Lower-Division General Education
For an overview of the SF State General Education program, visit our Introduction to General Education.
Please note that although General Education courses are available to students in any major, registration in some sections of specific courses may be restricted to students in the Metro Academies.
Some students come to SF State with high enough AP, CLEP, and IB scores to receive college credit. Go to the following link to see what GE requirements are satisfied by these scores. Consult with your major department to see whether any of the credit can count toward your major.
Area 1: English Communication — 9 units
Students taking courses in fulfillment of Areas 1A and 1C will develop knowledge and understanding of the form, content, context, and effectiveness of communication. Students will develop proficiency in oral and written communication in English, examining communication from the rhetorical perspective and practicing reasoning and advocacy, organization, and accuracy. Students will practice the discovery, critical evaluation, and reporting of information, as well as reading, writing, and listening effectively.
In critical thinking (Area 1B) courses, students will understand logic and its relation to language; elementary inductive and deductive processes, including an understanding of the formal and informal fallacies of language and thought; and the ability to distinguish matters of fact from issues of judgment or opinion. In Area 1B courses, students will develop the abilities to analyze, criticize, and advocate ideas; to reason inductively and deductively; and to reach well-supported factual or judgmental conclusions.
Requirements: Students must complete a minimum of nine units in Area 1, including a minimum of three units in each of the following three areas: English Composition, Critical Thinking, and Oral Communication. Specific test and course prerequisites are printed in the Undergraduate Graduation Requirements section of the Bulletin. All Area 1 courses must be completed with a grade of CR or C– or better to fulfill the General Education requirement.
Area 1A: English Composition (3 units minimum required) [Formerly A2]
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 104 & ENG 105 | Writing the First Year: Finding Your Voice Stretch I and Writing the First Year: Finding Your Voice Stretch II (Area 1A) | 6 |
| ENG 106 | Writing the First Year: Finding Your Voice Stretch I and II (Area 1A) | 4 |
| ENG 114 | Writing the First Year: Finding Your Voice (Area 1A) | 3 |
| ENG 201 & ENG 202 | Writing the First Year: Global Perspectives of Multilingual Speakers Stretch I and Writing the First Year: Global Perspectives of Multilingual Speakers Stretch II (Area 1A) | 8 |
| ENG 209 | Writing the First Year: Global Perspectives of Multilingual Speakers (Area 1A) | 3 |
| I R 205 | Global Journeys in International Relations (Area 1A) | 3 |
Area 1B: Critical Thinking (3 units required) [Formerly A3]
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AA S 110 | Critical Thinking and the Asian American Experience (Area 1B, AERM) | 3 |
| COUN 110 | Critically Thinking About Career Choice: Self, Community, Society, and the World (Area 1B, GP, SJ) | 3 |
| ETHS 110 | Critical Thinking and the Ethnic Studies Experience (Area 1B, AERM) | 3 |
| HIST 101 | Critical Thinking in History (Area 1B, SJ) | 3 |
| HSS 110 | Critical Thinking/Student Success in Health & Social Sciences Fields (Area 1B) | 3 |
| ISED 204 | Critical Thinking for Educational Equity and Social Justice (Area 1B, AERM, SJ) | 3 |
| LTNS 110 | Critical Thinking and the Rhetoric of Latinas/os/x in the 21st Century (Area 1B, AERM) | 3 |
| PHIL 110 | Introduction to Critical Thinking I (Area 1B) | 3 |
| PSY 111 | The Logic and Psychology of Critical Thinking (Area 1B) | 3 |
| RRS 110 | Critical Thinking and the Ethnic Studies Experience (Area 1B, AERM) | 3 |
Area 1C: Oral Communication (3 units required) [Formerly A1]
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AA S 101 | First-Year Experience (Area 1C, AERM) | 3 |
| AFRS 120 | Communicating Realness: Minding the Gap (Area 1C, AERM) | 3 |
| COMM 150 | Fundamentals of Oral Communication (Area 1C) | 3 |
| ENG 210 | Oral Communication - Multilingual (Area 1C) | 3 |
| I R 207 | Global Diplomacy (Area 1C) | 4 |
Abbreviations
AERM: American Ethnic and Racial Minorities
ES: Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action
GP: Global Perspectives
SJ: Social Justice
Area 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning (3 units required) [Formerly B4]
Summary of Quantitative Reasoning Requirements
The Area 2 course or pathway that needs to be followed depends on a student’s MATH/QR placement category. See the holds and alerts box in the student center for more information. Visit Gator Smart Start for more information.
