Humanities
Overview
Deep in historical significance, and steeped in the arts, literature, and philosophy, the study of humanities offers a rich exploration of classical, Western, and non-Western societies.
Our courses are designed to provide an analysis of cultural development through the influence of art, architecture, literature, music, philosophy, religion, and intersection of significant historical events.
Program Maps
- Dean Shawn Weinsheink
- Department Chair Dr. Catherine Anderson
- Phone (916) 558-2555
- Email andersc@scc.losrios.edu
Associate Degree
A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Arts and Humanities
The Interdisciplinary Studies degree is designed for students who seek a greater understanding of disciplines within the arts and humanities. Coursework in this degree may be applied toward courses required for transfer and major preparation depending on the college or university of transfer.
It is highly recommended that students consult a counselor to determine the classes within each area that will best prepare them for their intended transfer major.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2026
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| A minimum of 18 units from the following: | 181 | |
| ARABIC 401 | Elementary Arabic (5) | |
| ARABIC 402 | Elementary Arabic (5) | |
| ART 300 | Drawing and Composition I (3) | |
| ART 301 | Digital Drawing and Composition (3) | |
| ART 302 | Drawing and Composition II (3) | |
| ART 304 | Figure Drawing I (3) | |
| ART 305 | Figure Drawing II (3) | |
| ART 307 | Rendering (3) | |
| ART 310 | Pen and Ink Drawing (3) | |
| ART 312 | Portrait Drawing (3) | |
| ART 320 | Design: Fundamentals (3) | |
| ART 322 | Design: Image and Content (3) | |
| ART 323 | Design: Color Theory (3) | |
| ART 324 | Collage and Assemblage (3) | |
| ART 330 | Mural Painting (3) | |
| ART 332 | Oil Painting (3) | |
| ART 333 | Intermediate Oil Painting (3) | |
| ART 334 | Acrylic Painting (3) | |
| ART 335 | Acrylic Painting: Abstract (3) | |
| ART 336 | Watercolor Painting (3) | |
| ART 337 | Intermediate Watercolor Painting (3) | |
| ART 361 | Printmaking: Survey (3) | |
| ART 362 | Printmaking: Intaglio (3) | |
| ART 363 | Printmaking: Screen Printing (3) | |
| ART 364 | Printmaking: Relief (3) | |
| ART 366 | Printmaking: Lithography (3) | |
| ART 367 | Book Arts (3) | |
| ART 370 | Three Dimensional Design (3) | |
| ART 372 | Sculpture (3) | |
| ART 373 | Intermediate Sculpture (3) | |
| ART 374 | Sculpture Lab (1 - 2) | |
| ART 375 | Figure Sculpture (3) | |
| ART 390 | Ceramics (3) | |
| ART 391 | Intermediate Ceramics (3) | |
| ART 392 | Ceramic Lab (1 - 2) | |
| ART 394 | Wheel Thrown Ceramics, Beginning (3) | |
| ART 395 | Wheel Thrown Ceramics, Intermediate (3) | |
| ART 396 | Wheel Thrown Ceramics, Advanced (3) | |
| ART 400 | Clay Sculpture (3) | |
| ART 404 | Intermediate Clay Sculpture (3) | |
| ART 440 | Artists' Materials and Techniques (3) | |
| ART 443 | Art Gallery Operations (3) | |
| ART 445 | Art Gallery Operations (3) | |
| ART 446 | Portfolio Preparation (3) | |
| ART 494 | Topics in Art (0.5 - 4) | |
| ART 495 | Independent Studies in Art (1 - 3) | |
| ARTH 300 | Art Appreciation (3) | |
| ARTH 304 | Ancient Art (3) | |
| ARTH 306 | Medieval Art (3) | |
| ARTH 307 | Italian Renaissance Art (3) | |
| ARTH 308 | Renaissance Tradition in Art (3) | |
| ARTH 310 | Modern Art (3) | |
| ARTH 312 | Women in Art (3) | |
| ARTH 313 | History of Western Architecture: Prehistoric to Renaissance (3) | |
| ARTH 314 | History of Western Architecture: Renaissance to Modern (3) | |
