Associate Degree in General Studies Pattern I

Associate Degree in General Studies Pattern I

Associate Degree in General Studies Pattern I

About the Associate in Arts (AA) Degree in General Studies Pattern I

This pattern provides an opportunity to earn an Associate in Arts (AA) in General Studies. Each area of emphasis within this pattern covers a broad area of study and is intended for students who may not be planning to transfer to a four-year university or who may need to explore possibilities before committing themselves to a major.

Requirements for the Associate in Arts (AA) Degree in General Studies Pattern I

  1. Choose an area of emphasis from one of four Ventura College area-of-emphasis lists below and complete the courses required for that area of emphasis (a minimum of 18 semester units of degree-applicable college credit coursework). Courses for the area of emphasis must be completed with a grade of "C" or better or “P” if the course is taken on a “pass-no pass” basis (Title 5 § 55063). Even though a “P” is allowed, it is recommended that students complete all coursework in the area of emphasis for a letter grade ("A," "B," or "C"). At least 6 units of the 18 units required for the area of emphasis must be completed within a single discipline.
    Note: Universities have limitations on the number of units that may be taken on a “pass-no pass" basis and therefore it is strongly recommended that students take all coursework in the area of emphasis for a letter grade. Most universities also have limitations on the number of general education units that may be completed on a "pass/no pass" basis.
  2. Complete Ventura College’s General Education requirements (areas A through F)
    1. Natural Sciences (a minimum of 6 semester units)
      • Biological Science: one (1) course
      • Physical Science: one (1) course
    2. Social and Behavioral Sciences (a minimum of 6 semester units)
      • American History and Institutions: one (1) course
      • Social and Behavioral Sciences: one (1) course
    3. Humanities (a minimum of 6 semester units)
      • Fine Arts / Performing Arts: one (1) course
      • Humanities: one (1) course
    4. Language and Rationality (a minimum of 6 semester units)
      • English Composition: one (1) course
      • Communication and Analytical Thinking: one (1) course
    5. Health and Physical Education/Kinesiology (no unit minimum)
      • Health Education: one (1) course
      • Physical Education/Kinesiology, Intercollegiate Athletics, or Dance activity: one (1) activity course
    6. Ethnic/Gender Studies (a minimum of 3 semester units)
      • Ethnic/Gender Studies: one (1) course
  3. Satisfactorily complete at least 60 semester units of degree-applicable college coursework (including general education, area of emphasis, and, if needed, free electives).
  4. Demonstrate competency in reading, written expression, and mathematics as defined in Title 5 § 55063 for the appropriate catalog year.
  5. Achieve a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better in degree-applicable college credit coursework.
  6. Complete a minimum of 12 semester units in residence at the college granting the degree. Exceptions to the residency requirement can be made by the VCCCD Board of Trustees when injustice or undue hardship would result.
  7. Apply for the Associate Degree in the Counseling Office by the published deadline dates. All of the student's official transcripts and test scores (such as AP, IB, or CLEP) must be on file with the Admissions and Records office.

Note: Students planning to transfer to a four-year university are advised that this curriculum may not adequately prepare them for transfer. General Studies Patterns II and III degrees are designed for transfer students.

References: AP 4025 Philosophy and Criteria for Associate Degree and General Education; last reviewed by the VCCCD Board of Trustees in May 2017. AP 4100 Graduation Requirements for Degrees and Certificates; last reviewed by the VCCCD Board of Trustees in December 2022.

Areas of Emphasis for Pattern I Offered at Ventura College

At the time of catalog publication, a student may earn the following General Studies AA Pattern I (Area of Emphasis) degrees at Ventura College:

Natural Sciences Emphasis

The courses that fulfill the Natural Sciences area of emphasis will examine the physical universe, its life forms, and its natural phenomena. The courses are designed to develop students' appreciation and understanding of the scientific method and encourage an understanding of the relationships between science and other human activities.