Area 2 courses must be completed with a grade of CR or C- or better to fulfill the General Education requirement.
Area 2 Pathways
| Area 2/B4 Courses for Pathway/Category 2 | Area 2/B4 Courses with Additional Support for Pathway/Category 3 and 4 |
|---|---|
| DS 110 Calculus with Business Applications (Area 2) 3 units | MATH 107 (3 units) and MATH 108* (3 units) across two semesters. MATH 107 and 108 will satisfy all requirements met by DS 110. |
| CSC 110 Computational Thinking and Quantitative Reasoning (Area 2) 3 units | MATH 111 (2 units) and CSC 110 concurrently |
| ISED 160 Data Analysis in Education (Area 2) 3 units | MATH 122 (2 units) and ISED 160 concurrently |
| MATH 110 Business Calculus (Area 2) 3 units | MATH 107 (3 units) and MATH 108* (3 units) across two consecutive semesters. MATH 107 and MATH 108 will satisfy all requirements met by MATH 110. |
| MATH 124 Elementary Statistics (Area 2) 3 units | MATH 123 (2 units) and MATH 124 concurrently |
| MATH 199 Pre-Calculus (Area 2) 4 units | MATH 197 (3 units) and MATH 198* (3 units) across two consecutive semesters. MATH 197 and MATH 198 will satisfy all requirements met by MATH 199. |
| PHIL 111 The Art(s) of Quantitative Reasoning (Area 2) 3 units | MATH 111 (2 units) and PHIL 111 concurrently |
| PSY 171 Quantitative Reasoning in Psychology (Area 2) 3 units | MATH 122 (2 units) and PSY 171 concurrently |
- *
Area 2 will be satisfied once both semesters of the stretch course are completed with a satisfactory grade.
Area 2 Courses
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ETHS 116 | Algebra and Statistics for Social Justice (Area 2, SJ) | 4 |
| ETHS 117 | Statistics for Social Justice (Area 2, SJ) | 3 |
| GEOG 203 | Geographical Measurement (Area 2) | 3 |
| HIST 112 | Quantitative Reasoning for Civic Engagement (Area 2, SJ) | 3 |
| I R 112 | Quantitative Reasoning for Civic Engagement (Area 2, SJ) | 3 |
| LCA 112 | Quantitative Reasoning for Civic Engagement (Area 2, SJ) | 3 |
| MATH 108 | Mathematics for Business Calculus II (Area 2) | 3 |
| MATH 112 | Quantitative Reasoning for Civic Engagement (Area 2, SJ) | 3 |
| MATH 198 | Prelude to Calculus II (Area 2) | 3 |
| MATH 226 | Calculus I (Area 2) | 4 |
| PHIL 112 | Quantitative Reasoning for Civic Engagement (Area 2, SJ) | 3 |
| PLSI 112 | Quantitative Reasoning for Civic Engagement (Area 2, SJ) | 3 |
- 1
for Category III and IV students in the Metro Program
- 2
for Category I and II students in the Metro Program
Abbreviations
AERM: American Ethnic and Racial Minorities
ES: Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action
GP: Global Perspectives
SJ: Social Justice
Area 3: Arts and Humanities — 6 units
In their Area 3 coursework, students will develop a better understanding of the interrelationship between the self and the creative arts and of the humanities in a variety of cultures.
Requirements: Students must complete a minimum of 6 units in Area 3 including three units in Arts (3a) and three units in Humanities (3B).
