Rock Valley College
Rockford, Illinois

Social Science - Course Descriptions

Anthropology                            ANP


Liberal Arts Division
(815) 921-3338

ANP 102 - Introduction to Physical Anthropology and Archaeology
IAI: S1 902    1.1
This course is an introduction to the principles of evolution and the origin of people and their culture. It includes the study of people as a member of the order of primates, fossil people, prehistoric archaeology, and the beginnings of early civilizations, race, and racism.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

ANP 103 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
IAI: S1 901N     1.1
This course is a basic survey of the principles of cultural anthropology including the concept of culture and its various aspects. Language, economics, kinship, religion, and art are included. Some attention is also given to distinctive theoretical approaches and to problems of culture change.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

Economics                                ECO

Liberal Arts Division
(815) 921-3338

ECO 101 - Introduction to Economics
IAI: S3 900    1.1
This course is a general introduction to the nature and scope of economic analysis and its application to current issues. Topics covered include markets, competition, monopoly, inflation, unemployment and international economics.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

ECO 103 - Contemporary Economic Issues
IAI: None    1.1
This course is an introduction to the application of economic analysis to current economic problems and the consideration of policy alternatives. The economic approach will be applied to such issues as poverty, crime, healthcare, the environment, unemployment and inflation.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

ECO 110 - Principles of Economics: Macro
IAI: S3 901    1.1
This course is an introduction to national income determination, its relationship to unemployment, inflation, and economic growth, and public policy alternatives used to achieve national economic goals.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

ECO 111 - Principles of Economics: Micro
IAI: S3 902    1.1
This course is an introduction to product and resource pricing under various market conditions, and public policy alternatives for economic efficiency and equity in the marketplace.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

Geography                                GEO

Liberal Arts Division
(815) 921-3338

GEO 130 - World Regional Geography
IAI: S4 900N    1.1
World Regional Geography provides an analysis of the physical and human resources of the major world areas. Special attention is given to the economic status of individual nations and the problems and potentialities of their future development.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0


History                                HST

Liberal Arts Division
(815) 921-3338

HST 140 - History of Western Civilization I
IAI: S2 902, HST 913    1.1
History of Western Civilization I includes prehistoric people, the ancient cultures, Greek and Roman civilization, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Reformation. The evolution of people from the earliest times to the 17th century is covered.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

HST 141 - History of Western Civilization II
IAI: S2 903, HST 914    1.1
History of Western Civilization II covers the evolution of Western people from the 17th century to the present. The development of Western institutions of government, the modern state system, international relations, and the cultural and intellectual development of the West are treated.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

HST 142 - History of the United States to 1865
IAI: S2 900     1.1
History of the United States to 1865 begins with the background to and development of the American colonies, continues with the American Revolution, Constitution, Federal Period, Age of Jefferson, National Period, and Age of Jackson and concludes with the background to the Civil War and Reconstruction.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

HST 143 - History of the United States
Since 1865
IAI: S2 901     1.1
History of the United States Since 1865 begins with the problems of Reconstruction, proceeds to the American Industrial Revolution and its effects—urbanism, culture, politics of the Guilded Ages, Imperialism, Progressivism—continues with the 20th century and the United States’ role in World War I, 1920s, Depression, and its role in World War II, and concludes with the United States since World War II.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

HST 144 - Current History 1945 to the Present
IAI: None    1.1
Current History 1945 to the Present is a historical analysis of the contemporary world in its national and international setting from 1945 to the present that is divided into 1945-1960, 1960-1972, 1972-1980, 1980-1991, and current events.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

HST 151 - African History Survey to 1600
IAI: S2 906N    1.1
African History Survey to 1600 includes the geography, the culture, languages, and the political and social institutions of the African people. Emphasis will be placed upon the birth of man, prehistory, ancient and medieval civilizations and kingdoms, initial contact with Europe and the beginning(s) of the slave trade.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

