US
La Mujer Chicana
Crosscultural Aging in America
Family Resource Management
Family Finance
Family Stress and Coping: Multicultural Focus
Popular Culture
HLSC 124 Consumer Health Education
HLSC 130 Alcohol and Other Drugs
HLSC 134 Understanding Human Sexuality
Nursing Application of Research and Critical Analysis
Human Sexuality
PHIL 100
Psychology of Human Sexuality
Psychology of Multicultural Groups
Stress Management
Psychological Aspects of Death and Dying
Recreation and Leisure Lifestyle Development
Perspectives On Leisure
Sociology of Gender
Men, Masculinity and Society
Sociology of Deviance
Self and Society
Total Units3

 Upper Division GE Courses (Areas B, C, D, and E)

The Studio: Explorations in Arts and Letters
Cultural Diversity
The Nature of Culture
Archaeology of Mexico
Japanese Culture and Society
Culture and Society in Mexico
Peoples of Southeast Asia
Cultures of South Asia
Rise of Religious Cults
The Religious Landscape of the Sacramento Valley
Women Cross-Culturally
Culture and Poverty
Latin American and Latino Art History
Art of India and Southeast Asia
Art of China and Japan
Modern East Asian Cinema 5
The Solar System and Space Exploration
Stars, Galaxies and Cosmology
CHDV 141
CHDV 143
CHDV 145
Chinese Civilization
Communication and American Culture
Freedom Of Speech
Women and the Criminal Justice System
Gangs and Threat Groups in America
Sexual Offenses and Offenders
Violence and Terrorism
Restorative Justice and Conflict Resolution
American Criminal Justice and Minority Groups
Drug Abuse and Criminal Behavior
Appreciation and History of Dance
Dance Cultures Of America
African-Caribbean Dance
European Economic History
Economics of Racism
Multicultural Children's Literature
Urban Education
Sex Role Stereotyping in American Education
Art of Autobiography
Modern British Drama, 1889-Present
The Essential Shakespeare
Twentieth-Century American Drama
Postcolonial Literature
Introduction To Comedy
Introduction To Tragedy
Forms of African-American Poetry
Forms of African-American Fiction
American Identities: In the Intersection of Race, Gender, and Ethnicity
Jewish American Literature
Chicano Literature
Asian American Literature
Topics in Multi-Ethnic Literatures
Twentieth Century Fiction by Women
Masterpieces of the Cinema
Sustainable Design and Construction
American Environmental History
Ethnic America
The Asian American Experience
Contemporary Asian American Issues
Asian American Communities
Asian Americans and Globalization
Biracial and Multiracial Identity in the US
Asian American Politics and Public Policy
Asian American Women (WGS 118)
Sikh Americans and Globalization
Chicano/Mexican-American Experience
La Raza Studies
La Mujer Chicana
Crosscultural Aging in America
US Mexican Border Relations
Race and Ethnicity in Latin America and Caribbean
Native American Experience
Politics of the African Diaspora
Native American Tribal Governments
American Indians, Film and Popular Culture
Native Voice, Memory, and Biography
Native American Oral Tradition and Storytelling
Genocide and Holocaust Studies
Pan African Studies
African Religions and Philosophies
Forms of African-American Poetry
Forms African-Am Fiction
FACS 112 Current Topics in Nutritional Sciences
FACS 113 Nutrition and Metabolism
Family Resource Management
Family Finance
French Civilization
Family Stress and Coping: Multicultural Focus
Elements Of Meteorology
Climate
Biogeography
Global Climate Change
Population Geography
Oceanography
Geology and the Environment
Heroes, Dragons and Quests
German Mythology and Legend
German Folk Literature, Legend, and Lore
King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table in Germany
German Civilization: Beginning to 16th Century
German Civilization: 17th Century to Present
Aging Issues in Contemporary America
GOVT 113
GOVT 134
GOVT 141
GOVT 142
GOVT 143
GOVT 144
GOVT 147
GOVT 148
GOVT 150
GOVT 163
GOVT 165
GOVT 169A
GOVT 180
Mediterranean Europe: From the Renaissance to the European Union
Great Ages and Issues in Modern European History
Everyday Life and Society in Antiquity
History of the Physical Sciences
The Ancient Near East: A Cultural History
Ancient Greece
Ancient Rome
Early Medieval Europe
Europe Since 1945
History of Women in Western Civilization, Prehistory-Middle Ages
History of Women in Western Civilization, Renaissance-Present
Evolution of Christianity to the Reformation
Evolution of Christianity Since the Reformation
Medieval Russia
The Fall Of Communism
History Of Mexico To 1910