Area 3A: Arts (3 units minimum) [Formerly Area C1]
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AA S 212 | Asian Americans and Mass Media (Area 3A, AERM) | 3 |
| AFRS 204 | Black Creative Arts (Area 3A, AERM, GP, SJ) | 3 |
| AFRS 221 | African American Music: A 20th Century Survey (Area 3A, AERM) | 3 |
| AFRS 230 | African American Gospel Workshop (Area 3A, AERM) | 3 |
| AFRS 256 | Hip Hop Workshop (Area 3A, AERM, ES, GP, SJ) | 3 |
| ART 240 | Introduction to Contemporary Sculpture (Area 3A) | 3 |
| ART 245 | Introduction to Ceramics (Area 3A) | 3 |
| ARTH 201 | Global Art History I (Area 3A) | 3 |
| ARTH 202 | Global Art History II (Area 3A) | 3 |
| ARTH 205 | Asian Art History (Area 3A, GP) | 3 |
| ARTH 250 | Archaeology of the Ancient World (Area 3A, GP) | 3 |
| BECA 235 | Digital Media Basics (Area 3A) | 3 |
| C W 101 | Introduction to Creative Writing (Area 3A) | 3 |
| CINE 102 | Introduction to Contemporary Cinema (Area 3A, GP) | 3 |
| CLAR 250 | Archaeology of the Ancient World (Area 3A, GP) | 3 |
| DANC 208 | Cultural History of Dance (Area 3A, AERM) | 3 |
| DES 226 | Modern Letterpress Printing: Traditional and Digital Techniques (Area 3A) | 3 |
| DES 256 | Design and Society: Contemporary Design Issues and Applications (Area 3A) | 3 |
| HUM 205 | Asian Art History (Area 3A, GP) | 3 |
| ID 240 | Color and Design (Area 3A) | 3 |
| ID 245 | History of Architecture & Interior Design II (Area 3A) | 3 |
| JOUR 235 | Photojournalism I: Foundations of Photojournalism (Area 3A) | 3 |
| LTNS 225 | Latina/o/x Visual Culture (Area 3A, AERM, SJ) | 3 |
| M S 202 | Introduction to Museum Exhibits (Area 3A) | 3 |
| MUS 120 | Basic Music I (Area 3A) | 3 |
| MUS 122 | Basic Music I: Piano (Area 3A) | 3 |
| MUS 132 | Appreciation of Diverse Music (Area 3A) | 3 |
| MUS 280 | Traditions and Current Practices of Music and Sound for Healing (Area 3A, GP) | 3 |
| MUS 281 | The American Musical Experience (Area 3A, AERM, GP) | 3 |
| PH 290 | Promoting Positive Health (Area 3A, GP) | 3 |
| PHIL 160 | Introduction to Philosophy of the Arts (Area 3A) | 3 |
| RPT 210 | Growth Through Art and Leisure (Area 3A) | 3 |
| RRS 290 | Sounds of Resistance: Race, Rhythm, Rhyme, and Revolution (Area 3A, AERM, GP) | 3 |
| TH A 122 | Basic Music I: Piano (Area 3A) | 3 |
| TH A 130 | Acting Workshop I (Area 3A) | 3 |
| TH A 200 | Introduction to the Theatre (Area 3A) | 3 |
| TH A 201 | Love and Sex in Theatre (Area 3A) | 3 |
Area 3B: Humanities (3 units minimum) [Formerly Area C2]
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AA S 216 | Introduction to Asian American Literature (Area 3B, AERM) | 3 |
| AA S 218 | Asian American Culture (Area 3B, AERM, GP) | 3 |
| AMST 225 | Values in American Life (Area 3B, AERM) | 3 |
| ANTH 110 | Introduction to Archaeology (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| AFRS 210 | Introduction to Africana Literature (Area 3B, AERM) | 3 |
| AFRS 266 | Black Online: Cyberspace, Culture, and Community (Area 3B, AERM, GP, SJ) | 3 |
| ARAB 101 | First Semester Arabic (Area 3B, AERM, GP) | 4 |
| ARAB 102 | Second Semester Arabic (Area 3B, GP) | 4 |
| BECA 201 | Life on TV: A Critical View (Area 3B, AERM) | 3 |
| CAD 120 | Child Development, Social Justice, and Academic Success (Area 3B, AERM, GP, SJ) | 3 |
| CHIN 101 | First Semester Chinese (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| CHIN 102 | Second Semester Chinese (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| CHIN 103 | Third Semester Chinese (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| CHIN 228 | Chinese Language and Society (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| CHIN 271 | The Classic Chinese Novel in Contemporary Pop Culture (Area 3B, GP, SJ) | 3 |
| CINE 180 | The Ancient World in Film (Area 3B) | 3 |