Course ID Title Units/Hours
AG V04Introduction to Soil Science3
AG V06Introduction to Plant Science (with Laboratory)3
AG V21Introduction to Integrated Pest Management (IPM)3
AG V22Introduction to Plant Pathology: Insects and Diseases of Plants3
AG V30Plant Propagation and Production3
AG V42Plant Identification and Culture: Spring Specimens3
AG V43Plant Identification and Culture: Fall Specimens3
AG V61Introduction to Animal Science3
AG V66Anatomy and Physiology of Animals4
ANAT V01Human Anatomy4
ANPH V01Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology5
ANTH V01Biological Anthropology3
ANTH V01LBiological Anthropology Laboratory1
ANTH V35Introduction to Forensic Science3
ANTH V35LIntroduction to Forensic Science Laboratory 1
ANTH V36Forensic Anthropology3
AST V01Elementary Astronomy3
AST V01LElementary Astronomy Laboratory 1
BIOL V01Principles of Biology3
BIOL V01LPrinciples of Biology Laboratory1
BIOL V03Introduction to Organismal Biology and Ecology5
BIOL V04Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology5
BIOL V10Introduction to Environmental Issues3
BIOL V12Human Biology3
BIOL V14Field Biology4
BIOL V18Human Heredity3
BIOL V234
BIOL V29Marine Biology3
BIOL V29LMarine Biology Laboratory1
CHEM V01AGeneral Chemistry I3
CHEM V01ALGeneral Chemistry I Laboratory2
CHEM V01BGeneral Chemistry II3
CHEM V01BLGeneral Chemistry II Laboratory2
CHEM V12AGeneral Organic Chemistry I3
CHEM V12ALGeneral Organic Chemistry I Laboratory2
CHEM V12BGeneral Organic Chemistry II3
CHEM V12BLGeneral Organic Chemistry II Laboratory2
CHEM V20Elementary Chemistry4
CHEM V20LElementary Chemistry Laboratory1
CHEM V21Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry3
CHEM V21LIntroduction to Organic and Biochemistry Laboratory2
CHEM V30Chemistry for Health Sciences4
CHEM V30LChemistry for Health Sciences Laboratory1
CJ V35Introduction to Forensic Science3
CJ V35LIntroduction to Forensic Science Laboratory 1
CJ V36Forensic Anthropology3
ESRM V01Introduction to Environmental Issues3
ESRM V02Introduction to Environmental Science3
ESRM V10Environmental Ecology3
ESRM V14Conservation of Natural Resources3
GEOG V01Elements of Physical Geography3
GEOG V01LElements of Physical Geography Laboratory1
GEOG V05Introduction to Weather and Climate3
GEOG V22Fundamentals of Mapping and Geographic Information Systems3
GEOL V02Physical Geology3
GEOL V02LPhysical Geology Laboratory1
GEOL V03Historical Geology3
GEOL V03LHistorical Geology Laboratory1
GEOL V07Geology of National Parks3
GEOL V09Earth Science with Laboratory4
GEOL V11Introduction to Oceanography3
GEOL V21Natural Disasters3
GIS V22Fundamentals of Mapping and Geographic Information Systems3
MICR V01General Microbiology4
NS V07Pharmacology3
PHSC V01Concepts in Physical Science4
PHSO V01Human Physiology4
PHYS V01Elementary Physics5
PHYS V02AGeneral Physics I: Algebra/Trigonometry-Based4
PHYS V02ALGeneral Physics I Laboratory: Algebra/Trigonometry-Based1
PHYS V02BGeneral Physics II: Algebra/Trigonometry-Based4
PHYS V02BLGeneral Physics II Laboratory: Algebra/Trigonometry-Based1
PHYS V03AGeneral Physics I: Calculus-Based4
PHYS V03ALGeneral Physics I Laboratory: Calculus-Based1
PHYS V03BGeneral Physics II: Calculus-Based4
PHYS V03BLGeneral Physics II Laboratory: Calculus-Based1
PHYS V04Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers4
PHYS V04LMechanics Laboratory for Scientists and Engineers1
PHYS V05Electricity and Magnetism for Scientists and Engineers4
PHYS V05LElectricity and Magnetism Laboratory for Scientists and Engineers1
PHYS V06Optics, Heat, and Modern Physics: For Scientists and Engineers4
PHYS V06LOptics, Heat, and Modern Physics Laboratory for Scientists and Engineers1
PSY V03Introduction to Biological Psychology3

Social and Behavioral Sciences Emphasis

The courses that fulfill the Social and Behavioral Sciences area of emphasis will examine people as members of society. The courses are designed to:

  • develop students' awareness of the method of inquiry used by the social and behavioral sciences,
  • stimulate critical thinking about the ways people respond to their societies, and
  • promote appreciation of how societies and social subgroups operate.
Course ID Title Units/Hours
AES V01Native Peoples of North America3
AES V02AUnited States History: Focus on Native Americans to Reconstruction3
AES V02BUnited States History: Focus on Native Americans Since the Civil War3
AES V11Racial and Ethnic Group Relations3
AES V20Introduction to Chicano Studies3
AES V21AThe Heritage of Mexico to the First Republic3
AES V21BThe Heritage of Mexico Since Liberation3
AES V22United States History: Focus on Chicanos since 18503
AES V23Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x Studies Issues3
AES V24Sociology of the Chicano Community3
AES V40AUnited States History: Focus on African Americans to Reconstruction3
AES V40BUnited States History: Focus on African Americans Since Reconstruction3
AES V41African American Experience3
AES V42AAfrican History to 18003
AES V42BAfrican History since 18003
AES V613
AES V63United States History: Focus on Asian Americans3
AG V12Agriculture Economics3
ANTH V02Cultural Anthropology3
ANTH V03Introduction to Archaeology3
ANTH V04Native Peoples of North America3
ANTH V05Linguistic Anthropology: Culture and Communication3
ANTH V06Sex, Gender, and Culture3
ANTH V07The Anthropology of Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion3
ANTH V35Introduction to Forensic Science3
ANTH V35LIntroduction to Forensic Science Laboratory 1
ANTH V36Forensic Anthropology3
BUS V30Introduction to Business3
CD V02Child Growth and Development3
CD V03Human Development3
CD V05Teaching in a Diverse Society3
CD V10Introduction to Children with Special Needs3
CD V27Infant and Toddler Development3
CD V61Child, Family, and Community3
CHST V01Introduction to Chicano Studies3
CHST V02Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x Studies Issues3
CHST V24Sociology of the Chicano Community3
ECON V01APrinciples of Macroeconomics3
ECON V01BPrinciples of Microeconomics3
ESRM V03Introduction to Environmental Policy and Natural Resource Management3
FILM V11History of International Cinema: World War II to the Present3
GEOG V02Introduction to Human Geography3
GEOG V06Geography of California3
GEOG V08World Regional Geography3
GEOG V16Regional Field Studies1
HIST V13African American Experience3
HIST V16United States History: Focus on Foreign Relations3
HIST V303
HIST V32United States History: Focus on Women to 18603
HIST V43United States History: Focus on African Americans to Reconstruction3
HIST V44History of the Americas to 18213
HIST V45United States History: Focus on Native Americans to Reconstruction3
HIST V46United States History to 18773
HIST V48The Heritage of Mexico to the First Republic3
HIST V50United States History: Focus on Asian Americans3
HIST V51United States History: Focus on African Americans Since Reconstruction3
HIST V53United States History: Focus on Women since 18603
HIST V54History of the Americas since 17633
HIST V55United States History: Focus on Native Americans Since the Civil War3
HIST V56United States History since 18773
HIST V57The Heritage of Mexico Since Liberation3
HIST V58United States History: Focus on Chicanos since 18503
HIST V59History of California3
HIST V70Introduction to Western Civilization to the Scientific Revolution3
HIST V73African History to 18003
HIST V76World History to 15503
HIST V78History of Modern Middle East3
HIST V79Introduction to the History of East Asia3
HIST V82Introduction to Western Civilization since the Scientific Revolution3
HIST V83African History since 18003
HIST V86World History Since 15503
HIST V87Introduction to the History of Science and Technology3
POLS V01American Government3
POLS V02Comparative Government3
POLS V03Introduction to Political Science3
POLS V04Introduction to Political Theory3
POLS V05Introduction to International Relations3
POLS V09United States-Mexico Relations3
POLS V104
POLS V11Government & Politics of Mexico3
POLS V12Introduction to Environmental Policy and Natural Resource Management3
POLS V14Global Studies3
POLS V17Introduction to American Law3
POLS V18Introduction to Global Issues3
POLS V89C
PSY V01Introduction to Psychology3
PSY V02Personal Growth and Social Awareness3
PSY V05Introduction to Developmental Psychology3
PSY V07Introduction to Research Methods in Social and Behavioral Sciences3
PSY V15Introduction to Abnormal Psychology3
PSY V25Psychology of Human Sexuality3
PSY V29Introduction to Personality Psychology3
PSY V30Multicultural Psychology3
PSY V31Introduction to Social Psychology3
SOC V01Introduction to Sociology3
SOC V02Social Problems3
SOC V03Racial and Ethnic Group Relations3
SOC V04Sociology of Gender Roles3
SOC V05Sociology of Relationships: Intimacy, Commitment, and Family Patterns3
SOC V07Sociological Analysis3
SOC V13Sociology of Deviance, Crime, and Society3
SOC V24Sociology of the Chicano Community3
SOC V31Introduction to Social Psychology3
SWHS V01Introduction to Social Work and Human Services3

Arts and Humanities Emphasis

The courses that fulfill the Arts and Humanities area of emphasis will examine the cultural activities and artistic expressions of human beings. The courses are designed to develop students' awareness of the ways in which people throughout the ages and in different cultures have responded to themselves and the world around them in artistic and cultural creation and to develop students' aesthetic understanding and ability to make value judgments.

