Apr 17, 2024  
Yakima Valley College Catalog 2016-2017 
    
Yakima Valley College Catalog 2016-2017 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Direct Transfer Degrees - Areas of Interest



Students can focus on one of the following disciplines while pursuing an associate in arts - direct transfer agreement (DTA), and associate in business - direct transfer agreement (DTA), or an associate in science - transfer track 1 (AS-T T1) or track 2 (AS-T T2).

American Sign Language (ASL)

The goal of our ASL courses is to enable the students to interact successfully with native signers and to relate language behavior to real-world situations. The regular academic courses meet on a daily basis. It is advisable to begin the ASL 100-level sequence fall quarter. That will enable completion of a full year program in ASL in fulfillment of the requirement at many four-year colleges or universities. Students choosing to pursue a degree in American sign language should follow a program leading to the associate in arts (DTA) degree and then transfer to a college or university that offers American sign language as a major.

Anthropology

Through its various subdisciplines, anthropology provides a holistic approach to studying humans as cultural and biological animals. The anthropology courses taught at YVC offer students an opportunity to develop a solid grounding in the discipline.

Students choosing to pursue a degree in anthropology should follow a program leading to the associate in arts (DTA) degree and then transfer to a college or university that offers anthropology as a major.

Art

The Department of Visual Arts (DoVA) regards art as an essential product of culture. Faculty are sensitive to the plurality of ideas and approaches inherent to its creation, and strive to foster a critical awareness of process, content and history. Instruction is intended to cultivate fundamental skills, while stressing the relevance and function of art in regards to culture and the human experience.

Art Transfer

Students considering the visual arts as a major or minor at a four-year transfer academy or university, or those pursuing a standard associate in arts degree with a visual arts emphasis, should consult with art faculty about planning their curriculum here at YVC.

Students choosing to pursue a degree in art should follow a program leading to the associate in arts (DTA) degree and then transfer to a college or university that offers art as a major.

Biology

The biology program provides courses in introductory biology and fundamental courses preparing students for careers in allied health as well as transfer to other institutions in the life sciences. Most biology courses require lecture, laboratory work, and discussion groups.

Students choosing to pursue a degree in biology should follow a program leading to the associate in arts (DTA) degree or an associate in science - track 1 (AS-T T1) and then transfer to a college or university that offers biology as a major.

The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges defines applied learning/laboratory modes of instruction as follows:

“Conduct of the instruction is continually under the direct supervision of the instructor. This mode includes learning activities in laboratories, clinics, or workplaces where students receive hands-on learning experience continually supervised by the instructor. Work is normally completed in the learning environment but may include out-of-class assignments.”

Transfer Biology courses with lab may be evaluated to determine if they meet the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges definition of applied learning/laboratory mode of instruction. Laboratory credit will only be given if the course included adequate hours of hands-on learning under continual and direct supervision of an instructor.

Chemistry

Chemical substances are the very building blocks of life, and, as such, the study of chemistry provides insight into most scientific areas of study. Courses at YVC are designed to support study in allied health fields as well as provide a foundation for further study in chemistry.

Students choosing to pursue a degree in chemistry should follow a program leading to the associate in arts (DTA) degree or an associate in science - track 1 (AS-T T1) and then transfer to a college or university that offers chemistry as a major.

Chican@ Studies

*Note the symbol “@” represents the education industry standard replacing “a/o” The Chican@ Studies (CHST) program focuses on the history, contributions, and contemporary experiences of people of predominantly Mexican heritage in the U.S. It is an interdisciplinary academic field which bridges traditional academic boundaries by drawing from areas of scholarly inquiry such as history, sociology, political science, arts and humanities, education, literature, and women’s studies. Intensive community involvement and the training of future leaders are also emphasized.

Students choosing to pursue a degree in Chican@ Studies should follow a program leading to the associate in arts (DTA) degree and then transfer to a college or university that offers Chican@ Studies as a major.

Communications

Today’s methods of communicating information through speaking, print and electronic media require developing proficiency in the traditional skills of verbal, written and visual presentations as well as exploring new techniques and new media.

Courses are designed for majors and for all wishing to improve their personal and professional communication skills or to gain personal enhancement. These skills are consistently listed as those thought by employers to be among the most important qualities for hiring and success in advancement and promotion.

Students choosing to pursue a degree in communications should follow a program leading to the associate in arts (DTA) degree and then transfer to a college or university that offers communications as a major.