| CLAS 210 | Introduction to Greek and Roman Literature (Area 3B) | 3 |
| CLAS 230 | Ancient Epic Tales (Area 3B) | 3 |
| CLAS 240 | Greek and Roman Drama (C2, SJ) | 3 |
| CLAS 260 | Greek and Roman Mythology (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| CLAS 280 | The Ancient World in Film (Area 3B) | 3 |
| CMX 235 | Comics and Culture (Area 3B) | 3 |
| COMM 120 | Language, Culture, and Power (Area 3B, AERM, SJ) | 3 |
| COMM 250 | Introduction to Group Discussion and Teamwork (Area 3B) | 3 |
| CWL 180 | Introduction to Videogames: A Comparative Perspective (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| CWL 220 | Reading Beyond Boundaries: An Introduction to Comparing Literatures (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| CWL 230 | World Literature (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| CWL 250 | Fables and Tales (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| CWL 260 | Myths of the World (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| CWL 270 | Fantasy and Fiction: Exploring Parallel Worlds (Area 3B) | 3 |
| ENG 125 | Language, Gender, and Sexuality (Area 3B, SJ) | 3 |
| ENG 200 | Writing Practices in Professional Contexts (Area 3B) | 3 |
| ENG 250 | Topics in Literature and Culture (Area 3B) | 3 |
| ETHS 120 | Educational Justice, Health Equity, and Academic Success (Area 3B, AERM, GP, SJ) | 3 |
| FR 101 | First Semester French (Area 3B, GP,) | 3 |
| FR 102 | Second Semester French (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| FR 215 | Intermediate French I (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| FR 216 | Intermediate French II (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| GER 101 | First Semester German (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| GER 102 | Second Semester German (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| GER 206 | Intermediate German Conversation (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| GER 207 | Intermediate German (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| GRE 101 | Elementary Ancient Greek (Area 3B, GP) | 4 |
| GRE 202 | Intermediate Ancient Greek (Area 3B, GP) | 4 |
| HEBR 101 | First Semester Modern Hebrew (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| HEBR 102 | Second Semester Modern Hebrew (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| HEBR 201 | Third Semester Modern Hebrew (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| HEBR 202 | (Area 3B, GP) | |
| HH 210 | The Dao of Well-Being in Chinese Tradition (Area 3B, AERM) | 3 |
| HIST 110 | History of Western Civilization I (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| HIST 111 | (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| HIST 270 | Repairing the World: The Jewish Call for Social Justice (Area 3B, AERM, GP, SJ) | 3 |
| HIST 280 | Introduction to Jewish History (Area 3B) | 3 |
| HUM 130 | The Humanities: Major Works (Area 3B) | 3 |
| HUM 220 | Values and Culture (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| HUM 225 | Values in American Life (Area 3B, AERM) | 3 |
| HUM 235 | Comics and Culture (Area 3B) | 3 |
| HUM 271 | The Classic Chinese Novel in Contemporary Pop Culture (Area 3B, GP, SJ) | 3 |
| I R 224 | The Problem of War (Area 3B, GP, SJ) | 4 |
| I R 260 | History and Cultures of Iran (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| ITAL 101 | First Semester Italian (Area 3B, GP) | 4 |
| ITAL 102 | Second Semester Italian (Area 3B, GP) | 4 |
| ITAL 103 | Third Semester Italian (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| ITAL 206 | Italian Conversation (Area 3B, GP, SJ) | 3 |
| ITAL 250 | Food for Thought: The Importance of Food in Italian Culture (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| JAPN 101 | First Semester Japanese (Area 3B, GP) | 4 |
