Dec 05, 2025

2025-2026 General Catalog

Program/Degree Changes and Updates

The following is a list of program/degree corrections appended to this catalog:

(alpha order by program/degree)

Biomedical Engineering, Minor
Biology, BA
Biology, BS
Critical Literacies and English Education, Minor
Education with a Concentration in Teaching, MA
German, Minor
Health Culture and Social Justice Minor
Human Rights Studies, Minor
Political Science, Minor

Biomedical Engineering, Minor

Biomedical Engineering program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of biomedical and health systems and products such as integrated biomedical systems, instrumentation, medical information systems, artificial organs and prostheses, and health management and care delivery systems.

Electrical Engineering (EE) Majors:

Electrical Engineering majors can complete the Biomedical Engineering (BME) minor with only 16 additional units, as several courses overlap and can be double-counted toward both the major and the minor. The additional courses required include one support course (CHEM 110 or CHEM 115A), three minor core courses (BIOL 220, BIOL 224, and KIN 311), and one elective (KIN 350 or KIN 360).

The following courses are double-counted for both the BME minor and the EE major: EE 110, MATH 161, MATH 211, PHYS 114, PHYS 214, CS 115, BIOL 115 or BIOL 110, EE 220/221, EE 230/231, and EE 473 or EE 498.

For more details, please visit the department website. Please confirm these details with your major advisor.

Kinesiology (KIN) Majors:

Kinesiology majors can complete the Biomedical Engineering (BME) minor with only 24 additional units, as several courses overlap and can be double-counted toward both the major and the minor. The additional courses required include four support courses (EE 110, MATH 161, MATH 211, and CS 115), two minor core courses (EE 220/22 and EE 230/231), and one elective (EE 473 or EE 498).

The following courses are double-counted for both the BME minor and the KIN major: CHEM 110 or CHEM 115A, BIOL 115 or BIOL 110, PHYS 210A, PHYS 210B, BIOL 220, BIOL 224, KIN 311, and KIN 350 or KIN 360.

For more details, please visit the department website. Please confirm these details with your major advisor.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Educational Objectives
The program will produce graduates who
1. Design creative solutions to biomedical engineering problems.
2. Engage in the practice of biomedical engineering.

Student Outcomes
The students will attain:
1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve biomedical engineering
problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and
mathematics.
2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet
specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and
welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and
economic factors.
3. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze
and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
4. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using
appropriate learning strategies.

Minor Requirements
Review requirements below and consult with your major advisor.

Minor Core (17 units)

BIOL 220 - Human Anatomy Unit(s): 4
BIOL 224 - Human Physiology Unit(s): 4
EE 220 - Electric Circuits Unit(s): 3
EE 221 - Electric Circuits Laboratory Unit(s): 1
EE 230 - Electronics I Unit(s): 3
EE 231 - Electronics I Laboratory Unit(s): 1
KIN 222 - Medical Terminology & Experiential Anatomy Unit(s): 3 (or Medical Terminology Certificate)

Support Courses (25 units)

BIOL 110 - Biological Inquiry Unit(s): 4 OR
BIOL 115 - Introduction to Biology Unit(s): 3
CHEM 110 - Introductory General Chemistry Unit(s): 3 OR
CHEM 115A - General Chemistry Unit(s): 5
CS 115 - Programming I Unit(s): 4
EE 110 - Introduction to Engineering and Laboratory Experience Unit(s): 1
MATH 161 - Differential and Integral Calculus I Unit(s): 4
MATH 211 - Differential and Integral Calculus II Unit(s): 4
PHYS 114 - Introduction to Physics I Unit(s): 4 OR
PHYS 210A - General Physics Unit(s): 3

Electives (7 units)

KIN Elective - Choose one

KIN 350 - Biomechanics Unit(s): 4
KIN 360 - Physiology of Exercise Unit(s): 4

EE Elective - Choose one

EE 473 - Introduction to Robotics and Computer Vision Unit(s): 3
EE 498 - Engineering Practicum Unit(s): 1-4

Biology, BA

The Department of Biology offers a dynamic learning environment, exciting research and training opportunities, and intensive mentoring of students at all levels. Our faculty members are dedicated educators and active scholars who engage in primary research to address diverse topics in the biological sciences. The overall mission of our undergraduate programs is to educate the next generation of scholars, professionals, and citizens so that they are prepared to meet the biological, environmental, and technological challenges of the future. Biology graduates enter careers in many areas including health care, biological and biotechnology research, education, and agency positions in parks, recreation, conservation and restoration. Graduates from the department have an outstanding record of acceptance in advanced degree programs in health professions and graduate programs.