HST 152 - African History Survey Since 1600
IAI: S2 907N    1.1
African History Survey Since 1600 covers the slave trade, roots of European expansion, colonialism and the scramble for Africa, the Berlin Conference and the partitioning, the growth of nationalism, the fight for independence, neocolonialism, and the emergence of the modern African nation.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0


HST 162 – History of Latin America I
IAI:  S2 910N        1.1
History of Latin American I is an introductory survey course that focuses on the political, social and economic history of the principal Latin American nations, including the origins and development of its peoples and cultures from ancient civilizations to the European conquest.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

HST 163 – History of Latin America II
IAI: S2 911N     1.1
History of Latin America II is a continuation of History of Latin America I.  This course focuses on the political, social, economic and cultural history of the principal Latin American nations from the late Colonial period to the present.  Major influences, forces, and personalities will be studied.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0


HST 172 – History of the Middle East I
IAI:  S2 918N        1.1
History of the Middle East is an introductory survey of the political, social and economic history of the principal Middle Eastern countries, including the origins and development of the peoples and cultures.  The course focuses on major movements, influences and personalities that helped shape the Middle East.  Among the more important themes will be long-term cultural and social continuities with the Islamic and ancient Near East, and concepts of religious and political authority.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

HST 173 – History of the Middle East II
IAI: S2 919N        1.1
History of the Middle East Since 1453 is an introductory survey of the political, social and economic history of the principal Middle Eastern countries, including the origins and development of the peoples and cultures.  The course focuses on major movements, influences and personalities that helped shape the Middle East.  Among the more important themes will be long-term cultural and social continuities with the Islamic tradition, and concepts of religious and political authority.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0


HST 182 - History of Eastern Civilization
to 1500
IAI: S2 908N    1.1
History of Eastern Civilization to 1500 includes the political and cultural history of India, China, Japan and Southeast Asia. The origins, development and importance of the major religions of Asia will be stressed.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

HST 183 - History of Eastern Civilization Since 1500
IAI: S2 909N    1.1
History of Eastern Civilization Since 1500 is a survey of the developments in India, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia since the arrival of the Europeans. The impact of technology from the West upon political ideas, cultural-religious values, and economics will be stressed.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

HST 192 - History of the World Until 1750
IAI: S2 912N    1.1
This course provides a survey of world history from the earliest beginnings of humankind until 1750. It will examine the growth and development of the social, political, economic, and cultural institutions of the societies of the world.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

HST 193 - History of the World Since 1750
IAI: S2 913N    1.1   
This course provides a survey of world history from 1750 until the present. It will examine the social, political, economic, and cultural changes in the societies of the world during that time period.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

HST 210 - History of Women of the United States
IAI: None    1.1   
History of Women of the United States provides an overview of 400 years of American women’s history in all its diversity. Themes will include the private and family experiences of women, the nature of women’s work and education, and the political and civic role and activism of women. The grand sweep of American history—colonial settlement and conquest, revolution and civil war, the institution of slavery, industrialization, world wars, and the rise of consumerism, the workings of the welfare state—will provide the backdrop for the story.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

HST 244 - English History I
IAI: None    1.1
English History I is a survey of English history from ancient origins to 1688.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

HST 245 - English History II
IAI: None    1.1
English History II is a survey of English history from 1688 to the present.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

Political Science                        PSC

Liberal Arts Division
(815) 921-3338

PSC 160 - American National Government
IAI: S5 900, PLS 911     1.1
American National Government is an introduction to the national government, including its structure, powers, and relationship to the American people. Topics include the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, civil rights and civil liberties, political parties and interest groups. Current events are emphasized throughout the course.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

PSC 161 -State and Local Government
IAI: S5 902, PLS 915     1.1
State and Local Government is an introduction to state and local government in the U.S., with emphasis on Illinois state government and the local governments in the Rock Valley College area. Topics include the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of state government, the urban crisis, and the many and varied local governments in this area. Current events are emphasized throughout the course.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