Revolutionary and Modern Mexico
Colonial Latin America
Modern and Contemporary Latin America
Modern East Asian Cinema
History of Africa Since 1800
History of Women in Africa
Middle Eastern History to 1800
The Modern Middle East
Cultural History of Japan to 1800
Modern Japan, 1800-present
The History of Manga
History of Buddhism
China: Antiquity to 1600 AD
China, 1600 to Present
History of US Foreign Relations
The American Vision
Social History of the United States
The City in US History
American Environmental History
Popular Culture
History of American Women
Images Of America
Hollywood and America
HIST 170
The History of the Civil Rights Movement: From Reconstruction to Deconstruction, 1865-Present
HIST 175 Sex, Population, and Birth Control in America
The African-American Experience, 1603-Present
HLSC 114 Human Ecology and Health
HLSC 124 Consumer Health Education
HLSC 130 Alcohol and Other Drugs
HLSC 134 Understanding Human Sexuality
The Culture of Classical Greece
The Culture of Classical Rome
Paganism in the Roman World
Classical Mythology
Reason and Revelation: The Origins of Western Culture
Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
Introduction to the New Testament
History of Christianity to the Reformation
History of Christianity Since the Reformation
Medieval Culture
Renaissance
Baroque and the Enlightenment
Romanticism and Revolution
Birth Of The Modern
Global Crossings: Art and Culture 1945 to Present
HRS 140
Introduction To Judaism
Introduction to Christianity
Introduction To Islam
Introduction to Islamic Cultures
History of Buddhism
African Arts and Cultures
World Mythology
Great Mystics of the World
Food, Farming, and the Sacred
Spirit and Nature
Multicultural America
American Space and Identity
Images Of America
Hollywood and America
The Religious Landscape of the Sacramento Valley
Introduction to the East Asian World
The Classical Culture of China
Chinese Philosophy and Religion
Modern Japanese Literature and Culture
Zen Buddhism and Daoism
Religions of India I: The Formative Period
The Hindu Year: Fall
The Hindu Year: Spring
The Film
Contemporary Issues in Film
World Religions and Cultures in Cinema
Women in Film and American Culture
Fantasy and Romance
Urban Design and Society
Introduction to Italian Cinema I
Italian Civilization: The Dialogue Form It's Origins and European Context
War, Peace and the Mass Media
Women in the Mass Media
Martial Arts: Karate
Martial Arts: Tae Kwon Do
Martial Arts: Tai Chi
Exercise and Sport Physiology
Labor and the American Social Structure
Business, Ethics and Society
American Popular Music: Jazz History
History of Rock Music
Hip-Hop in Urban America
World Music: Asia
World Music: Africa
World Music: Latin America
The American Musical Theater
American Society and Its Music
Nursing Application of Research and Critical Analysis
Human Sexuality
The Brain and Gender-Related Differences
Professional Communication and Reasoning Development
PHIL 100
Ethics and Social Issues
Professional and Public Service Ethics
Business and Computer Ethics
Bioethics
Science and Human Values
History Of Ethics
Philosophy In Literature
Existentialism
Political Philosophy
Philosophy Of Science
Philosophy Of Religion
Philosophy Of Art
Chinese Philosophy
Philosophies Of India
History of the Physical Sciences
Psychology of Human Sexuality
Psychology of Multicultural Groups
Stress Management
Psychological Aspects of Death and Dying
Recreation and Leisure Lifestyle Development
Perspectives On Leisure
Russian Civilization
Births, Deaths and Borders
Chicano Community
Ethnic and Race Relations
Sociology of Gender
Men, Masculinity and Society
Sociology of Popular Culture
Animals in Society
Criminology
Delinquency
Sociology of Deviance
Asian Societies
Middle Eastern Societies and Culture
Conflict, Oil and Development in the Middle East
Sociology of Globalization
Self and Society
Labor and the American Social Structure
Crosscultural Theory and Practice: Issues of Race, Gender and Class
Theories of Criminal Behavior
Crimes Without Victims
Poverty and Homelessness in America
Welfare In America
Health Services and Systems
Exploration of Veteran Studies: An Ethnographic Approach
Multicultural Puppetry
Black Drama in the African Diaspora
Women and Theatre: Staging Diversity (WGS 144)
African American Theatre and Culture
Contemporary Chicano/Latino Theatre: Themes and Performance 1965-Present
Multicultural Perspectives in American Theatre
Multicultural Perspectives in American Film