| JAPN 102 | Second Semester Japanese (Area 3B, GP) | 4 |
| JAPN 103 | Third Semester Japanese (Area 3B, GP) | 4 |
| JAPN 200 | Art of Japanese Writing and Calligraphy (Area 3B) | 3 |
| JOUR 205 | Social Impact of Journalism (Area 3B) | 3 |
| JS 270 | Repairing the World: The Jewish Call for Social Justice (Area 3B, AERM, GP, SJ) | 3 |
| JS 280 | Introduction to Jewish History (Area 3B) | 3 |
| KOR 101 | First Semester Korean (Area 3B, GP) | 4 |
| KOR 102 | Second Semester Korean (Area 3B, GP) | 4 |
| LATN 101 | Elementary Latin (Area 3B, GP) | 4 |
| LTNS 230 | Introduction to Latina/o Literature (Area 3B, AERM, GP) | 3 |
| MGS 150 | Modern Greek I (Area 3B, GP) | 4 |
| MLL 200 | Art of Japanese Writing and Calligraphy (Area 3B) | 3 |
| MUS 134 | Survey of Music for Film, TV, and Games (Area 3B) | 3 |
| PHIL 101 | Introduction to Philosophy (Area 3B) | 3 |
| PHIL 105 | Introduction to Philosophy and Religion (Area 3B) | 3 |
| PHIL 150 | Contemporary Moral/Political Issues (Area 3B, SJ) | 3 |
| PHIL 210 | Great Thinkers: East and West (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| PLSI 150 | Contemporary Moral/Political Issues (Area 3B, SJ) | 3 |
| PRSN 100 | Persian Language Immersion (Area 3B, GP,) | 3 |
| PRSN 101 | First Semester Persian (Area 3B, GP, SJ) | 3 |
| PRSN 102 | Second Semester Persian (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| PRSN 206 | (Area 3B, GP, SJ) | |
| PRSN 260 | History and Cultures of Iran (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| PRSN 290 | Persianate Literatures in Translation (Area 3B, GP) | 3 |
| RPT 230 | Growth Through Adventure (Area 3B) | 3 |
| RRS 101 | Introduction to Arab and Muslim Communities (Area 3B, AERM, GP, SJ) | 3 |
| RRS 201 | SFSU's Palestinian Cultural Mural and the Art of Resistance (Area 3B, AERM, GP, SJ) | 3 |
| RRS 212 | Edward Said (Area 3B, AERM, GP, SJ) | 3 |
| RRS 275 | Introduction to Pacific Islander Literature: How To Read An Ocean (Area 3B) | 3 |
| RRS 280 | Disrupting Science Fiction: Race, Gender, and Alternative Futures (Area 3B, AERM) | 3 |
| RUSS 101 | First Semester Russian (Area 3B, GP) | 4 |
| RUSS 102 | Second Semester Russian (Area 3B, GP) | 4 |
| SPAN 101 | First Semester Spanish (Area 3B) | 4 |
| SPAN 102 | Second Semester Spanish (Area 3B) | 4 |
| SPAN 205 | Intermediate Spanish I (Area 3B) | 3 |
| SPAN 206 | Intermediate Spanish II (Area 3B) | 3 |
| SPAN 215 | Spanish for Heritage Speakers (Area 3B) | 3 |
| WGS 220 | Introduction to Feminist Disability Studies (Area 3B) | 3 |
Abbreviations
AERM: American Ethnic and Racial Minorities
ES: Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action
GP: Global Perspectives
SJ: Social Justice
Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences — 6 units [Formerly Area D]
Area 4 courses center around topics of human social, political and economic institutions and behavior, and their historical background.
Students learn from courses in multiple Area 4 disciplines that human social, political and economic institutions and behavior are inextricably interwoven. Through the fulfillment of the Area 4 requirement, students will develop an understanding of problems and issues from the respective disciplinary perspectives and will examine issues in their contemporary as well as historical settings and in a variety of cultural contexts. Students will explore the principles, methodologies, value systems and ethics employed in social scientific inquiry. Courses that emphasize skills development and professional preparation are excluded from Area 4.
The three courses taken in Area 4 (one upper-division and two lower-division) must be in at least two different disciplines. First-time freshmen must take one lower-division area 4 course that meets US History (USH).