| ARTH 318 | History of American Art (3) | |
| ARTH 320 | Multicultural Art in America (3) | |
| ARTH 324 | Art of the Americas (3) | |
| ARTH 325 | Native American Art History (3) | |
| ARTH 328 | Survey of African Art (3) | |
| ARTH 332 | Asian Art (3) | |
| ARTH 334 | International Contemporary Art (3) | |
| ARTH 410 | Early 20th Century Art (3) | |
| ARTH 484 | Ancient Art-Honors (3) | |
| ARTH 486 | Medieval Art-Honors (3) | |
| ARTH 487 | Renaissance Art-Honors (3) | |
| ARTH 488 | Modern Art--Honors (3) | |
| ARTH 494 | Topics in Art History (0.5 - 4) | |
| ARTH 495 | Independent Studies in Art History (1 - 3) | |
| ARTH 499 | Experimental Offering in Art History (0.5 - 4) | |
| CANT 401 | Elementary Cantonese (4) | |
| CANT 402 | Elementary Cantonese (4) | |
| CANT 411 | Intermediate Cantonese (4) | |
| CANT 412 | Intermediate Cantonese (4) | |
| COMM 305 | Oral Interpretation (3) | |
| DEAF 310 | American Sign Language I (4) | |
| DEAF 312 | American Sign Language II (4) | |
| DEAF 314 | American Sign Language III (4) | |
| DEAF 316 | American Sign Language IV (4) | |
| ENGCW 400 | Creative Writing (3) | |
| ENGCW 410 | Fiction Writing Workshop (3) | |
| ENGCW 420 | Poetry Writing Workshop (3) | |
| ENGCW 430 | Creative Non-Fiction Writing Workshop (3) | |
| ENGLT 301 | Introduction to Literature in Hip-Hop Culture (3) | |
| ENGLT 303 | Introduction to the Short Story (3) | |
| ENGLT 310 | English Literature I (3) | |
| ENGLT 311 | English Literature II (3) | |
| ENGLT 317 | The English Bible as Literature (3) | |
| ENGLT 320 | American Literature I (3) | |
| ENGLT 321 | American Literature II (3) | |
| ENGLT 327 | Literature of California (3) | |
| ENGLT 328 | Literature and The Environment (3) | |
| ENGLT 331 | African-American Literature (1730-1930) (3) | |
| ENGLT 332 | African-American Literature (1930-Present) (3) | |
| ENGLT 334 | Asian-American Literature (3) | |
| ENGLT 335 | Latino, Mexican-American, and Chicano Literature (3) | |
| ENGLT 345 | Mythologies of the World (3) | |
| ENGLT 360 | Women in Literature (3) | |
| ENGLT 365 | Introduction to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Literature (3) | |
| ENGLT 370 | Children and Literature (3) | |
| ENGLT 380 | Introduction to Shakespeare (3) | |
| ENGLT 392 | Science Fiction and Fantasy (3) | |
| ENGLT 400 | Introduction to Film (3) | |
| ENGLT 401 | Women in Film and Literature (3) | |
| ENGLT 403 | Film Adaptations (3) | |
| ENGLT 404 | Documentary Film Studies (3) | |
| ENGLT 480 | World Literature: Antiquity to the Early Modern World - Honors (3) | |
| ENGLT 481 | World Literature: Seventeenth Century to Present - Honors (3) | |
| ENGLT 494 | Topics in Literature (3) | |
| ENGLT 495 | Independent Studies in Literature (1 - 3) | |
| ENGLT 499 | Experimental Offering in Literature (0.5 - 4) | |
| ENGL 301 | College Composition and Literature (3) | |
| ENGL C1003 | Critical Thinking and Writing through Literature (4) | |
| FREN 401 | Elementary French (4) | |
| FREN 402 | Elementary French (4) | |
| FREN 411 | Intermediate French (4) | |
| FREN 412 | Intermediate French (4) | |
| HIST 300 | History of Europe and the Mediterranean to 1500 (3) | |
| HIST 302 | History of Europe Since 1500 (3) | |
| HIST 307 | History of World Civilizations to 1500 (3) | |
| HIST 308 | History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present (3) | |
| HUM 300 | Classical Humanities (3) | |
| HUM 310 | Modern Humanities (3) | |
| HUM 332 | American Humanities (3) | |
| JAPAN 401 | Elementary Japanese (4) | |
| JAPAN 402 | Elementary Japanese (4) | |
| JAPAN 411 | Intermediate Japanese (4) | |
| JAPAN 412 | Intermediate Japanese (4) | |
