Liberal Arts & Sciences courses numbered 1100 and above satisfy the requirements for the Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science degrees. General education courses numbered 1000 and above satisfy the requirements for diplomas and certificates.
Courses at "zero" level are designed to strengthen academic skills. Courses at the "zero-zero" level prepare students for developmental coursework. These courses do not satisfy program requirements.
For more information, see Programs of Study > Types of Degrees.
Details for Social Sciences Courses
Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
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ECON1210 | Survey of Economics | 3 credits |
Survey of Economics: This course is a survey of microeconomic and macroeconomic principles illustrated by a discussion of current economic policies, issues, and problems. The private enterprise system, demand-and-supply, and market interaction; business costs and prices, forms of competition, resource markets; the mixed economy (Meets MnTC goals 5 & 8) (Prerequisite: A minimum score of 86 in the Elementary Algebra section of the ACCUPLACER basic skills test or successful completion of MATH0544 or MATH0533 or MATH0522 and FYEX0100) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab) Download the Course Outline |
ECON1405 | Personal Finance | 3 credits |
Personal Finance: Personal Finance offers a study of economic decisions facing individuals in their personal lives. The course includes such topics as budgeting, using consumer credit, buying or renting a home, providing for medical care, purchasing life insurance, understanding retirement programs, buying and selling stocks, preparing income tax returns, minimizing taxes, and thinking about consumerism. (Prerequisites: none) (MnTC Goals 5 and 9) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab) Download the Course Outline |
GEOG1115 | World Regional Geography | 3 credits |
World Regional Geography: This course will present an introduction to the physical, economic, political, cultural, and demographic characteristics of world regions. Particular emphasis is placed on spatial (geographic) relationships and principles that impact the formation of economies and cultures, on settlement and land use patterns, population distribution, commerce and industry, language, religion, and political alliances. (MnTC Goals 5 and 8) (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab) Download the Course Outline |
GEOG1210 | Physical Geography | 3 credits |
Physical Geography: An introduction to the significance and aerial distribution of various physical elements of our environment with emphasis on climate, landforms, gradational work of streams, glaciations, and earth-time relationships and their relevance to people and land development. (MnTC goals 5 & 10) (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab) Download the Course Outline |
HIST1105 | Western Civilization to 1500 | 3 credits |
Western Civilization to 1500: This course will investigate the beginnings of Western Civilization through the Renaissance and explore the creation and development of its social, political, economic, and philosophical traditions. A variety of topics and areas will be discussed which could include earliest civilizations, Hebrews, Greeks, Romans, and medieval Europe. Students will learn about how unique development by these societies has shaped and formed our current society today. (Meets MnTC Goals 5 & 8) (Prerequisites: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab) Download the Course Outline |
HIST1108 | U.S. History to 1865 | 3 credits |
U.S. History to 1865: HIST 1108 is a history of the political, social, economic, and cultural history of the United States to 1865. This class will discuss the development of the United States and the interactions of different peoples and groups. Even more importantly, this course will offer historical perspectives into the formation of today's society as we discuss how political, social, economic, cultural, and technological changes have impacted both the past and the present. (Meets MnTC Goals 5 & 7). (Prerequisites: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab) Download the Course Outline |
HIST1110 | U.S. History: 1865 to Present | 3 credits |
U.S. History: 1865 to Present: The objectives for this course will be to give the student a broader and deeper understanding of American history from the end of the Civil War in 1865 to the present day. Even more importantly, this course will offer historical perspectives into the formation of todays society as we discuss how political, social, economic, cultural, and technological changes have impacted both the past and the present. (MnTC goals 5 & 7) (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab) Download the Course Outline |
HIST1228 | World Civilization to 1500 | 3 credits |
World Civilization to 1500: HIST1228 is a history of the political, social, economic, and cultural history of the world to 1500 C.E. This class will discuss the development of the world's civilizations and the interactions of different peoples and societies. (Meets MnTC Goals 5 & 8) (Prerequisites: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab) Download the Course Outline |
HIST1230 | World Civilization: 1500 CE - Present | 3 credits |