Take one course with US History (USH) and an additional course:
Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 units minimum)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AA S 210 | History of Asians in the United States (Area 4, AERM, USH) | 3 |
| AA S 211 | Contemporary Asian Americans (Area 4, AERM, SJ) | 3 |
| AFRS 101 | Introduction to Africana Studies (Area 4, AERM, SJ) | 3 |
| AFRS 111 | Black Cultures and Personalities (Area 4, AERM, SJ) | 3 |
| AFRS 200 | Introduction to Black Psychology (Area 4, AERM, GP) | 3 |
| AFRS 203 | Black Social Sciences (Area 4, AERM) | 3 |
| AFRS 208 | Introduction to African American History (Area 4, AERM, GP, SJ, USH) | 3 |
| AFRS 215 | Introduction to Black Family Studies (Area 4, AERM, GP, SJ) | 3 |
| AIS 103 | Introduction to Pacific Islander Studies (Area 4, AERM, GP, SJ, USH) | 3 |
| AIS 150 | American Indian History in the United States (Area 4, AERM, SJ, USH) | 3 |
| AIS 230 | Urban Indians (Area 4, AERM, SJ) | 3 |
| AMST 265 | Christmas and Hanukkah in the United States (Area 4, AERM, USH) | 3 |
| ANTH 120 | Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology (Area 4) | 3 |
| ANTH 130 | Introduction to Visual Anthropology (Area 4) | 3 |
| C J 230 | Crime, Data, and Analysis (Area 4) | 3 |
| CAD 210 | Introduction to Applied Child and Adolescent Development (Area 4) | 3 |
| CAD 260 | Children, Families, and Community: An Ecological Perspective (Area 4, AERM, GP) | 3 |
| CINE 101 | International Relations Through Cinema (Area 4, GP) | 3 |
| COMM 240 | Introduction to Nonverbal Communication (Area 4) | 3 |
| ECON 101 | Introduction to Microeconomic Analysis (Area 4) | 3 |
| ECON 102 | Introduction to Macroeconomic Analysis (Area 4) | 3 |
| ETHS 100 | Introduction to Ethnic Studies (Area 4, AERM, GP, SJ) | 3 |
| ETHS 221 | Health and Social Justice - Burning Issues, Taking Action (Area 4, AERM, SJ) | 3 |
| ETHS 241 | Health and Social Movements in the United States in the 20th Century (Area 4, SJ, USH) | 3 |
| ENG 122 | The Evolution of Language in the Digital Age (Area 4) | 3 |
| FCS 220 | Young Children and Families (Area 4) | 3 |
| FIN 101 | Personal Finance (Area 4) | 3 |
| GEOG 102 | The Human Environment (Area 4, ES, GP) | 3 |
| GEOG 107 | World Regions and Interrelations (Area 4, ES, GP) | 3 |
| HH 200 | Holistic Approach to Academic Success (Area 4, ES) | 3 |
| HH 205 | Relaxation and Stress Reduction (Area 4) | 3 |
| HIST 114 | World History to 1500 (Area 4, GP) | 3 |
| HIST 115 | World History Since 1500 (Area 4, GP) | 3 |
| HIST 120 | History of the U.S. through Reconstruction (Area 4, AERM, USH) | 3 |
| HIST 121 | History of the U.S. Since Reconstruction (Area 4, AERM, SJ, USH) | 3 |
| HIST 130 | U.S. History for International Students (Area 4, USH) | 3 |
| HIST 201 | History of Struggles for Equity and Justice (Area 4, AERM, SJ, USH) | 3 |
| HIST 265 | Christmas and Hanukkah in the United States (Area 4, AERM, USH) | 3 |
| HIST 278 | History of Latinos in the U.S. (Area 4, AERM, SJ, USH) | 3 |
| I R 104 | Introduction to International Relations: Politics, Economics, Environment, and People (Area 4, ES, GP, SJ) | 3 |
| I R 201 | International Relations Through Cinema (Area 4, GP) | 3 |
| I R 220 | Understanding International Relations through Sports (Area 4, AERM, GP, SJ) | 3 |
| ISYS 263 | Introduction to Information Systems (Area 4, GP) | 3 |
| JS 265 | Christmas and Hanukkah in the United States (Area 4, AERM, USH) | 3 |
| KIN 255 | Health-Related Fitness and Wellness (Area 4, ES, GP, SJ) | 3 |