Degree Requirements
See the “Degree Requirements” in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements.

General Education Requirements (43 units)
See the “General Education” requirements in the University Catalog for information on General Education requirements. Some major requirements may double count for GE requirements.

Major Core Requirements (16 units)
BIOL 130 - Diversity of Life Unit(s): 4
BIOL 131 - Genetics, Evolution & Ecology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 232 - Molecular and Cellular Biology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 321 - Integrative Biology Unit(s): 4

Biodiversity Requirement (choose one) (4 units)
(Check Concentration for preferred Course Selection)

BIOL 322 - Invertebrate Biology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 323 - Entomology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 327 - Vertebrate Biology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 328 - Vertebrate Evolutionary Morphology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 329 - Plant Biology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 334 - Biology of Fishes Unit(s): 4
BIOL 340 - General Bacteriology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 383 - Virology Unit(s): 4

Support Courses (20 units)
CHEM 115A - General Chemistry Unit(s): 5
CHEM 115B - General Chemistry Unit(s): 5
CHEM 335A - Organic Chemistry Unit(s): 3

MATH 161 - Differential and Integral Calculus I Unit(s): 4
OR

MATH 165 - Elementary Applied Statistics Unit(s): 4

PHYS 210A - General Physics Unit(s): 3
AND

PHYS 209A - General Physics Laboratory Unit(s): 1
OR

GEOL 102 - Our Dynamic Earth: Introduction to Geology Unit(s): 4

Upper Division Biology Electives (20 units)
Choose 20 units of upper division biology electives in consultation with department advisor.

Major electives are used to meet the total upper-division unit requirement for the BA or BS Major electives are chosen from the following:

Additional upper division courses in a concentration.
Any Biology course numbered greater than 321 (except BIOL 398). This list is subject to revision following this catalog edition. Students should check with their academic advisor for updates. Seniors may also take graduate courses (500 level) with permission of the instructor.
Supervisory courses in biology. These courses are: BIOL 393, BIOL 494, BIOL 495, BIOL 496A, BIOL 496B, BIOL 498, and BIOL 499 (see Restrictions below for unit limits for these courses).
Biology colloquium, BIOL 390, may be taken twice (2 units total) for major credit.
One course from the approved list of courses related to biology from other departments. To apply the course to the major, students must obtain written permission from their advisor and the Biology Department chair by completing an academic requirements report- update form (available from the department office). List of approved courses in this category from other departments are:

ANTH 301 - Human Fossils and Evolution Unit(s): 4
ANTH 302 - The Evolution of Males and Females Unit(s): 4
ANTH 412 - Human Osteology Unit(s): 4
ANTH 414 - Observing Primate Behavior Unit(s): 4
CHEM 445 - Structural Biochemistry Unit(s): 3
CHEM 446 - Metabolic Biochemistry Unit(s): 3
GEOL 313 - Paleontology Unit(s): 4
GEP 340 - Applied Ecology Unit(s): 3
GEP 343 - Biogeography Unit(s): 4

Concentrations

Zoology Concentration
Concentration Requirements
Complete ONE of the following, not used for diversity requirement:

BIOL 322 - Invertebrate Biology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 323 - Entomology Unit(s): 4

Complete ONE of the following, not used for core diversity requirement:

BIOL 324 - Biology of Marine Mammals Unit(s): 3
BIOL 327 - Vertebrate Biology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 328 - Vertebrate Evolutionary Morphology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 334 - Biology of Fishes Unit(s): 4

Complete TWO of the following not used for diversity requirement:

BIOL 326 - Dinosaurs and Mesozoic Vertebrates Unit(s): 3
BIOL 333 - Ecology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 335 - Marine Ecology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 336 - Biology of Parasites Unit(s): 3
BIOL 337 - Behavioral Ecology Unit(s): 3
BIOL 341 - Evolution Unit(s): 4
BIOL 347 - Environmental Physiology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 349 - Animal Physiology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 351 - Climate Change Biology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 355 - Biodiversity of Sex Unit(s): 4
BIOL 472 - Developmental Biology Unit(s): 4

Major electives for concentration
Choose 4-7 units of upper-division biology electives in consultation with department advisor.

Marine Biology Requirements
BIOL 332 - Marine Biology Unit(s): 3
BIOL 335 - Marine Ecology Unit(s): 4

Complete THREE of the following not used for core diversity requirement

BIOL 322 - Invertebrate Biology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 324 - Biology of Marine Mammals Unit(s): 3
BIOL 333 - Ecology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 337 - Behavioral Ecology Unit(s): 3
BIOL 341 - Evolution Unit(s): 4
BIOL 347 - Environmental Physiology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 351 - Climate Change Biology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 472 - Developmental Biology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 485 - Biometry Unit(s): 4

Major electives for concentration
Choose 1-4 units of upper-division biology electives in consultation with department advisor.