 Additional Graduation Requirements

The 48-unit General Education requirement does not include the following two graduation requirements:

  • Second semester composition (ENGL 20, ENGL 20M or an approved equivalent) must be completed with a grade of C- or better.
  • Foreign language graduation requirement may be met by successfully completing appropriate coursework or passing proficiency exams. With a grade of “C-“ or better, the following second semester or equivalent college-level language courses may satisfy both GE Area C2 units and the Foreign Language Requirement:
    CHIN 1BElementary Mandarin5
    DEAF 52American Sign Language 24
    FREN 1BElementary French4
    FREN 2AIntermediate French4
    GERM 1BElementary German4
    ITAL 1BElementary Italian4
    JAPN 1BElementary Japanese5
    KORN 1BElementary Korean 1B5
    PUNJ 1BElementary Punjabi4
    RUSS 1BElementary Russian5
    SPAN 1BElementary Spanish4

 American Institutions

This requirement may be fulfilled by completing one Government and one US History course from the following list. The courses below also satisfy Area D units. In addition, students have the option of taking challenges in US History, US Constitution and California State and Local Government.  For details on challenges exam, see http://www.csus.edu/ccr/Challenge%20Exams/.

US History
ANTH 101Cultural Diversity 3
HIST 15HMajor Problems in U.S. History 3
HIST 17AUnited States History, 1607-1877 3
HIST 17BUnited States History, 1877-Present 3
HIST 159History of US Foreign Relations3
HIST 161The American Vision3
HIST 162Social History of the United States3
HIST 167History of American Women3
HIST 177The African-American Experience, 1603-Present 3
US Constitution and CA Government
GOVT 13
GOVT 1133
GOVT 1503

CA Government (California State and Local Government does not meet the U.S. Constitution requirement included in other government courses listed above but may be used by students who have taken a U.S. Constitution course outside of California. It fulfills the state and local government requirement only).

GOVT 1803

 Race & Ethnicity in American Society (3-unit Supervenient Requirement)

These courses also meet specific GE requirements in Areas C-E. One of these courses is required for students with catalog rights beginning Fall 1990 or later. The course may also be applied to the Area requirements.

Lower Division
ETHN 11Introduction to Ethnic Studies3
ETHN 11HIntroduction to Ethnic Studies (Honors)3
ETHN 30Introduction to Chicano/Latino Studies3
FSHD 50The Family and Social Issues 3
HIST 15HMajor Problems in U.S. History 3
HIST 17AUnited States History, 1607-1877 3
HIST 17BUnited States History, 1877-Present 3
Upper Division
ANTH 101Cultural Diversity 3
ANTH 186Culture and Poverty 3
CHDV 1453
CRJ 117American Criminal Justice and Minority Groups 3
DNCE 131Dance Cultures Of America 3
DNCE 132African-Caribbean Dance 3
ECON 181Economics of Racism 3
EDUC 121Multicultural Children's Literature 3
EDUC 160Urban Education 3
EDUC 165Sex Role Stereotyping in American Education 3
ENGL/ETHN 180BForms of African-American Fiction 3
ENGL 180HAmerican Identities: In the Intersection of Race, Gender, and Ethnicity4
ENGL 180MAsian American Literature 4
ETHN 100Ethnic America 3
ETHN 131La Raza Studies 3
ETHN 133Crosscultural Aging in America 3
ETHN 141Politics of the African Diaspora 3
FSHD 150Family Stress and Coping: Multicultural Focus 3
GOVT 1413
GOVT 1633
GOVT 1653
HIST/HRS 168Images Of America 3
HIST 173The History of the Civil Rights Movement: From Reconstruction to Deconstruction, 1865-Present 3
HIST 177The African-American Experience, 1603-Present 3
HRS 161Multicultural America 3
KINS 118AMartial Arts: Karate 3
KINS 118BMartial Arts: Tae Kwon Do 3
KINS 118CMartial Arts: Tai Chi 3
SOC 118Chicano Community 3
SOC 120Ethnic and Race Relations 3
SWRK 102Crosscultural Theory and Practice: Issues of Race, Gender and Class 3
THEA 115AMulticultural Puppetry 3
THEA 144Women and Theatre: Staging Diversity (WGS 144)3
THEA 174Multicultural Perspectives in American Theatre 3
THEA 175Multicultural Perspectives in American Film 3
WGS 136
WGS 137