Drama

Drama courses are designed for theatre majors and non-majors alike. Courses focus on performance, production, and general appreciation of theatre as a major fine art and as a major channel of cultural communication.

Three main stage productions from a range of genres, including musicals, the classics, and experimental theatre, are prepared and performed each year. There are also opportunities for faculty-mentored, student-directed productions in our “black box” theatre.

The program meets the proposed accreditation standards of the American Theatre Association. The department is an active member of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival and the Association for Theatre in Higher Education.

Students choosing to pursue a degree in drama should follow a program leading to the associate in arts (DTA) degree and then transfer to a college or university that offers drama as a major.

Economics

Economics is the study of how people and their social systems use scarce resources for the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The study of economics has become particularly relevant for understanding the financial, political, and social changes taking place daily in our modern world. Courses taught at YVC are designed to provide introductory-level exposure to economic theory and practice relevant for degree-seeking and transfer students as well as for members of business and the community as a whole.

Students choosing to pursue a degree in economics should follow a program leading to the associate in arts (DTA) degree and then transfer to a college or university that offers economics as a major.

English

The mission of the English department is to help students develop the habits of writers, readers, and critical thinkers as well as further their interest in reading and writing as a way of learning about themselves and the world.

English Placement Policy

Students are placed in the English sequence through an assessment process. Information about the English department policy on retesting is available at the YVC Testing Center in the Deccio Higher Education Center. Once a student enters the composition sequence, s/he may not retest. Students choosing to pursue a degree in English should follow a program leading to the associate in arts (DTA) degree and then transfer to a college or university that offers English as a major.

Ethnic Studies

Ethnic studies focuses on the historical and contemporary experiences of people of color in the United States including Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanic/Latin@s, and Asian Americans. Emphasis is placed on their achievements and contributions to American society as well as on their roles within the complex dynamics of racial and ethnic relations.

Introductory ethnic studies courses are offered as are more specialized courses focusing on one ethnic group or a specific topic. In addition, students of all levels are encouraged to pursue independent study and research under the guidance of the ethnic studies faculty. Ethnic studies courses provide new and different perspectives on American society making them an appropriate and necessary addition to any course of study.

Students choosing to pursue a degree in ethnic studies should follow a program leading to the associate in arts (DTA) degree and then transfer to a college or university that offers ethnic studies as a major.

Geography (Human) / (Physical)

Geography is an integrative discipline that unites the physical and social sciences in the study of people, places, and the environment. Major themes geographers explore are the interaction of human and natural environments, movement, and regions. Geography studies the where-and-why factors that shape our world and our lives in spatial terms.

Students choosing to pursue a degree in geography should follow a program leading to the associate in arts (DTA) degree and then transfer to a college or university that offers geography as a major.

Geology

A basic group of geology courses is offered so that students may gain an understanding of the earth’s surfaces and interior and the processes which have changed earth through time. Courses are taught for students who wish to satisfy natural sciences requirements, to explore the field for future study, or to learn for personal enrichment.

Students choosing to pursue a degree in geology should follow a program leading to the associate in arts (DTA) degree and then transfer to a college or university that offers geology as a major.

History

The historian analyzes human events and social/political organizations, attempting to establish an accurate perspective of the past. History provides us with an identity. It allows us to place current events into a perspective which gives us a sense of context and sequence. The patterns of civilizations can be discerned. History courses are taught at YVC by instructors who are known for their knowledge and provocative presentations. Courses may be taken out of sequence (e.g. HIST& 117  before HIST& 116  or HIST& 137  before HIST& 136 ).

Students choosing to pursue a degree in history should follow a program leading to the associate in arts (DTA) degree and then transfer to a college or university that offers history as a major.

Mathematics

All students needing to take mathematics at YVC are required to be evaluated through the YVC placement process before enrolling in a mathematics course.

Students choosing to pursue a degree in mathematics should follow a program leading to the associate in arts (DTA) degree and then transfer to a college or university that offers mathematics as a major.

Music

The Department of Music provides students with academic courses, along with performing opportunities in vocal and instrumental music. The award-winning YVC Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combos have become known throughout the Pacific Northwest region for their quality. The YVC Concert Choir and Chamber Singers have traveled throughout the region and possess a tradition of artistic quality and breadth of styles including Renaissance Madrigals, Vocal Jazz and Major Choral Works.