Course ID Title Units/Hours
AES V10Introduction to African and Pre-Columbian Art3
AES V12
AES V613
AES V63United States History: Focus on Asian Americans3
AES V65Introduction to Asian Art3
AES V66Introduction to Modern and Contemporary Latin American Art3
AES V673
ART V01Art Appreciation3
ART V02AIntroduction to the History of Western Art I3
ART V02BIntroduction to the History of Western Art II3
ART V02C3
ART V02DArt of the Ancient Mediterranean3
ART V03Introduction to African and Pre-Columbian Art3
ART V04Introduction to Renaissance and Baroque Art3
ART V05Introduction to American Art3
ART V06Introduction to Modern Art3
ART V07Introduction to Women in the Arts3
ART V08Introduction to Asian Art3
ART V09AArt of the Ancient Americas3
ART V09BIntroduction to Modern and Contemporary Latin American Art3
ART V11AColor and Design: Two-Dimensional Design3
ART V11BColor and Design: Color Theory and Practice3
ART V12ADrawing and Composition I3
ART V12BDrawing and Composition II3
ART V13ALife Drawing I3
ART V13BLife Drawing II3
ART V15ALife Painting I3
ART V16ABeginning Oil Painting I3
ART V19Three-Dimensional Design3
ART V27Metal Art Sculpture3
ART V29AIllustration I3
ART V46ABeginning Acrylic Painting I3
ART V50AHandbuilding Ceramics I3
ART V51ABeginning Ceramics I3
ART V58AFigure Sculpture I3
ART V68Introduction to Digital Art3
ART V71Graphic Design: Typography3
ART V72Introduction to Graphic Design3
COMM V01Introduction to Speech Communication3
COMM V03Group Communication3
COMM V05Oral Interpretation and Communication of Literature3
COMM V10Critical Thinking in Oral Communication: Argumentation and Debate3
COMM V12Intercultural Communication3
COMM V15Interpersonal Communication3
COMM V16Introduction to Mass Communications3
DANC V01Dance Appreciation3
DANC V02Dance History3
DANC V033
DANC V042
DANC V10AModern I2
DANC V13ATap I2
DANC V14Movement for the Theatre2
DANC V15ABallet I2
DANC V23Ballroom Dance2
DANC V27Street Dance2
DANC V29AJazz I2
DANC V30ADance Performance I3
DANC V50AComposition I2
ENGL V01BCritical Thinking and Composition Through Literature4
ENGL V01CCritical Thinking and Writing3
ENGL V10Creative Writing3
ENGL V11AIntermediate Creative Writing I3
ENGL V12Introduction to Media Writing3
ENGL V15Introduction to Poetry3
ENGL V16Introduction to Fiction3
ENGL V18Children's Literature and Film3
ENGL V21ABritish Literature before 18003
ENGL V21BBritish Literature since 18003
ENGL V22AAmerican Literature: Colonial Period to 18653
ENGL V22BAmerican Literature: 1865 to Present3
ENGL V23Introduction to Dramatic Literature3
ENGL V26Introduction to Shakespeare and Film3
ENGL V29AAesthetics of Film I3
ENGL V29BAesthetics of Film II3
ENGL V30World Literature: Antiquity to 16503
ENGL V31World Literature: 1650 to Present3
ENGL V33Introduction to African American Literature3
ENGL V34Introduction to Chicana/o Literature3
ENGL V35Introduction to Multicultural American Literature3
ENGL V36Women in Literature3
FILM V01Introduction to Media Aesthetics and Cinematic Arts3
FILM V04Documentary Filmmaking3
FILM V05Narrative Filmmaking3
FILM V10Contemporary American Cinema3
FREN V01Elementary French I5
FREN V02Elementary French II5
GERM V01Elementary German I5
GERM V02Elementary German II5
HIST V43United States History: Focus on African Americans to Reconstruction3
HIST V45United States History: Focus on Native Americans to Reconstruction3
HIST V50United States History: Focus on Asian Americans3
HIST V51United States History: Focus on African Americans Since Reconstruction3
HIST V55United States History: Focus on Native Americans Since the Civil War3
HIST V58United States History: Focus on Chicanos since 18503
HIST V70Introduction to Western Civilization to the Scientific Revolution3
HIST V76World History to 15503
HIST V79Introduction to the History of East Asia3
HIST V82Introduction to Western Civilization since the Scientific Revolution3
IDS V083
ITAL V01Elementary Italian I5
ITAL V02Elementary Italian II5
JAPN V01Elementary Japanese I5
JAPN V02Elementary Japanese II5
MUS V01Fundamentals of Music3
MUS V03Introduction to World Music3
MUS V06History of Rock and Roll3
MUS V07History of Jazz3
MUS V08Music Appreciation3
MUS V09AWestern Music History and Literature I: Antiquity to 17503
MUS V09BWestern Music History and Literature II: 1750 to the Present3
MUS V39Introduction to Music Technology3
PHIL V01Introduction to Philosophy3
PHIL V02Introduction to Ethics3
PHIL V03ASurvey of World Religions: East3
PHIL V03BSurvey of World Religions: West3
PHIL V04Introduction to Logic3
PHIL V06A3
PHIL V06B3
PHIL V09Zen Buddhism3
PHIL V10World Mythology3
PHIL V12Introduction to Religion3
PHIL V14Confucianism and Taoism3
PHIL V15Teachings of Jesus in Comparative Perspective3
PHOT V01Beginning Photography3
PHOT V02Digital Studio3
PHOT V07History of Photography3
SL V10A3
SL V10B3
SL V10C3
SPAN V01Elementary Spanish I5
SPAN V02Elementary Spanish II5
SPAN V03Intermediate Spanish I5
SPAN V03SSpanish Heritage Language I5
SPAN V04Intermediate Spanish II5
SPAN V04SSpanish Heritage Language II5
THA V01Introduction to Theatre3
THA V02AActing I3
THA V05AStagecraft I3
THA V05BStagecraft II3
THA V06AMakeup I3
THA V06BMakeup II3
THA V08Script Analysis3
THA V11ATechnical Theatre in Production I1
THA V13ARehearsal and Performance I1
THA V20Costume Design and History3
THA V22ACostume Technology I3
THA V22BCostume Technology II3
THA V28Introduction to Cinema3
THA V29AHistory of Motion Pictures I3
THA V29BHistory of Motion Pictures II3
THA V30AScreenwriting I3
THA V31AActing for Film and Television I3
THA V31BActing for Film and Television II3
WEL V27Metal Art Sculpture3