| LABR 250 | Introduction to the Study of Labor (Area 4, GP) | 3 |
| LABR 251 | Know Your Work Rights (Area 4) | 3 |
| LTNS 211 | Latina/o/x Families (Area 4, AERM, GP, SJ) | 3 |
| LTNS 265 | Topics in Latina/o/x History (Area 4, AERM, SJ) | 3 |
| LTNS 278 | History of Latinos in the U.S. (Area 4, AERM, SJ, USH) | 3 |
| PH 200 | Global Health (Area 4, GP, SJ) | 3 |
| PH 210 | Personal and Social Determinants of Health (Area 4, SJ) | 3 |
| PH 221 | Health and Social Justice - Burning Issues, Taking Action (Area 4, AERM, SJ) | 3 |
| PH 241 | Health and Social Movements in the United States in the 20th Century (Area 4, AERM, SJ, USH) | 3 |
| PHIL 130 | Political and Social Philosophy (Area 4, AERM, SJ) | 3 |
| PLSI 100 | Understanding Politics (Area 4) | 3 |
| PLSI 106 | Capitalism, Socialism, and Democracy: Introduction to Political Economy (Area 4, SJ) | 3 |
| PSY 200 | General Psychology (Area 4) | 3 |
| RELS 265 | Christmas and Hanukkah in the United States (Area 4, AERM, USH) | 3 |
| RPT 200 | Foundations of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism (Area 4) | 3 |
| RPT 205 | Adventure Travel (Area 4) | 3 |
| RPT 280 | Developmental Play Processes (Area 4) | 3 |
| RRS 100 | Introduction to Ethnic Studies (Area 4, AERM, GP, SJ) | 3 |
| RRS 103 | Introduction to Pacific Islander Studies (Area 4, AERM, GP, SJ, USH) | 3 |
| RRS 240 | All Power to the People: Comparative Freedom Movements of the "Sixties" (Area 4, AERM, SJ, USH) | 3 |
| RRS 252 | Beyond Bars and Borders: Race and the Carceral State (Area 4, AERM, USH) | 3 |
| RRS 255 | Voices in Exile: Arab and Muslim American and Civil Liberties post-9/11/2001 (Area 4, AERM, GP, SJ) | 3 |
| S ED 200 | Introduction to Teaching and Education (Area 4) | 3 |
| SOC 105 | Sociological Perspectives (Area 4) | 3 |
| SOC 110 | Sexuality in Society (Area 4, SJ) | 3 |
| SOC 200 | Changing Cities (Area 4, SJ) | 3 |
| SOC 245 | Social Problems (Area 4, SJ) | 4 |
| SXS 110 | Sexuality in Society (Area 4, SJ) | 3 |
| USP 200 | Changing Cities (Area 4, SJ) | 3 |
| WGS 150 | Women and Gender in U.S. History and Society (Area 4, AERM, USH) | 3 |
| WGS 200 | Introduction to Women and Gender Studies (Area 4, AERM, GP) | 3 |
| WGS 200SP | Introduction to Women and Gender Studies - Spanish (Area 4, AERM, GP) | 3 |
| WGS 210 | Introduction to Feminism and the State (Area 4, SJ) | 3 |
Abbreviations
AERM: American Ethnic and Racial Minorities
ES: Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action
GP: Global Perspectives
SJ: Social Justice
Area 5: Physical and Biological Sciences — 7 units
In Areas 5A-5C, students develop knowledge of scientific theories, concepts, and data about both living and non-living systems. Students will achieve an understanding and appreciation of scientific principles and the scientific method, as well as the potential limits of scientific endeavors and the value systems and ethics associated with human inquiry.
Requirements: All students must complete a minimum of 7 units in Area 5, including a minimum of three units in each of the following two areas: Physical Science and Biological Science. Additionally, a course that satisfies the Laboratory requirement must also be taken.
Note: Some majors require advanced coursework in Areas 5A, 5B, and/or 5C. For students pursuing these majors, some Area 5 requirements will be met in major or pre-major coursework. For more information, students should refer to the Bulletin description for their major.