 Writing Intensive (3-unit Supervenient Requirement)

One Writing Intensive course, i.e., a course with comprehensive writing assignments (minimum 5,000 words) is required. This requirement may be met either with a specifically marked GE courses or, in certain majors, with a course required for the major. (Writing Intensive courses taken to meet major requirements do not apply to the nine-unit upper division requirement in GE.) Prerequisite: Completion of GE Areas A2, A3, second semester composition (ENGL 20), junior standing, and ENGL 109M/ ENGL 109W. Students who take the WPJ instead of initially taking ENGL 109M/ ENGL 109W must score 70, 71, or 80. Students with a lower WPJ score will have to complete other prerequisites determined by their score. Successful completion of the writing intensive course with a grade of C- or better certifies the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR).

ANTH 102The Nature of Culture 3
ANTH/HRS 170The Religious Landscape of the Sacramento Valley 3
ANTH 186Culture and Poverty 3
ART 111Latin American and Latino Art History 3
ASIA/HIST 140Modern East Asian Cinema 3
ASTR 131The Solar System and Space Exploration 3
ASTR 132Stars, Galaxies and Cosmology 3
CHDV 1433
COMS 100BRhetoric and Social Influence 3
CRJ 190Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice 3
EDUC 121Multicultural Children's Literature 3
EDUC 160Urban Education 3
EDUC 165Sex Role Stereotyping in American Education 3
ENGL 120CTopics in Composition 4
ENGL 120PProfessional Writing 4
ENGL 120RTopics in Rhetoric 4
ENGL 130MArt of Autobiography 4
ENGL 140MModern British Drama, 1889-Present 4
ENGL 141AThe Essential Shakespeare 4
ENGL 150BAmerican Romanticism 4
ENGL 165DPostcolonial Literature 4
ENGL 170HIntroduction To Comedy 4
ENGL 170IIntroduction To Tragedy 4
ENGL/ETHN 180AForms of African-American Poetry 4
ENGL/ETHN 180BForms of African-American Fiction 4
ENGL 180LChicano Literature 4
ENGL 180MAsian American Literature 4
ENGL 185BTwentieth Century Fiction by Women 4
ENVS 112International Environmental Problems 3
ETHN 100Ethnic America 3
ENGL 100ZTopics in Literary Theory and Criticism 4
ETHN 145Native Voice, Memory, and Biography 3
FSHD 150Family Stress and Coping: Multicultural Focus 3
GEOG 190Senior Research Seminar in Geography 3
GEOL 140Geology and the Environment 3
GOVT 1653
HIST 105Great Ages and Issues in Modern European History 3
HIST 106Everyday Life and Society in Antiquity 3
HIST 122AHistory of Women in Western Civilization, Prehistory-Middle Ages 3
HIST 122BHistory of Women in Western Civilization, Renaissance-Present 3
HIST 138AColonial Latin America3
HIST 138BModern and Contemporary Latin America3
HIST/HRS 168Images Of America 3
HRS 120Reason and Revelation: The Origins of Western Culture 3
HRS 132Renaissance 3
HRS 1403
JOUR 135Public Affairs Reporting 3
KINS 133Integration of Concepts 3
LBRS 100/SOC 176Labor and the American Social Structure 3
MGMT 117Business, Ethics and Society 3
MUSC 110Research in Music History 3
MUSC 127The American Musical Theater 3
MUSC 129American Society and Its Music 3
NURS 120Nursing Application of Research and Critical Analysis 3
NURS 179Professional Communication and Reasoning Development 3
PHIL 101Ethics and Social Issues 3
PHIL 105Science and Human Values 3
PHIL 112History Of Ethics 3
PHIL 115Philosophy In Literature 3
PHIL 117Existentialism 3
PHIL 145AChinese Philosophy 3
PHIL 145BPhilosophies Of India 3
RPTA 122Perspectives On Leisure 3
SOC 133Sport in a Global Perspective 3
SOC 168Self and Society 3
SWRK 126Theories of Criminal Behavior 3
SWRK 191Exploration of Veteran Studies: An Ethnographic Approach 3
THEA 170African American Theatre and Culture 3
WGS 136
WGS 138