Our music department offers courses ranging from Music Appreciation and History of Jazz, to Music of the World and 20th Century Music. These are all courses designed for the student who has an interest in Music as a non-major. Non-majors are also encouraged to participate in the various aforementioned preforming ensembles. Students pursuing a degree in music are encouraged to consult with music faculty about planning their curriculum here at YVC.

Students choosing to pursue a degree in music should follow a program leading to the associate in arts (DTA) degree and then transfer to a college or university that offers music as a major.

Nutrition

The Nutrition program emphasizes understanding the “whole food”; guiding students through a study of food, its individual components, how it affects the human body, and how it interacts with other foods. Our focus is to provide students with nutrition education that merges the science of nutrition with a broader view of wellness, community, and the environment. The nutrition courses help prepare students for careers in dietetics, family and consumer science, and allied health as well as to transfer to other institutions to pursue undergraduate degrees.

Students choosing to pursue a degree in nutrition should follow a program leading to the associate in arts (DTA) degree and then transfer to a college or university that offers nutrition as a major.

Philosophy

Course offerings in philosophy are intended for transfer students as well as for those wanting personal enrichment. Courses stress the cultivation of personal and interpersonal expression of ideas through critical and constructive reading, writing, listening, speaking, and observing. The program also organizes film and discussion events, conference attendance, participation in essay competitions, and community involvement.

Students choosing to pursue a degree in philosophy should follow a program leading to the associate in arts (DTA) degree and then transfer to a college or university that offers philosophy as a major.

Physics

Physics is a fundamental science. All other sciences (and most technologies) find their roots in physics. Physics principles are logical and simple and yet far-reaching in their application. Course work is offered in intro, general, and engineering physics. Introduction to Physics - is a survey course designed to introduce and enhance a student’s understanding of elementary physics. General Physics - I, II, III are non-calculus based, intended for non-science majors. These courses can be used to satisfy a general or non-calculus based physics requirement at a university. Engineering Physics - I, II, III are calculus based, intended for the transfer student majoring in mathematics, physics, chemistry, or engineering. These courses can be used to satisfy and engineering or calculus-based physics requirement at a university.

Students choosing to pursue a degree in physics should follow a program leading to the associate in arts (DTA) degree or associate in science - track 2 (AS-T T2) and then transfer to a college or university that offers physics as a major.

Political Science

Political science is the study of government and public policy and of the political behavior of individuals and groups. Political science uses both humanistic and scientific methods of analysis to examine individual and group behaviors and outcomes at the local, state, national, and international levels of politics (source: American Political Science Association). The Political Science program at YVC offers most of the fundamental courses in the discipline that prepare students for a declared major or minor in political science at a four-year college or university. Political science courses at YVC also contribute toward general education requirements necessary for a bachelor’s degree in any liberal arts discipline.

Students choosing to pursue a degree in political science should follow a program leading to the associate in arts (DTA) degree and then transfer to a college or university that offers political science as a major.

Psychology

YVC offers a core of basic psychology courses which will provide a sound introduction to the discipline. Psychology is the science of human behavior and experience and includes perspectives examining abnormal behavior, the biological bases of behavior, social interaction, and cognitive processes. These psychology courses are offered for general education, personal enrichment, and for students pursuing a career in psychology or related fields. They serve as prerequisites for several campus programs.

Students choosing to pursue a degree in psychology should follow a program leading to the associate in arts (DTA) degree and then transfer to a college or university that offers psychology as a major.

Spanish

The goal of all of our Spanish courses is to enable students to interact successfully with native speakers and to relate language behavior to real-world situations. We also hope to encourage and nurture a strong cultural pride and awareness of the Hispanic world. Our course offerings range from SPAN 101  through SPAN 103  and Spanish for Heritage Speakers courses SPAN 231  through SPAN 233 . It is advisable to began either of the Spanish sequences fall quarter. That will enable completion of a fullyear program in Spanish in fulfillment of the requirement at many four-year colleges or universities. Students pursuing a major or non-major in Spanish are strongly encouraged to consult with Spanish faculty about planning their course of study here at YVC.

Students choosing to pursue a degree in Spanish should follow a program leading to the associate in arts (DTA) degree and then transfer to a college or university that offers Spanish as a major.

Sociology

Sociology is the systematic analysis of the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists study social interaction, social structure, and social change. Contemporary American society is the focus but comparative and historical perspectives are included. The college offers basic courses that introduce the student to the fundamental principles, theories, and approaches of the discipline.

Students choosing to pursue a degree in sociology should follow a program leading to the associate in arts (DTA) degree and then transfer to a college or university that offers sociology as a major.