Units
Total GE units: 43

Total major core units: 20 (including 7 units that also count for GE)

Total support courses units: 20 (including 6 units that also count for GE)

Total major elective units (without concentration): 20

Total University Elective units: 30

Total units to graduate: 120

Biology, BS

Program Learning Outcomes
Students that graduate with a BS in Biology from Sonoma State University will:

Demonstrate proficiency in quantitative and analytical tools
Demonstrate an understanding of the critical role of evidence‐based hypotheses testing
Have a deep awareness of structure‐function relationships and emergent properties at various scales
Demonstrate an understanding of the integrative nature of biology
Preparation for Applying to Health Professions Programs
Students majoring in biology and intending to pursue careers in the health care professions may follow the guidelines for a BS degree or a BA degree. For additional information see a Health Professions Advisor for the Health Professions Advisory Program in this catalog.

Degree Requirements
See the “Degree Requirements” in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements.

Restrictions
A maximum of 4 units taken in the Cr/NC grading mode may be applied to the major from the following courses: BIOL 390, BIOL 498, BIOL 499. All other courses in the Biology major must be taken in the traditional grading mode (A-F).
A maximum of 7 units from the following list of courses may be applied to the major:
BIOL 390 - Biology Colloquium Unit(s): 1
BIOL 393 - Independent Study in Biology Unit(s): 1-3
BIOL 494 - Research Synthesis Paper Unit(s): 1-3
BIOL 495 - Special Studies Unit(s): 1-4
BIOL 496A - Thesis Research I Unit(s): 1-2
BIOL 496B - Thesis Research II Unit(s): 2-3
BIOL 498 - Biology Practicum Unit(s): 1-4
BIOL 499 - Internship in Biology Unit(s): 1-4

Capstone (3 units)
BIOL 494 - Research Synthesis Paper Unit(s): 1-3 OR
BIOL 496A - Thesis Research I Unit(s): 1-2
BIOL 496B - Thesis Research II Unit(s): 2-3

Support Courses (27 units)
CHEM 115A - General Chemistry Unit(s): 5
CHEM 115B - General Chemistry Unit(s): 5
CHEM 335A - Organic Chemistry Unit(s): 3
CHEM 335B - Organic Chemistry Unit(s): 3
MATH 161 - Differential and Integral Calculus I Unit(s): 4 OR MATH 165 Elementary Applied Statistics
PHYS 210A - General Physics Unit(s): 3
PHYS 210B - General Physics Unit(s): 3
PHYS 209A - General Physics Laboratory Unit(s): 1

Upper Division Major Electives (26 units)
Choose 26 units of upper division biology electives in consultation with department advisor.

Major electives are used to meet the total upper-division unit requirement for the BA or BS Major electives are chosen from the following:

Additional upper division courses in a concentration.
Any Biology course numbered greater than 321 (except BIOL 398). This list is subject to revision following this catalog edition. Students should check with their academic advisor for updates. Seniors may also take graduate courses (500 level) with permission of the instructor.
Supervisory courses in biology. These courses are: BIOL 393, BIOL 494, BIOL 495, BIOL 496A, BIOL 496B, BIOL 498, and BIOL 499 (see Restrictions below for unit limits for these courses).
Biology colloquium, BIOL 390, may be taken twice (2 units total) for major credit.
One course from the approved list of courses related to biology from other departments. To apply the course to the major, students must obtain written permission from their advisor and the Biology Department chair by completing an academic requirements report- update form (available from the department office). List of approved courses in this category from other departments are:

ANTH 412 - Human Osteology Unit(s): 4
ANTH 414 - Observing Primate Behavior Unit(s): 4
ANTH 301 - Human Fossils and Evolution Unit(s): 4
ANTH 302 - The Evolution of Males and Females Unit(s): 4
CHEM 445 - Structural Biochemistry Unit(s): 3
CHEM 446 - Metabolic Biochemistry Unit(s): 3
GEP 340 - Applied Ecology Unit(s): 3
GEP 343 - Biogeography Unit(s): 4
GEOL 313 - Paleontology Unit(s): 4

Concentrations

Biomedical Concentration

Biomedical Sciences Required Courses
BIOL 240 - Medical Microbiology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 342 - Molecular Genetics Unit(s): 4
BIOL 344 - Cell Biology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 349 - Animal Physiology Unit(s): 4