Certificate—Global and Multicultural Perspectives

Total Units: 12 units minimum—9 of which must be upper division.
All courses in Section A and B are also approved for General Education

Global and Multicultural Perspectives on Contemporary Society (3-6 Units)
Select 3-6 upper division units from the following:3 - 6
From Area B5:
Global Climate Change
From Area D:
Cultural Diversity
The Nature of Culture
Culture and Society in Mexico
Peoples of Southeast Asia
Cultures of South Asia
Women Cross-Culturally
Culture and Poverty
US Mexican Border Relations
Race and Ethnicity in Latin America and Caribbean
Politics of the African Diaspora
Native American Tribal Governments
Genocide and Holocaust Studies
Pan African Studies
Population Geography
Geology and the Environment
GOVT 134
GOVT 141
GOVT 142
GOVT 143
GOVT 144
GOVT 147
GOVT 148
Europe Since 1945
The Fall Of Communism
Revolutionary and Modern Mexico
Colonial Latin America
Modern and Contemporary Latin America
The Modern Middle East
Modern Japan, 1800-present
War, Peace and the Mass Media
Conflict, Oil and Development in the Middle East
Sociology of Globalization
Crosscultural Theory and Practice: Issues of Race, Gender and Class
From GE Honors:
Science and the Public Good
Civic Engagement, Service Learning: Pursuing the Public Good
Global and Multicultural Perspectives on Arts and Humanities (3-6 Units)
Select 3-6 units from the following:3 - 6
From Area C1 (Arts):
Latin American and Latino Art History
Art of India and Southeast Asia
Art of China and Japan
Modern East Asian Cinema
Appreciation and History of Dance
Dance Cultures Of America
African-Caribbean Dance
Masterpieces of the Cinema
The Film
Contemporary Issues in Film
Introduction to Italian Cinema I
World Music: Asia
World Music: Africa
World Music: Latin America
Multicultural Puppetry
Black Drama in the African Diaspora
Women and Theatre: Staging Diversity (WGS 144)
From Area C2 (Humanities):
Archaeology of Mexico
Japanese Culture and Society
CHDV 141
Chinese Civilization
European Economic History
Multicultural Children's Literature
Postcolonial Literature
Topics in Multi-Ethnic Literatures
Twentieth Century Fiction by Women
African Religions and Philosophies
French Civilization
Heroes, Dragons and Quests
German Mythology and Legend
German Folk Literature, Legend, and Lore
King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table in Germany
German Civilization: Beginning to 16th Century
German Civilization: 17th Century to Present
Mediterranean Europe: From the Renaissance to the European Union
Great Ages and Issues in Modern European History
Everyday Life and Society in Antiquity
The Ancient Near East: A Cultural History
Ancient Greece
Ancient Rome
Early Medieval Europe
History of Women in Western Civilization, Prehistory-Middle Ages
History of Women in Western Civilization, Renaissance-Present
History of Women in Africa
Middle Eastern History to 1800
Cultural History of Japan to 1800
The History of Manga
History of Buddhism
China: Antiquity to 1600 AD
Birth Of The Modern
Global Crossings: Art and Culture 1945 to Present
HRS 140
Introduction to Islamic Cultures
African Arts and Cultures
World Mythology
Great Mystics of the World
Introduction to the East Asian World
The Classical Culture of China
Chinese Philosophy and Religion
Modern Japanese Literature and Culture
World Religions and Cultures in Cinema
Fantasy and Romance
Italian Civilization: The Dialogue Form It's Origins and European Context
Chinese Philosophy
Philosophies Of India
Russian Civilization
Sociology of Popular Culture
Asian Societies
Middle Eastern Societies and Culture
From GE Honors:
The Public Good Through the Visual and Performing Arts
Global and Multicultural Perspectives in the Discipline (3 Units)
Select 3 units 13
Total Units9-15

