Associate Degrees for Transfer
A.A.-T. in Social Justice Studies, Ethnic Studies
The Associate in Arts in Social Justice Studies, Ethnic Studies for Transfer (AA-T) degree provides a curricular track for students who wish to transfer into a variety of CSU majors related to race and ethnicity, such as Ethnic Studies, Chicano Studies, Native-American Studies, Asian-American Studies, or African-American Studies. This Transfer Model is an "Area of Emphasis" (AOE), which allows for students to transfer into more than one CSU major related to Race and Ethnicity. Students interested in transferring to a CSU campus to pursue a bachelor's degree in an Area of Emphasis should meet with a counselor to confirm the courses required for lower division preparation in the major. This degree exposes students to the core principles and practices of the Social Justice Studies field in order to build a foundation for their future personal, academic, or vocational paths.
The Associate in Arts in Social Justice Studies, Ethnic Studies for Transfer degree provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements of the California State University for transfer. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system.
The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) student completion requirements (as stated in SB1440 law):
(1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
(A) The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC).
(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
ADTs also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2025
| Course Code |
Course Title |
Units |
| ETHNS 300 |
Introduction to Ethnic Studies |
3 |
| SJS 300 |
Introduction to Social Justice Studies |
3 |
| WGS 300 |
Introduction to Women and Gender Studies |
3 |
| A minimum of 9 units from the following: |
9 |
|
Select three courses from at least two of the following areas
|
|
Area 1: History or Government
|
| HIST 320 |
History of the United States: African-American Emphasis (3) |
|
| or HIST 486 |
History of the United States: African American Emphasis - Honors (3) |
|
| HIST 321 |
History of the United States: African-American Emphasis (3) |
|
| or HIST 487 |
History of the United States: African American Emphasis - Honors (3) |
|
| HIST 327 |
History of the Chicano/Mexican American (3) |
|
| HIST 360 |
History of African Civilizations (3) |
|
| HIST 364 |
Asian Civilization (3) |
|
| HIST 365 |
Asian Civilization (3) |
|
| HIST 375 |
The History of Modern Latin America and Caribbean (3) |
|
| HIST 380 |
History of the Middle East (3) |
|
|
Area 2: Arts and Humanities
|
| 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) |
|
| 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) |
|
| HUM 320 |
Asian Humanities (3) |
|
|
Area 3: Social Sciences
|
| ANTH 310 |
Cultural Anthropology (3) |
|
| or ANTH 481 |
Honors Cultural Anthropology (3) |
|
| ANTH 325 |
Archaeology of Mesoamerica (3) |
|
| ANTH 332 |
Native Peoples of California (3) |
|
| ANTH 334 |
Native Peoples of North America (3) |
|
| ETHNS 320 |
Introduction to African American Studies (3) |
|
| ETHNS 330 |
Introduction to Asian American Studies (3) |
|
| ETHNS 341 |
The Sociology & Psychology of Mexicans and Latinos in the U.S. (3) |
|
| ETHNS 350 |
Introduction to Native American Studies (3) |
|
| ETHNS 351 |
Native American Policy and Law (3) |
|
| ETHNS 360 |
Introduction to Chicana/o/x Studies (3) |
|
| GLST 301 |
Introduction to Global Studies (3) |
|
| GLST 302 |
Global Issues (3) |
|
| PSYC 320 |
Social Psychology (3) |
|
| SOC 321 |
Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3) |
|
| or SOC 482 |
Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States - Honors (3) |
|
| WGS 302 |
Global Women's Issues (3) |
|
| WGS 304 |
Women, Globalization, and Human Rights (3) |
|
|
Area 4: Quantitative Reasoning
|
| PSYC 330 |
Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3) |
|
| or STAT C1000 |
Introduction to Statistics (4) |
|
| or STAT C1000H |
Introduction to Statistics - Honors (4) |
|
|
Area 5: Major Preparation
|
| HIST 308 |
History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present (3) |
|
| SOC 300 |
Introductory Sociology (3) |
|
| Total Units: |
|
18 |
The Associate in Arts in Social Justice Studies, Ethnic Studies for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA,
including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b)
the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- research how theoretical perspectives and critical theories on social justice inform the social, political, economic, historical, and cultural circumstances surrounding justice as they relate to race and ethnicity as well as other intersectional aspects of life in society.
- define and analyze power and oppression to better understand how they operate at the individual, cultural, and institutional levels.
- explain how intersectional formations of social identity reflecting various levels of power and privilege impact social justice at the individual, cultural, and institutional levels.
- recognize the historical origins and similarities in struggles for social justice among different ethnic and racial groups.
- assess artistic works that examine oppression, power, and justice as they relate to race and ethnicity.