Area 5A: Physical Science (3 units minimum required) [Formerly B1]
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ADM 260 | Textiles (Area 5A) | 3 |
| ASTR 115 | Introduction to Astronomy (Area 5A) | 3 |
| CHEM 101 | Survey of Chemistry (Area 5A) | 3 |
| ERTH 110 | Our Dynamic Earth (Area 5A, ES) | 3 |
| ERTH 112 | Our Dynamic Earth Lecture and Lab (Area 5A, Area 5C, ES) | 4 |
| ERTH 162 | Introduction to Weather and Climate (Area 5A, Area 5C) | 4 |
| ERTH 170 | Our Dynamic Ocean (Area 5A, ES) | 3 |
| ERTH 172 | Oceans & Climate Lecture and Lab (Area 5A, Area 5C, ES) | 4 |
| ERTH 210 | Physical Geology (Area 5A, Area 5C, ES) | 4 |
| ERTH 230 | Environmental Geology (Area 5A, Area 5C, ES) | 4 |
| ERTH 240 | Environmental Water Resources (Area 5A, Area 5C, ES) | 4 |
| ERTH 260 | Physical Processes in the Atmosphere (Area 5A, Area 5C, ES, GP) | 4 |
| GEOG 101 | Our Physical Environment (Area 5A, ES) | 3 |
| PHYS 101 | Conceptual Physics (Area 5A) | 3 |
| PHYS 111 | General Physics I (Area 5A) | 3 |
| PHYS 220 | General Physics with Calculus I (Area 5A) | 3 |
Area 5B: Biological Science (3 units required) [Formerly B2]
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH 100 | Introduction to Biological Anthropology (Area 5B) | 3 |
| BIOL 100 | Human Biology (Area 5B) | 3 |
| BIOL 150 | The World of Plants (Area 5B, Area 5C, ES) | 4 |
| BIOL 160 | Marine Biology (Area 5B, ES) | 3 |
| BIOL 170 | Animal Diversity (Area 5B, ES) | 3 |
| ERTH 115 | History of Life (Area 5B, ES) | 3 |
| GEOG 160 | Introduction to Environmental Science (Area 5B, Area 5C, ES, GP) | 4 |
| LTNS 210 | Latina/o/x Health Care Perspectives (Area 5B, AERM, ES, GP, SJ) | 3 |
| RRS 276 | Race, Activism and Climate Justice (Area 5B, AERM, ES, GP, SJ) | 3 |
| SPAN 217 | Spanish for Health Care Professionals (Area 5B, SJ) | 3 |
Area 5C: Laboratory (1 units required) [Formerly B3]
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ASTR 116 | Astronomy Laboratory (Area 5C) | 1 |
| BIOL 101 | Human Biology Laboratory (Area 5C) | 1 |
| BIOL 150 | The World of Plants (Area 5B, Area 5C, ES) | 4 |
| CHEM 102 | Survey of Chemistry Laboratory (Area 5C) | 1 |
| ERTH 112 | Our Dynamic Earth Lecture and Lab (Area 5A, Area 5C, ES) | 4 |
| ERTH 162 | Introduction to Weather and Climate (Area 5A, Area 5C) | 4 |
| ERTH 171 | Our Dynamic Ocean Lab (Area 5C) | 1 |
| ERTH 172 | Oceans & Climate Lecture and Lab (Area 5A, Area 5C, ES) | 4 |
| ERTH 210 | Physical Geology (Area 5A, Area 5C, ES) | 4 |
| ERTH 230 | Environmental Geology (Area 5A, Area 5C, ES) | 4 |
| ERTH 240 | Environmental Water Resources (Area 5A, Area 5C, ES) | 4 |
| ERTH 260 | Physical Processes in the Atmosphere (Area 5A, Area 5C, ES, GP) | 4 |
| GEOG 160 | Introduction to Environmental Science (Area 5B, Area 5C, ES, GP) | 4 |
| PHYS 102 | Conceptual Physics Laboratory (Area 5C) | 1 |
| PHYS 112 | General Physics I Laboratory (Area 5C) | 1 |
| PHYS 222 | General Physics with Calculus I Laboratory (Area 5C) | 1 |
Abbreviations
AERM: American Ethnic and Racial Minorities
ES: Environmental Sustainability and Climate Actions
GP: Global Perspectives
SJ: Social Justice