All courses and petitions for substitution will be approved by the Office of Undergraduate Studies and will reflect the criteria and learning outcomes of the Certificate Program.

General Education Policies

  • All upper division GE courses require at least second semester sophomore standing (45 units) and completion of all GE Area A courses as prerequisites.
  • At least 9 units must be chosen from upper division GE courses (100-199) and at least 9 units must be taken in residence at Sacramento State (these units may overlap).
  • Each course taken to satisfy the Area A Basic Subjects and Area B4 Quantitative Reasoning must be completed with a grade of “C-” or higher.
  • A 2.0 cumulative GPA is required in General Education.

Overlap Between General Education and Majors/Minors (Fall 1992 - Spring 2013)

General Education requirements include five areas (A-E) in which you must take courses (area requirements), a nine-unit upper division requirement, a Race and Ethnicity requirement, and a Writing Intensive requirement. The overlap possibilities among these four aspects of General Education are outlined below. Students needing help applying these overlap policies are encouraged to see an advisor in the Academic Advising Center, Lassen Hall 1012.

  1. A maximum of nine units of coursework from your major department may also be applied to the General Education requirements.
  2. The Race and Ethnicity requirement can be met with an upper or lower division course from a student’s major or major department. Example: A Social Work major can use SWRK 102 to meet the Race and Ethnicity requirement.
  3. The Writing Intensive requirement can be met with a course from the major or major department in specified majors, but not in all majors.
  4. There is no restriction on the overlap of courses between GE and minor requirements*

Note: For Business Administration majors, substitute “College of Business” for “major department.” For Social Science majors, substitute “History” for “major department.”

Overlap Between General Education and Majors/Minors (Fall 2013 and Later)

General Education requirements include five areas (A-E) in which you must take courses (area requirements), a nine-unit upper division requirement, a Race and Ethnicity requirement, and a Writing Intensive requirement. The overlap possibilities among these four aspects of General Education are outlined below. Students needing help applying these overlap policies are encouraged to see an advisor in the Academic Advising Center, Lassen Hall 1012.

  1. There is no university restriction on the overlap of courses between GE and coursework approved for GE from your major department.
  2. The Race and Ethnicity requirement can be met with an upper or lower division course from a student’s major or major department. Example: A Social Work major can use SWRK 102 to meet the Race and Ethnicity requirement.
  3. The Writing Intensive requirement can be met with a course from the major or major department in specified majors, but not in all majors.
  4. There is no restriction on the overlap of courses between GE and minor requirements

Transfer Students

Transfer students who have completed lower division General Education requirements at a California Community College, including those certified under the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Core Curriculum (IGETC), and/or those in receipt of an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), are required to complete 9 units of upper division GE at Sacramento State, meet the foreign language proficiency graduation requirement, meet the state “code” requirements in U.S. History, American and California Government, and the writing intensive requirement. These 9 units may or may not include the writing intensive requirement, depending on the policy of the student’s major department. Students who have not completed an approved course for the "Race and Ethnicity in American Society" category at a community college must take a course in this category at Sacramento State. In addition, all transfer students, except those fully certified as having completed the IGETC core curriculum, must complete the required second semester writing course or an approved course at a community college.

Note: Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement - If not satisfied before entering Sacramento State, it may be satisfied in General Education Area C2 (Humanities). "C- or higher required." The alternative methods for satisfying the Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement are described here: http://www.csus.edu/wll/for-students/graduation-requirement.html​

For more information about IGETC requirements and/or Associate Degrees for Transfer, contact your community college counselor.