World Civilization: 1500 CE - Present: HIST1230 presents a history of political, social, economic, and cultural history of the world from 1500 to present. This class will discuss the development of the worlds civilizations and the interactions of different peoples and societies. The class will look at how the worlds history has shaped not only our own history but also how the world has moved toward a more interdependent present. (Meets MnTC Goals 5 & 8) (Prerequisites: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab) Download the Course Outline |
HIST2515 | American Music History | 3 credits |
American Music History: American music history will focus on the economic and social changes that have shaped and also been shaped by the nation¿s unique musical history. As each era¿s music reveals many of the most significant changes of our history, a study of the varying musical styles will give insight into the complexity of our multicultural American past. This class will examine how the music of each era is symbolic of the historical circumstances of the time. Students will be able to describe the musical styles of the time periods and also the historical factors associated with the music. (MnTC goals 5 & 7) (Prerequisite: None) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab) Download the Course Outline |
HIST2525 | Minnesota History | 3 credits |
Minnesota History: This course is a survey of Minnesota's historical development from the pre-Columbian period to the present. It focuses on the historic importance of Minnesota's geography and natural resources, American Indian-white relations, the development of Minnesota's unique political tradition, and the emergence of Minnesota's diverse society and economy. (MnTC Goal 5 & 10) (Prerequisites: None) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab) Download the Course Outline |
HIST2535 | History of the American Indian | 3 credits |
History of the American Indian: This course will investigate the inhabitants of continental America before, during, and after the arrival of Europeans. An in-depth analysis of different Indian societies and how they were affected by their environment, social, economic, and political realities of their time. Students will look at their own pre-knowledge of Indian societies and will check it for misconceptions or generalizations that may or may not be true. Students will also learn to research and investigate historical topics related to American Indians through the use of historical research techniques. (Meets MnTC Goals 5 & 10) (Prerequisties: None) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab) Download the Course Outline |
MCOM1100 | Introduction to Mass Communications | 3 credits |
Introduction to Mass Communications: This introductory course in mass communication offers students an exploration of the multifaceted world of media and its impact on society. Through a combination of theory, historical context, and hands-on analysis, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the role of mass communication in the modern world. (Meets MnTC Goal 5 and Goal 9) (Prerequisite: None) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab) Download the Course Outline |
POLS1101 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 credits |
Introduction to Political Science: An introduction to the basic terms, concepts, principles, and structures of modern political systems worldwide. Problems and issues arising from various political systems, such as democracy, communism, socialism, and totalitarianism will also be studied. (Fulfills MnTC Goals 5 & 9) (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab) Download the Course Outline |
POLS1120 | American Government | 3 credits |
American Government: A survey of the basic structure and operation of the American National Government, with emphasis on the core ideas and values that underlie it. Topics will include citizen participation, political parties, interest groups, the Presidency, Congress, and Federal Courts. (Fulfills MN Transfer Curriculum Goals 5 & 9) (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab) Download the Course Outline |
PSYC1110 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 credits |
Introduction to Psychology: Psychology applies to everyone's personal and workplace daily life. In this course, you will be introduced to the history of psychology, consciousness, learning theories, memory, problem-solving, intelligence, motivation, life-span development, personality, abnormal psychology and therapy. (Fulfills MnTC Goal 5 & 7) (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab) Download the Course Outline |
PSYC1115 | Lifespan Psychology | 3 credits |
Lifespan Psychology: Students will explore theories of human development to understand the connections and relationships of stages of growth from conception to late adulthood. Genetics; prenatal development and birth; physical, cognitive and psychosocial development from birth through late adulthood; and dying, death, and bereavement will be examined. (Fulfills MnTC Goals 5 and 7) (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab) Download the Course Outline |
PSYC1223 | Psychology of Death and Dying | 3 credits |
Psychology of Death and Dying: This course examines death and dying in terms of current and historical viewpoints and the effect of individual and cultural attitudes and rituals. Medicolegal movements and issues, and factors such as age, culture, spirituality, and manner of death will be investigated and how those issues shape end-of-life and grief experiences. (Fulfills MnTC Goals 5 and 9) (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab) Download the Course Outline |