Complete ONE of the following courses (not completed as part of the core support courses)
MATH 161 - Differential and Integral Calculus I Unit(s): 4
MATH 165 - Elementary Applied Statistics Unit(s): 4

Additional Chemistry Support Courses
CHEM 336A - Organic Chemistry Lab I Unit(s): 2
CHEM 445 Structural Biochemistry OR CHEM 446 Metabolic Biochemistry
Unit(s): 3

Upper Division Electives (7 units)
Consult with Major advisor

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Concentration

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Concentration
Ecology and Evolution Required Courses
BIOL 333 - Ecology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 341 - Evolution Unit(s): 4

Complete ONE of the following courses
BIOL 322 - Invertebrate Biology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 323 - Entomology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 327 - Vertebrate Biology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 328 - Vertebrate Evolutionary Morphology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 329 - Plant Biology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 334 - Biology of Fishes Unit(s): 4
BIOL 338 - Environmental Microbiology Unit(s): 4

Upper Division Electives in Biology (consult with major advisor)
Recommended Elective Courses:

BIOL 330 - Plant Taxonomy Unit(s): 4
BIOL 335 - Marine Ecology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 337 - Behavioral Ecology Unit(s): 3
BIOL 342 - Molecular Genetics Unit(s): 4
BIOL 347 - Environmental Physiology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 351 - Climate Change Biology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 355 - Biodiversity of Sex Unit(s): 4
BIOL 485 - Biometry Unit(s): 4

Molecular Cell Biology Concentration

Molecular Cell Biology Required Courses
BIOL 342 - Molecular Genetics Unit(s): 4
BIOL 344 - Cell Biology Unit(s): 4

Complete TWO of the following courses
BIOL 340 - General Bacteriology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 383 - Virology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 472 - Developmental Biology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 480 - Immunology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 484 - Applied Bioinformatics Unit(s): 4

Additional Chemistry Support Courses
CHEM 336A - Organic Chemistry Lab I Unit(s): 2
CHEM 445 - Structural Biochemistry Unit(s): 3
OR

CHEM 446 - Metabolic Biochemistry Unit(s): 3
Upper Division Electives in Biology
Consult with Major advisor

Physiology Concentration

Physiology Required Courses (Complete FOUR)
Choices must include ONE of the courses indicated by*

BIOL 341 - Evolution Unit(s): 4
BIOL 342 - Molecular Genetics Unit(s): 4
BIOL 344 - Cell Biology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 346 - Neurobiology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 347 - Environmental Physiology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 348 - Plant Physiology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 349 - Animal Physiology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 472 - Developmental Biology Unit(s): 4
BIOL 480 - Immunology Unit(s): 4

Upper Division Electives in Biology
Consult with major advisor

Units
Total GE units: 43

Total units in major core: 19 (7 units count for GE)

Total units in major elective: 26

Total units in support courses: 31 (6 units count for GE)

Total University Electives: 18

Total units required for graduation: 120

Critical Literacies and English Education, Minor

The Critical Literacies and English Education minor at Sonoma State University offers students a foundation in teaching reading, writing, and language, alongside an exploration of educational contexts. This minor is designed for those interested in pursuing careers that involve teaching but do not involve full time teaching in public schools at the secondary level, which requires completing a teaching credentialing post-BA program. The minor equips students with critical pedagogical strategies and a deep understanding of language and literature. Students must complete 18-20 units, with grades of C- or better to fulfill minor requirements.

Program Learning Outcomes

Develop Effective Teaching Strategies for Reading and Writing
- Students will gain an understanding of the design, implementation and assessment of instructional strategies for teaching reading and writing to diverse student populations
Analyze and Apply Language Pedagogy
- Students will gain a deep understanding of language structure, use, and variation, and pedagogical approaches to teaching grammar, rhetoric, and linguistics.
Understand Educational Contexts and Culturally Relevant Pedagogy
- Students will critically examine the historical, social, and cultural contexts of education, particularly in California, and develop culturally responsive-sustaining teaching practices that support diverse learners and promote equity in education.

Core Requirement: Teaching Reading & Writing
Required: Take two required courses (8 units)

ENGL 492 - Reading and Responding to Literature Unit(s): 4
ENGL 491 - Seminar in Teaching Composition Unit(s): 4

Core Requirement: Teaching Language
Required: Take one course from the following (4 units)

ENGL 341 - Explorations in Language Unit(s): 4
ENGL 379 - Structure of English: Pedagogical Grammar Unit(s): 4
ENGL 487 - Studies in Rhetoric Unit(s): 4
ENGL 489 - Topics in Linguistics Unit(s): 4

Core Requirement: Teaching Context
Required: Take one from the following (3-4 units)

ENGL 200 - Teaching CA Histories of Schooling & Education Unit(s): 3
ENGL 315 - California Ethnic Literature Unit(s): 3
ENGL 343 - Youth and Literature Unit(s): 4
ENGL 350 - Survey in a Distinct Ethnic Tradition Unit(s): 4

Electives
In addition to taking a required course in each of the core areas (Teaching Reading & Writing; Teaching Language; and Teaching Context) students must take one elective course (3-4 units), which must be an upper-division ENGL course.