Holistic Health Studies Emphasis

The courses that fulfill the Holistic Health Studies area of emphasis will study the principles underlying the mind-body-spirit connection and their relevance for guiding human beings through the major foundational experiences of life. This emphasis is visionary in nature, reflecting changes already occurring in society in general and in the local community specifically.

Course ID Title Units/Hours
Required Core Courses
HED V71Survey of Alternative and Integrative Medicine3
HED V73Introduction to Holistic Health and Healing3
Required Additional Courses
Select one course from each of the following areas:14
Spiritual Courses:
Spiritual Health
Zen Buddhism
Culture, Philosophy and Religion Courses:
The Anthropology of Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion
Survey of World Religions: East
Survey of World Religions: West
Social Problems
Health and Human Development Courses:
Health and Wellness
Health and Wellness: Designed for Women
Fundamentals of Nutrition and Fitness
HED V30
Managing Stress
Personal Growth and Social Awareness
Mind, Body and Spirit Courses:
Aikido I
Aikido II
Yoga I
Yoga II
Stress Reduction Activities
Core Balance and Fitness
Advanced Core Balance and Fitness
Tai Chi I
Tai Chi II
Aerobic and Resistance Training Courses:
Aerobic and Strength Training
Bicycle Conditioning: Spinning
Step Aerobics
Aerobic Kickboxing
Cardiovascular Fitness: Machine Training
Indoor Cross Fitness Training
Walking to Restore Fitness
Fitness Walking/Jogging
Running for Fitness
Advanced Running/Interval Training
Weight Training and Conditioning: Free Weights
Conditioning: Designed for Women
KIN V34
Science and the Environment Courses:
Principles of Biology
Introduction to Environmental Issues
Human Biology
Introduction to Environmental Issues
Elements of Physical Geography
Introduction to Human Geography
Geography of California