| KOREAN 401 | Elementary Korean (4) | |
| KOREAN 402 | Elementary Korean (4) | |
| MAND 401 | Elementary Mandarin (4) | |
| MAND 402 | Elementary Mandarin (4) | |
| MAND 411 | Intermediate Mandarin (4) | |
| MAND 412 | Intermediate Mandarin (4) | |
| MUFHL 305 | Music Appreciation (3) | |
| MUFHL 309 | Introduction to American Popular Music (3) | |
| MUFHL 310 | Survey of Music History and Literature (Greek Antiquity to 1750) (3) | |
| MUFHL 315 | Jazz History (3) | |
| MUFHL 330 | World Music (3) | |
| MUIVI 315 | Beginning Voice (1 - 2) | |
| MUIVI 325 | Intermediate Voice (2) | |
| MUIVI 330 | Advanced Voice (2) | |
| MUIVI 345 | Beginning Piano I (1 - 2) | |
| MUIVI 346 | Beginning Piano II (1 - 2) | |
| MUIVI 355 | Intermediate Piano I (1 - 2) | |
| MUIVI 356 | Intermediate Piano II (1 - 2) | |
| MUIVI 357 | Advanced Piano I (1 - 2) | |
| MUIVI 358 | Advanced Piano II (1 - 2) | |
| MUIVI 371 | Intermediate Guitar (2) | |
| MUIVI 372 | Advanced Guitar (2) | |
| MUIVI 373 | Popular Electric Bass Styles I (1) | |
| MUIVI 374 | Popular Electric Bass Styles II (1) | |
| MUIVI 375 | Popular Electric Guitar Styles I (1) | |
| MUIVI 377 | Popular Electric Guitar Styles II (1) | |
| MUIVI 380 | Improvisation Workshop I (2) | |
| MUIVI 381 | Improvisation Workshop II (2) | |
| MUIVI 382 | Improvisation Workshop III (2) | |
| MUIVI 452 | World Drumming (1) | |
| MUIVI 454 | Indian Classical Fusion Improvisation (1) | |
| MUP 325 | Jazz Band (2) | |
| MUP 335 | Concert Band (1) | |
| MUP 355 | College Choir (2) | |
| PHIL 300 | Introduction to Philosophy (3) | |
| PHIL 306 | Environmental Philosophy (3) | |
| PHIL 310 | Introduction to Ethics (3) | |
| PHIL 330 | History of Classical Philosophy (3) | |
| PHIL 331 | History of Modern Philosophy (3) | |
| PHIL 338 | Contemporary Philosophy (3) | |
| PHIL 352 | Introduction to World Religions (3) | |
| PHIL 368 | Law, Justice, and Punishment (3) | |
| PNJABI 401 | Elementary Punjabi (4) | |
| PNJABI 402 | Elementary Punjabi (4) | |
| RUSS 401 | Elementary Russian (4) | |
| RUSS 402 | Elementary Russian (4) | |
| RUSS 411 | Intermediate Russian (4) | |
| RUSS 412 | Intermediate Russian (4) | |
| SPAN 401 | Elementary Spanish I (4) | |
| SPAN 402 | Elementary Spanish II (4) | |
| SPAN 411 | Intermediate Spanish (4) | |
| SPAN 412 | Intermediate Spanish (4) | |
| TA 300 | Introduction to the Theatre (3) | |
| TA 302 | History and Theory of the Theatre I (3) | |
| TA 303 | History and Theory of the Theatre II (3) | |
| TA 308 | Diversity in American Theatre (3) | |
| TA 342 | Introduction to Acting (3) | |
| TA 350 | Theory and Techniques of Acting I (3) | |
| TA 351 | Theory and Techniques of Acting II (3) | |
| TAFILM 300 | Introduction to Film (3) | |
| TAFILM 302 | History of Film (3) | |
| TAFILM 303 | History of Film: 1880's through 1950's (3) | |
| TAFILM 304 | History of Film: 1950's to Present (3) | |
| TAFILM 320 | Cinema Genres (3) | |
| TAFILM 330 | Film Making (3) | |
| TAFILM 360 | Screenwriting (3) | |
| TGLG 401 | Elementary Tagalog (4) | |
| TGLG 402 | Elementary Tagalog (4) | |
| VIET 401 | Elementary Vietnamese (4) | |
| VIET 402 | Elementary Vietnamese (4) | |
| Total Units: | 18 | |
1Select courses from at least three areas.
The Interdisciplinary Studies: Arts and Humanities Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See SCC graduation requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- evaluate and interpret the ways in which people throughout the ages in different cultures have responded to themselves and the world around them in artistic and cultural creation and expression.