The AA-T degree provides students with a solid foundation in Social Justice Studies as well as prerequisites for upper division coursework leading to the baccalaureate degree in a variety of Areas of Emphasis. The degree gives students a pathway to possibilities, options and baccalaureate degrees focusing on social justice. In addition, a student can use the AA-T in Social Justice Studies to get into a CSU and then complete a graduate degree in a related field. Students with degrees in this field often assume careers as (or in) the following: activists, community organizers, political campaigners, human rights groups, religious organizations, international agencies, lobbyists, and mediators. This program is also an excellent starting point for students interested in a career in law, law enforcement, social work, clinical psychology, politics, business, education or public policy.
Associate Degrees
A.A. in Ethnic Studies
Sacramento City College recognizes the need for a more extensive inclusion of minorities in the American educational system. The Ethnic Studies Program at Sacramento City College is, therefore, open to all students and serves as a response to the needs, demands, and experiences of Sacramento’s minority communities. It can be of vital importance to the student because the program makes available a broader perspective on ethnic groups not ordinarily provided in primary and secondary educational institutions.
Sacramento City College offers a broad array of courses in African American Studies, Asian American Studies, Mexican American/Chicano Studies, Native American Studies, Gender and Ethnicity, and The European Experience. The program offers a course on the Introduction to Ethnic Studies along with general courses on American ethnic groups in Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, and History.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2025
| Course Code |
Course Title |
Units |
| ETHNS 300 |
Introduction to Ethnic Studies |
3 |
| A minimum of 18 units from the following: |
18 |
| ANTH 310 |
Cultural Anthropology (3) |
|
| or ANTH 481 |
Honors Cultural Anthropology (3) |
|
| ETHNS 320 |
Introduction to African American Studies (3) |
|
| ETHNS 330 |
Introduction to Asian American Studies (3) |
|
| ETHNS 350 |
Introduction to Native American Studies (3) |
|
| ETHNS 351 |
Native American Policy and Law (3) |
|
| ETHNS 360 |
Introduction to Chicana/o/x Studies (3) |
|
| PSYC 367 |
Psychology of Minorities (3) |
|
| SOC 321 |
Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3) |
|
| or SOC 482 |
Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States - Honors (3) |
|
| Total Units: |
|
21 |
The Ethnic Studies 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.
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate critical thinking, communication, and research skills relative to ethnic minorities in the United States.
- evaluate and discuss various interdisciplinary approaches to the study of ethnic minorities in the United States.
- analyze and discuss the social, political, economic, and cultural experience of ethnic minorities in the United States.
- demonstrate an understanding of ethnic minorities relative to history, politics, social sciences, and the humanities.
The Ethnic Studies program will prepare students who wish to transfer to an Ethnic Studies program at a four-year institution. Ethnic Studies provides the student with various career opportunities such as equity officer, social worker, diversity director, ethnologist, human relations personnel, and human resources personnel. The program will also provide a background to students hoping to teach in primary or post-secondary school programs.
Ethnic Studies (ETHNS) Courses
ETHNS 300 Introduction to Ethnic Studies
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU (Formerly approved for SOCSC 300); UC (Formerly approved for SOCSC 300.)
- General Education:Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2025); Local GE L6 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 6 (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course introduces students to Ethnic Studies and the diverse institutional, cultural, and historical issues relating to the past and present life circumstances and intersectional identities of the four core ethnic populations of Asian Americans, Chicano/Chicana/Latino/Latina/Mexican Americans, African Americans, and Native/Indigenous Americans within the United States. This course was formerly known as SOCSC 300, Introduction to Ethnic Studies.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze and articulate concepts such as race and racism, racialization, ethnicity, equity, ethno-centrism, eurocentrism, white supremacy, self-determination, liberation, decolonization, sovereignty, imperialism, settler colonialism, and anti-racism as analyzed in any one or more of the following: Native American Studies, African American Studies, Asian American Studies, and Latina and Latino American Studies.
- apply theory and knowledge produced by Native American, African American, Asian American, and/or Latina and Latino American communities to describe the critical events, histories, cultures, intellectual traditions, contributions, lived-experiences and social struggles of those groups with a particular emphasis on agency and group-affirmation.
- critically analyze the intersection of race and racism as they relate to class, gender, sexuality, religion, spirituality, national origin, immigration status, ability, tribal citizenship, sovereignty, language, and/or age in Native American, African American, Asian American, and/or Latina and Latino American communities.
- critically review how struggle, resistance, racial and social justice, solidarity, and liberation, as experienced and enacted by Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans and/or Latina and Latino Americans are relevant to current and structural issues such as communal, national, international, and transnational politics as, for example, in immigration, reparations, settler-colonialism, multiculturalism, language policies.
- describe and actively engage with anti-racist and anti-colonial issues and the practices and movements in Native American, African American, Asian American and/or Latina and Latino communities and a just and equitable society.