ENGL 307 - Introduction to Fiction Writing Unit(s): 4
ENGL 313 - Classical Literature and Myth Unit(s): 4
ENGL 314 - Modern World Literature in English Unit(s): 3
ENGL 315 - California Ethnic Literature Unit(s): 3
ENGL 318 - Introduction to Poetry Writing Unit(s): 4
ENGL 339 - Introduction to Shakespeare Unit(s): 4
ENGL 341 - Explorations in Language Unit(s): 4
ENGL 342 - Children’s Literature Unit(s): 4
ENGL 343 - Youth and Literature Unit(s): 4
ENGL 350 - Survey in a Distinct Ethnic Tradition Unit(s): 4
ENGL 352 - Personal Essay Unit(s): 4
ENGL 367 - Introduction to Short Story Unit(s): 4
ENGL 368 - Small Press Editing: ZAUM Unit(s): 4
ENGL 369 - Introduction to Poetry Unit(s): 4
ENGL 375 - Advanced Composition Unit(s): 4
ENGL 379 - Structure of English: Pedagogical Grammar Unit(s): 4
ENGL 385 - Junior Seminar Unit(s): 4
ENGL 400 - English Lecture Series Unit(s): 1-4
ENGL 401 - Introduction to Modern Critical Theory Unit(s): 4
ENGL 402 - Introduction to Digital Humanities Unit(s): 4
ENGL 403 - Contemporary World Literature: Form and Practice Unit(s): 4
ENGL 407 - Advanced Fiction Writing Unit(s): 1-4
ENGL 409 - Master Class-Fiction Writing Unit(s): 4
ENGL 418 - Advanced Poetry Writing Unit(s): 4
ENGL 430 - Creative Writing: Select Genres Unit(s): 1-4
ENGL 435 - Directed Writing Unit(s): 2-8
ENGL 436 - Studies in Postcolonial Literature Unit(s): 4
ENGL 439 - Studies in Shakespeare Unit(s): 4
ENGL 447 - Studies in Comparative Literature Unit(s): 3-4
ENGL 448 - Periods in British Literature Unit(s): 4
ENGL 450 - Periods in American Literature Unit(s): 4
ENGL 451 - Feminist Perspectives in Literature Unit(s): 4
ENGL 472 - Studies in the Novel Unit(s): 4
ENGL 474 - Studies in Drama Unit(s): 4
ENGL 475 - Master Class in Nonfiction Unit(s): 4

Education with a Concentration in Teaching, MA

Sonoma State University’s School of Education offers a Master of Arts in Education degree with four distinct concentrations. Each of these concentrations reflects the philosophy, purpose, and goals of the School of Teacher Education and Leadership. In our MA program, students critically examine educational theories and research through a variety of empirical and theoretical lenses with a focus on social justice to develop an informed educational vision and innovative pedagogy in a variety of educational settings. Students have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty and colleagues to examine and influence current educational practice through research, project development, and advocacy. We expect graduates to emerge from their work at Sonoma State University as leaders in their field and agents of change.

The four MA in Education areas of concentration offered at Sonoma State University are:

Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning (see Department of Curriculum Studies and Secondary Education);
Reading and Language (see Department of Literacy Studies and Elementary Education);
Special Education (see Department of Educational Leadership and Special Education)
Teaching (see School of Teacher and Leader Education)

Students must maintain a 3.00 grade point average in all coursework in the MA program.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students can articulate how the MA coursework has contributed to their personal, intellectual, and professional growth in relationship to the social justice framework of the School of Education.
Students demonstrate how their breadth and depth of knowledge about advancing social justice in schools and communities has changed in regard to reading and applying educational research.
Students demonstrate their ability to critically analyze multiple historical, philosophical and theoretical perspectives in relationship to issues of educational and social inequities.
Students can explain how the MA program has contributed to their understanding of equity and access for all learners.
Students can explain how the MA program has contributed to their ability to be an advocate for social justice in education.
Students demonstrate the ability to write at a graduate level.
Students complete a culminating activity in which they cogently demonstrate:
- their ability to draw from appropriate and adequate peer-reviewed research
- connections between their project and their work as an educator
- the significance of the project to the local educational context