Career Information
Students who complete this degree pattern can find career opportunities in the growing film and entertainment industries; in education; in the design and fabrication industries, and as an independent contractor concentrating in the area of their study.
Humanities (HUM) Courses
HUM 300 Classical Humanities
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:LIBR 318 or 325 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3B
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course is a survey of Western culture that focuses on human accomplishment expressed through painting, sculpture, architecture, music, literature, religion, and philosophy. Emphasis is on the civilizations of the ancient world, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Middle Ages. Optional field trips may be scheduled.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- explain and analyze the role of the arts in society as well as analyze their functions as continuous relevant narratives.
- analyze major works of visual arts, music, and literature from each of the periods presented.
- evaluate and logically discuss in written and oral form key cultural and artistic concepts developed in Western culture from ancient times through the Middle Ages.
- compare thematic similarities across a broad range of artistic media, including oral and written literature, music, theatre, visual arts, and architecture.
HUM 310 Modern Humanities
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3B
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This is an interdisciplinary course dealing with Western Civilization: literature, art, music, philosophy, and history. This course concentrates on the period from the Renaissance in Europe to the present day.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- recognize the role of the arts in society and their function as a continuous relevant narrative.
- analyze major works of visual arts, music, and literature from each of the periods presented.
- evaluate and logically discuss in written and oral form key cultural and artistic concepts developed in Western culture from the Italian Renaissance to modern times.
- compare thematic similarities across a broad range of artistic media, including oral and written literature, music, theatre, visual arts, and literature.
HUM 320 Asian Humanities
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGL 301, ENGL C1001, ENGL C1003, or LIBR 318 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3B
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course introduces the cultural traditions, art, literature, music, philosophy, and history of the Far East from ancient times to the present. Emphasis is placed upon the relationship of the humanities to the history, religions, and cultural contexts of India, China, and Japan. Other regions and cultures, including Vietnam, Laos, and Korea may also be covered. Ethnocentrism and the relationships between cultures are also studied.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- define the major artistic, philosophical, and literary works and movements of a wide variety of Asian cultures from ancient times to the present.
- evaluate the relationship between historical events and figures and the evolution of culture in Asia, (which may include India, China, and Japan, as well as Korea, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand) from ancient times to the present.
- assess the role of religion and its impact on society in Asian society from ancient times to the present.
- analyze past and present connections between culture, philosophy, religion, and art in a wide variety of Asian traditions.
HUM 332 American Humanities
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3B
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course analyzes the literature, art, music, philosophy, and history of America, both before and after the arrival of European explorers. The arts of African American, Native American, Asian American, Eurocentric, and Latino cultures are investigated in order to understand the practical and aesthetic effects of race, ethnicity, class, and gender as they impact American life and culture.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- synthesize and critique material from various sources and art forms and discuss them in their historical context.
- analyze the history, contribution, and artistic expression of the African American, Native American, Asian American, Anglo, and Latino cultures.
- identify and evaluate major artistic, literary, and musical works in American cultural history.
- analyze the role of ethnicity, ethnocentrism, and privilege and their impact on American culture.
- analyze and assess the position of American culture within an increasingly global world.
HUM 370 Women and the Creative Imagination
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3B
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course examines the creative powers of women throughout the history of art from antiquity to the present. The course offers an interdisciplinary perspective on the contributions of women artists as evidenced in literature and the visual and performing arts. Using gender as the primary lens of analysis, this course seeks to uncover the broader contexts of female experience by probing the relationship women artists had to the historical periods in which they lived and worked. A field trip may be required.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- explain the historical role of women in art, literature, and the performance arts within the context of their culture.
- discuss the religious, historical, cultural, economic, and technological factors that impacted the lives of women artists.
- analyze significant art forms produced by women.
- compare and contrast art, literature, and other arts created by women artists.
HUM 495 Independent Studies in Humanities
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
UC transfer credit will be awarded only after the course has been evaluated by the enrolling UC campus. The units completed for this course cannot be counted towards the minimum 60 units required for admissions.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- discuss and analyze the art, music, and literature of the culture or time period under study
- demonstrate an understanding of the cultural uses of art, music, and literature by the culture or time period under study
- critique various methodologies used in the research concerning the culture or time period under study
- develop theories concerning the meaning, symbolism, uses, and analyses of the art, music, and literature of the culture or time period under study
HUM 499 Experimental Offering in Humanities
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This is the experimental courses description.