ETHNS 320 Introduction to African American Studies
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU (Formerly approved for SOCSC 320); UC (Formerly approved for SOCSC 320.)
- General Education:Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2025); Local GE L6 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 6 (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course introduces students to Ethnic Studies and the diverse institutional, cultural, and historical issues relating to the past and present life circumstances of African Americans within the United States. This course is interdisciplinary in nature and presents an overview of the cultural, economic, historic, social, and political issues in the life of African Americans in the United States. It will expose students of all ethnic backgrounds to the issues germane to the experience of African Americans in the United States. This course was formerly known as ETHNS 320 The African American Experience.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze and articulate concepts of Ethnic Studies, including but not limited to race and ethnicity, racialization, equity, ethnocentrism, euro-centrism, white supremacy, self-determination, liberation, decolonization and anti-racism.
- apply Identity, Conflict, Critical Race, Liberation and Cultural Capital theories to describe critical events in the histories, cultures and intellectual traditions, with special focus on the lived-experiences and social struggles of African Americans, emphasizing agency and group-affirmation.
- critically discuss the intersection of race and ethnicity with other forms of difference affected by hierarchy and oppression, such as class, gender, sexuality, religion, spirituality, national origin, immigration status, ability and/or age.
- describe how struggle, resistance, social justice, solidarity and liberation as experienced by African American communities are relevant to current social and political issues.
- demonstrate active engagement with anti-racist issues, practices and movements to build a diverse, just and equitable society beyond the classroom.
ETHNS 330 Introduction to Asian American Studies
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU (Formerly approved for SOCSC 325); UC (Formerly approved for SOCSC 325.)
- General Education:Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2025); Local GE L6 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 6 (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course introduces students to Ethnic Studies and the diverse institutional, cultural, and historical issues relating to the past and present life circumstances and intersectional identities of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. This course was formerly known as ETHNS 330 The Asian American Experience in America.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze and articulate concepts of Ethnic Studies, including but not limited to race and ethnicity, racialization, equity, ethno-centrism, eurocentrism, white supremacy, self-determination, liberation, decolonization and anti-racism.
- apply Identity, Conflict, Critical Race, Liberation and Cultural Capital theories to describe critical events in the histories, cultures and intellectual traditions, with special focus on the lived-experiences and social struggles of Asian Americans, emphasizing agency and group-affirmation.
Explain the ideology of white supremacy as a means to understanding it (White Supremacy) as the organizing system of race relations in the U.S.
Discuss the social, cultural and structural conditions that compelled the Asian American social movements (collective action) and organizations in the U.S.
- critically discuss the intersection of race and ethnicity with other forms of difference affected by hierarchy and oppression, such as class, gender, sexuality, religion, spirituality, national origin, immigration status, ability and/or age.
- describe how struggle, resistance, social justice, solidarity and liberation as experienced by communities of color are relevant to current issues.
Use an interdisciplinary lens to explain the dimensions of progress for Asian Americans in the U.S.
Develop concrete solutions to address the contemporary issues uniquely facing Asian Americans in the U.S.
- demonstrate active engagement with anti-racist issues, practices and movements to build a diverse, just and equitable society beyond the classroom.
List and describe contemporary social issues facing Asian Americans in the U.S.
ETHNS 341 The Sociology & Psychology of Mexicans and Latinos in the U.S.
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGL C1000 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU (Formerly approved for SOCSC 332.); UC (Formerly approved for SOCSC 332.)
- General Education:Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
In this course, students will examine the cultural, sociological, and psychological experience of Mexicans and Latinos in the United States. This course will give students the opportunity to analyze the ways in which Mexican and Latino communities are shaped by family dynamics, socio-economic structures, and religious and educational institutions. Complex issues of identity, assimilation, and self-esteem will also be addressed. This course was formerly known as SOCSC 332.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify and explain the origins of Mexican and Latino cultural values.
- evaluate the socio-cultural differences between Mexicans and Latinos, and examine how the experience of these groups differs from other ethnic groups in the United States.
- examine the psychological and cultural adjustments required of Mexicans and Latinos in the United States.
- analyze the issues surrounding Mexican and Latino self-image.
ETHNS 350 Introduction to Native American Studies
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU (Formerly approved for SOCSC 335.); UC (Formerly approved for SOCSC 335.)
- General Education:Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2025); Local GE L6 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 6 (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course introduces students to Ethnic Studies and the diverse institutional, cultural, and historical issues relating to the past and present life circumstances and intersectional identities of Native Americans/American Indians within the United States. This course is a survey of traditional cultures of Native Americans/American Indians focusing on the social, religious, economic, and artistic practices. The antiquity, distribution, and linguistic histories of Native American/American Indian cultures are integrated with the contemporary status of Native peoples regarding social change and adaptation.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze and articulate concepts of Ethnic Studies, including but not limited to race and ethnicity, racialization, equity, ethno-centrism, eurocentrism, white supremacy, self-determination, liberation, decolonization and anti-racism.