MA Core Courses (18 units)

EDCT 575 - Learning and Assessment in Education Unit(s): 3

Concentration in Teaching Requirements (15 units)

15 units of coursework from any preliminary teaching credential may be used to fulfill the concentration requirements, provided these units were not completed as part of an undergraduate degree. The following courses are recommended for use in the concentration:

Total units: 33

German, Minor

The German minor program enriches students’ academic and career opportunities by providing them with skills that complement many majors at SSU. German helps students understand themselves as participants in their own culture. It also helps them understand U.S. history and culture, since German-Americans represent the largest single heritage population. Moreover, German is the most widely spoken language in Europe. Knowing German also opens up opportunities to connect with more than 120 million native speakers worldwide. Additionally, the study of German prepares students to be competitive for graduate school, since many graduate programs require or recommend German. German minors may also have a distinct advantage entering a professional career, in fields such as international business, economics, science, history, global studies, music, or teaching. The SSU German program offers a variety of courses that provide students with linguistic skills and cultural knowledge of the German-speaking world. Students are encouraged to participate in the CSU International Programs and take courses in Germany, which may be counted toward the minor. Students wishing to study abroad are strongly encouraged to consult with their German advisor to ensure that courses taken abroad can be applied to the German minor. A minimum of 8 of the 21 required units must be taken at SSU.

Requirements for the Minor

The German minor program consists of a minimum of 21 units of college coursework in German, of which 8 units must be taken at SSU: 4 units at the 200 level (GER 200 or GER 210) and 4 units consisting of GER 300. Additionally, German minor students must attain the “Goethe-Zertifikat B1” (Zertifikat Deutsch), the internationally recognized proficiency certificate offered annually at SSU under the auspices of the Goethe Institute. Students who have successfully completed the SSU German Program may be confident of passing the certification examination, offered at Sonoma State University at the end of every spring semester.

All German courses, except for GER 101, count toward the German minor. Note that GER 300 must be taken in residence at SSU. The German minor presupposes 4 units or the equivalent of GER 101 (4 units). Students who wish to minor in German are required to take the following 6 courses:

* Prerequisite for German minor students: GER 101 or consent of instructor.

Course may be repeated for credit if topic changes.

** Prerequisites: GER 200 and GER 210, or consent of instructor.

Course may be repeated for credit if topic changes.

Units

Total units in the minor: 21

Health, Culture, and Social Justice, Minor

The minor in Health, Culture, and Social Justice provides a social science-grounded curriculum focused on health and well-being. The program provides training for students in how health is shaped by biology, society, and history - as well as how it is distributed unequally across gender, race, class, disability, and other forms of social difference. Through opportunities for experiential learning in and outside of the classroom, students develop tools for bringing about a social world more fully and equitably characterized by health and well-being.

Program Learning Outcomes

Understand how to approach “health” and “healing” from social, critical, temporal/historical, and biological perspectives.
Critically examine how human biology shapes health, mental health, and reproduction.
Describe “biomedicine” as a cultural or ideological system that reflects and sustains inequities in health and well-being.
Identify inequities in health across race, class, disability/ableism, gender, and sexuality, particularly as they are shaped by histories of marginalization and exclusion.

Required Course
The Health, Culture, and Social Justice Minor requires a 4 unit, core class.

HD 250 - Health and Social Justice Across the Life Course Unit(s): 4

Social Justice Approaches to Health
Students must take a course that focuses on themes of social justice and health (for a total of 4 units), selected from the following two courses.

HD 340 - Culture and Language of Biomedicine Unit(s): 4
HD 342 - Topics in Health and Social Justice Unit(s): 4

Biological Approaches to Health
Students must take a course that takes up the relationship between biology and health (for a total of 3-4 units), drawn from the following courses.

ANTH 309WIC - Health and Disease in the Past Unit(s): 4
ANTH 318 - Human Development in Evolutionary Perspective Unit(s): 3
ANTH 329 - Bioarchaeology Unit(s): 4
HD 343 - Topics in Health and Biology Unit(s): 4

Social and Cultural Approaches to Health
Students must take two classes that explore the social and cultural shaping of health (for a total of 8 units), chosen from the following courses. Note that POLS 487 and HIST 376 are topics classes. They can count towards the minor only when specific topics are taught. Please contact the Health, Culture, and Social Justice coordinator for more information.