PSYC2520 | Psychology of Human Sexuality | 3 credits |
Psychology of Human Sexuality: Psychology of Human Sexuality is an overview of theories, research and contemporary issues in human sexual behavior. Topics include psychosexual development, gender roles, sexual orientation, sexual anatomy, alternate methods of reproduction, pregnancy/birth, contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, sex education, sexism, love and attraction, sexual abuse, sexual dysfunctions, sex therapy, paraphilia, and sexuality through the life cycle. (Meets MnTC Goals 2 & 5) (Prerequisite: None) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab) Download the Course Outline |
PSYC2533 | Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences | 4 credits |
Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences: Students will become familiar with the concepts and statistical procedures commonly used in the behavioral sciences, choosing appropriate statistical tests, and interpreting and writing APA-style research results. Use of a statistical software package will be performed as the lab component of the course. (Fulfills MnTC Goal 5) (Prerequisite: PSYC1110 AND completion of Math MnTC requirement, with MATH1230 Introduction to Statistics strongly recommended) (4 credits: 3 lecture/1 lab) Download the Course Outline |
SOCS1110 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 credits |
Introduction to Sociology: The purpose of this course is to develop in students an understanding of basic sociological issues, concepts, terminology, and applications of these understandings with current societal events. Students will become conscious of societal influences in relationship to human and cultural dynamics in our world. This course will call for the development of reflective and critical thinking skills. (MnTC Goal 5) (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab) Download the Course Outline |
SOCS1205 | Sociology of the Family | 3 credits |
Sociology of the Family: The purpose of this course is to offer a comprehensive study of the forces external to and within the contemporary Western social institution that we call 'the family'. Current sociological theories and research will be used to study American family structure and functions. Cross-cultural comparisons; family dynamics; disorganization; and change will be included. The course will provide a forum to expose the students to the vast changes that have taken and continue to take place in marriages and family enabling them to make choices in a diverse society. (MnTC Goals 5 & 7) (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab) Download the Course Outline |
SOCS1214 | Work in America | 3 credits |
Work in America: The purpose of this course is to develop in students an understanding of history, methods, social issues, impact of family, meaningful work and barriers of work. Additionally, the course will focus on industries, technologies, factories, high-technology workplaces, and general services. Lastly, the student will be exposed to work in the twenty-first century to include the future of work. Basic sociological issues, concepts, terminology and applications of these understandings with current societal events will be examined. The course will call for the development of reflective and critical thinking skills. (Fulfills MnTC Goal 5) (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab) Download the Course Outline |
SOCS2525 | Social Deviance | 3 credits |
Social Deviance: Sociology of deviant behavior will use sociological perspective to examine how society has defined deviance; in addition, how laws and sanctions have been adopted to discourage deviant behavior. Another goal of the course is to understand the various theories of deviance developed by professionals such as sociologists and criminologists; comparing and contrasting each disciplines interpretation as they explain the causes and effects of deviant behavior. Deviance such as terrorism, political crime, and cultural and social reactions to deviance will also be explored utilizing the most current scientific research methodologies to examine the direct and indirect societal cost of these forms of behavior. (Meets MnTC Goals 5 and 7) (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab) Download the Course Outline |
SOCS2545 | Diversity and Social Change | 3 credits |
Diversity and Social Change: This course empowers exploration and understanding of areas of diversity, including individual, institutional, and societal racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, and others. Topics include development of skills in combating these forms of oppression and in effecting social change for a just society, as well as skills in forming respectful relationships across group differences. (MnTC Goals 5 & 7) (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab) Download the Course Outline |
SOCS2550 | Sociology of Popular Culture | 3 credits |
Sociology of Popular Culture: This course examines popular culture from a sociological perspective. Particular attention is paid to how individual and group thinking and behavior shape, and are shaped by popular culture, how its industries work, and the consequences of popular culture¿s continual evolution. (Meets MnTC goals 5 and 9) (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab) Download the Course Outline |