- apply Identity, Conflict, Critical Race (Tribal Critical Race), Liberation and Cultural Capital theories to describe critical events in the histories, cultures and intellectual traditions, with special focus on the lived-experiences and social struggles of Native Americans/American Indians emphasizing agency and group-affirmation.
- critically discuss the intersection of race and ethnicity with other forms of difference affected by hierarchy and oppression, such as class, gender, sexuality, religion, spirituality, national origin, immigration status, ability and/or age.
- describe how struggle, resistance, social justice, solidarity and liberation as experienced by Native American/ American Indian communities are relevant to current issues.
- demonstrate active engagement with anti-racist issues, practices and movements to build a diverse, just and equitable society beyond the classroom.
- comprehend and compare the issues of sovereignty and nationhood relative to Native nations.
- identify and evaluate forms of cultural retention, transmission, and adaptation.
- evaluate the limited opportunities of Native American students to obtain an unbiased education.
- identify and evaluate forms of cultural retention, transmission, and adaptation.
ETHNS 351 Native American Policy and Law
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGL C1000 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU (Formerly approved for SOCSC 336.); UC (Formerly approved for SOCSC 336
.)
- General Education:Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2025); Local GE L6 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course is an in-depth study comparing Native American traditional cultures and religions in response to the impact of the European invasion. This course includes a review of tribal origins and oral traditions; 'Manifest Destiny'; the impact of treaties; land in trust; and European/Spanish/French culture and religious influences on indigenous people of the Americas. The course also covers disease epidemics; colonization; missionization; religious resistance (The Ghost Dance); attempts at assimilation; the establishment of the Bureau of Indian Affairs; removal policies; reservation policies; boarding schools and the influence of Christianity on Indian children; the Dawes Allotment Act; citizenship; reorganization; termination, relocation and urbanization; social resistance; self determination (includes issues of religious freedom and the use of Peyote); the Indian Civil Rights Act; sacred sites; restoration; and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act; as well as cultural appropriation of indigenous religion. An optional field trip may be included. Prior to 2015 this course was known as SOCSC 336. This course was formerly known as ETHNS 351: Native American Culture and the Impact of Federal Policy.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify various Indian nations and describe their cultures and religions.
- assess the impact of the European invasion on Indigenous cultures and religions.
- evaluate the impact of ethnocentric ideas and behaviors and how they influence government policy.
- explain the effect of disease on Indigenous peoples how it impacted religious beliefs.
- evaluate the ways in which institutionalized racism was inherent in the structure of the federal government.
- contribute to the development of empathy among all groups within a multi-ethnic society.
- explain how culture, religion, society, and policy impact one another.
ETHNS 360 Introduction to Chicana/o/x Studies
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU (Formerly approved for SOCSC 330.); UC (Formerly approved for SOCSC 330.)
- General Education:Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2025); Local GE L6 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 6 (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course introduces students to the diverse institutional, cultural, and historical issues relating to the past and present life circumstances and intersectional identities of Chicana/o/x Americans within the United States. Specifically, this course examines and redefines the lives of Chicana/o/x Americans through their own experiences from the inside looking out at the world. This course was formerly known as ETHNS 340 Chicanos/Mexican Americans in the U. S.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze and articulate concepts of Ethnic Studies, including but not limited to race and ethnicity, racialization, equity, ethnocentrism, euro-centrism, white supremacy, self-determination, liberation, decolonization and anti-racism.
- apply Identity, Conflict, Critical Race, Liberation and Cultural Capital theories to describe critical events in the histories, cultures and intellectual traditions, with special focus on the lived-experiences and social struggles of Chicana/o/x, emphasizing agency and group-affirmation.
- critically discuss the intersection of race and ethnicity with other forms of difference affected by hierarchy and oppression, such as class, gender, sexuality, religion, spirituality, national origin, immigration status, ability and/or age.
- describe how struggle, resistance, social justice, solidarity and liberation as experienced by Chicana/o/x communities are relevant to current social and political issues.
- demonstrate active engagement with anti-racist issues, practices and movements to build a diverse, just and equitable society beyond the classroom.
ETHNS 495 Independent Studies in Ethnic Studies
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 101 (College Writing) or ESLW 340 (Advanced Composition) with grades of "C" or better.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
An independent studies project involves an individual student or a small group of students in study, research, or activities beyond the regularly offered ethnic studies courses. 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.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- design and discuss a proposal of study with a supervising ethnic studies instructor.
- demonstrate the ability to independently pursue a course of study or project in ethnic studies.
- prepare a final report or project incorporating results of study or activities.
ETHNS 499 Experimental Offering in Ethnic Studies
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This is the experimental courses description.