ANTH 348 - Foundations in Critical Medical Anthropology Unit(s): 4
GEP 325 - Global Food Systems: Scarcity and Sustainability Unit(s): 4
GEP 371 - Social Geography of the American City Unit(s): 3
HD 341 - Mental Health in Culture Unit(s): 4
HIST 376 - Special Topics and Themes in World History Unit(s): 2-4
POLS 487 - Selected Topics in Comparative Politics Unit(s): 4
SOCI 332 - Death and American Culture Unit(s): 4
SOCI 417 - Sociology of Mental Health and Illness Unit(s): 4
SOCI 440 - Sociology of Reproduction Unit(s): 4
SOCI 452 - Health Care, Illness, and Society Unit(s): 4
WGS 335 - Reproductive Justice Unit(s): 4

Human Rights Studies, Minor

The minor in Human Rights Studies is a cross-disciplinary program for Sonoma State students who are interested in a curriculum that focuses on human rights. The program includes opportunities for hand-on learning, both in the classroom and beyond. Through a combination of required and elective courses across several disciplines, students gain an understanding of issues surrounding human rights: genocide, environmental justice, human rights leadership, public health, and the history and politics of social justice movements.

Required Courses
The Human Rights Minor comprises a 9-unit, 3-course core, which is required for all students.

HIST 307 - Perspectives on the Holocaust and Genocide Unit(s): 3
Or its crosslist
POLS 307 - Perspectives on the Holocaust and Genocide Unit(s): 3
UNIV 320 - Applied leadership and Community Organizing Unit(s): 3
POLS 250 - Genocide and Atrocity Prevention Simulation Unit(s): 3

Elective Courses
In addition to the 3 required courses, students must take 2 elective courses (6-8 units) total. The inclusion as elective units of HIST 371 and 498 and CCJS 375 are topic dependent. Please see the instructor and the Human Rights Minor coordinator.

ANTH 315 - Forensic Anthropology Theory and Practice Unit(s): 4
CCJS 375 - Current Issues in Criminology and Criminal Justice Unit(s): 4
CCJS 405 - Rights of the Accused Unit(s): 4
HIST 351 - American Thought and Society to 1865 Unit(s): 4
HIST 352 - American Thought and Society, 1865 to the Present Unit(s): 4
HIST 371 - Special Topics and Themes in European History Unit(s): 2-4
HIST 383 - The Atlantic World, 1450-1800 Unit(s): 4
HIST 414 - Gender and Society in Early Modern Europe Unit(s): 4
HIST 418 - Fall of European Communism Unit(s): 4
HIST 456 - The Emergence of Modern America Unit(s): 4
HIST 458 - Modern America since World War II Unit(s): 3-4
HIST 465 - History of African-American Thought and Culture Unit(s): 4
HIST 468 - African American History Unit(s): 4
HIST 469 - Religion in America Unit(s): 4
HIST 470 - The American South Unit(s): 4
HIST 498WIC - Senior Seminar Unit(s): 4
PHIL 203 - Global Justice Unit(s): 3
POLS 444 - United States Foreign Policy Unit(s): 4
POLS 445 - International Organizations Unit(s): 4
POLS 446 - International Relations of the Middle East: Israel, the Palestinians, and the United States Unit(s): 4
POLS 447 - Nonviolent Strategies in International Relations Unit(s): 4
POLS 448 - Political Violence, Terrorism, and Law Unit(s): 4
POLS 486 - Selected Issues: International Politics Unit(s): 3-4
POLS 487 - Selected Topics in Comparative Politics Unit(s): 4
POLS 507 - Ethics in Administration Unit(s): 4
UNIV 320 - Applied leadership and Community Organizing Unit(s): 3
WGS 201 - Gender, Race, Justice Lecture Series Unit(s): 3
WGS 335 - Reproductive Justice Unit(s): 4
WGS 375 - Gender, Power and Freedom in U.S. History Unit(s): 3
WGS 385 - Transnational Feminisms Unit(s): 3-4
PHIL 375 - Drugs, Sex Work, Punishment and More: Philosophy of Law Unit(s): 4

Political Science, Minor

The political science program at Sonoma State University offers excellent opportunities for the study of government and politics. In this minor, students will develop an understanding of human behavior as it relates to politics, will learn to discuss and analyze critically current public policy issues facing the United States and the world, and will be introduced to appropriate research techniques for the study of political processes.

The five-course minor allows students to choose from a range of courses and subjects within a general framework. There is a two-course core that includes POLS 200: American Political System and POLS 205: Introduction to Political Theory, plus an additional three upper-division electives that may be taken from any subfield within the discipline (American Government, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory), though the department recommends that students choose one course from three of these fields.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students should have begun to:
Develop critical thinking skills necessary for the evaluation of social scientific concepts, including the ability to distinguish between, and use, techniques of deductive and inductive reasoning.
Develop persuasive analytical thinking and writing skills (e.g., the ability to articulate, support, and defend an argument).
Understand the research process in the social sciences (e.g., differences between normative and empirical perspectives; the differences between probabilistic and deterministic reasoning; and the differences between the major analytical approaches used in applied research).
Have a comprehensive understanding of the concept of power and how it is manifested in various ways in political interactions, including through the processes of democracy itself.
Acquire the requisite skills for sophisticated information competency and civic literacy.
Comprehend the obligations and expectations of citizenship at all levels.
Understand the dynamics between citizens and political institutions for shaping political outcomes.
Comprehend the multiple motivations and constraints underlying political behavior.
Be able to identify the multi-causal nature that characterizes the political world.
Be able to present a reasoned argument in support of a policy position of relevance to Social and Political Science topics.
Have designed, implemented, written up, and presented to their capstone seminar an original research project.

Code Requirements

POLS 200 - American Political System

Fulfills state code requirements in U.S. Constitution and California state and local government. Upper-division courses may also be used to satisfy certain of these code requirements upon approval by the department chair.

Minor Requirements

Required Courses:

POLS 200 - American Political System Unit(s): 3

POLS 205 - Introduction to Political Theory Unit(s): 3

Upper-divison electives (choose three of the following):

POLS 302 - Social Science Research Methods Unit(s): 4

POLS 303 - Comparative Political Analysis Unit(s): 4

POLS 304 - Theory and Analysis of International Relations Unit(s): 4

POLS 307 - Perspectives on the Holocaust and Genocide Unit(s): 3

POLS 310 - Classical Political Thought Unit(s): 2-4

POLS 311 - Modern Political Thought: Machiavelli to Present Unit(s): 4

POLS 312 - American Political Thought Unit(s): 4

POLS 313 - Critical Theory: Race and Gender Unit(s): 4

POLS 314 - Environmental Political Theory Unit(s): 4

POLS 315 - Modern Political Ideologies Unit(s): 3

POLS 320 - State, City, and County Government Unit(s): 4

POLS 330 - Race, Ethnicity, and Politics Unit(s): 4

POLS 345 - Model United Nations (MUN) Unit(s): 4

POLS 350 - European Parliamentary Democracies Unit(s): 4

POLS 351 - Politics of Russia Unit(s): 4

POLS 352 - Politics of Eastern Europe Unit(s): 4

POLS 390 - Special Topics Unit(s): 1-4

POLS 391 - Gender and Politics Unit(s): 4

POLS 406 - Interdisciplinary Seminar Unit(s): 1-4

POLS 415 - Explorations in Political Theory Unit(s): 3-4

POLS 420 - American Political Development Unit(s): 4

POLS 421 - Federal and Intergovernmental Relations Unit(s): 3-4

POLS 424 - The Bill of Rights, Civil Liberties, and the Constitution Unit(s): 4

POLS 425 - The American Party System Unit(s): 4

POLS 426 - The Legislative Process Unit(s): 4

POLS 427 - The American Presidency Unit(s): 4

POLS 429 - Interest Groups Unit(s): 4

POLS 430 - Introduction to Public Administration Unit(s): 4

POLS 431 - Politics and the Media Unit(s): 4

POLS 439 - Political Science Internship Unit(s): 1-6

POLS 444 - United States Foreign Policy Unit(s): 4

POLS 445 - International Organizations Unit(s): 4

POLS 446 - International Relations of the Middle East: Israel, the Palestinians, and the United States Unit(s): 4

POLS 447 - Nonviolent Strategies in International Relations Unit(s): 4

POLS 448 - Political Violence, Terrorism, and Law Unit(s): 4

POLS 449 - Gender and Geopolitics in Science Fiction and Fantasy Unit(s): 4

POLS 450 - Politics of Asia Unit(s): 4

POLS 452 - Politics of the Developing World Unit(s): 4

POLS 453 - Politics of Latin America Unit(s): 4

POLS 466 - Political Psychology Unit(s): 4

POLS 475 - Urban Politics and Policy Unit(s): 4

POLS 483 - Politics of Wealth and Poverty Unit(s): 4

POLS 484 - Elections and Voter Behavior Unit(s): 4

POLS 486 - Selected Issues: International Politics Unit(s): 3-4

POLS 487 - Selected Topics in Comparative Politics Unit(s): 4

POLS 488 - Special Topics in American Government and Politics Unit(s): 4

POLS 494 - Selected Topics in Political Science Unit(s): 1-4

POLS 495 - Special Studies in Political Science Unit(s): 1-4

Units

Total units in the minor: 16-18