PSC 210 - Introduction to the Legal System
IAI: None     1.1
Introduction to the Legal System is an introduction to the sources, types, functions, and methods of public law and the legal system.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

PSC 211 - The American Presidency
IAI: None     1.1
The American Presidency is a survey of the constitutional basis, historical development, and systematic study of the executive branch.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

PSC 269 - International Relations
IAI: S5 904N, PLS 912     1.1
International Relations is an examination of the major factors which affect international relations with special emphasis on the political, historical, and economic elements. The material will be analyzed from the viewpoint of the United States and our foreign policy.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

PSC 280 - Introduction to Political Philosophy
IAI: PLS 913     1.1
Introduction to Political Philosophy is a survey of major political philosophers and concepts in the history of political thought. The course focuses on classical and modern theorists, emphasizing such concepts as justice, equality, power, liberty, and rights.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

Psychology           PSY

Liberal Arts Division
(815) 921-3338

Students who plan to major in psychology are strongly urged to take MTH 220-Elements of Statistics.

PSY 170 - General Psychology
IAI: S6 900, SPE 912    1.1
General Psychology is an introduction to the entire area of psychology through a presentation of historical and current theory and research. Topics include learning, motivation, perception, emotion, personality, and adjustment.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

PSY 176 - Behavior and Personal Adjustment
IAI: None    1.1
Behavior and Personal Adjustment focuses on what psychologists have learned about human behavior and how to use this knowledge in order to evaluate and (if they so choose) to change their own attitudes and behavior.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

PSY 225 - Child Development
IAI: S6 903, ECE 912, EDU 903, EED 902    1.1
Child Development introduces the theory, research, and changes dealing with human development from the time of conception to adolescence. Topics included are genetic factors, prenatal development, perceptual system changes, motor system development, language acquisition, social learning, cultural influences, and common problems relevant to the developmental processes.
Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in ENG 101. PSY 170 or instructor consent.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

PSY 250 - Psychology of Personality
IAI: PSY 907     1.1
Psychology of Personality is a scientific study of the origins of individual differences in thought, emotion and behavior. Topics covered will include: research methods; personality assessment; the psychoanalytical and neopsychoanalytical approaches; the trait approach; the humanistic approach; the cognitive approach; the biological approach; and the behavioral/social learning approach.
Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in ENG 101. PSY 170 or instructor consent.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

PSY 270 - Lifespan Developmental Psychology
IAI: S6 902, EED 903,
SED 903, SPE 913    1.1
Lifespan Developmental Psychology reviews aspects and changes which occur during a person’s life from the time of prenatal development through death
Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in ENG 101. PSY 170 or instructor consent.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

PSY 271 - Educational Psychology
IAI: SED 902, EDU 903    1.1
Educational Psychology investigates the application of psychological principles and research to the process and techniques of teaching and learning. Special emphasis is given to formal education from both the perspective of student and instructor.
Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in ENG 101; and   PSY 170 or instructor consent.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

PSY 275 - Social Psychology
IAI: S8 900    1.1
Social Psychology is the study of human behavior as influenced by groups. Typical topics of investigation will be aggression, person perception, pro-social behavior, prejudice, group dynamics, attitudes, social influence, and interpersonal attraction.
Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in ENG 101. PSY 170 or instructor consent.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

PSY 276 - Abnormal Psychology
IAI: None    1.1
Abnormal Psychology is the study of psychopathology, its causes, its symptoms, and its treatment. Topics covered include theories of abnormal behavior, diagnosis and classification of problems, types of abnormality, individual and societal costs, intervention and treatment.
Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in ENG 101. PSY 170 or instructor consent.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

Sociology                  SOC


Liberal Arts Division
(815) 921-3338

SOC 190 - Introduction to Sociology
IAI: S7 900    1.1
Introduction to Sociology includes a study of the major concepts and principles of sociology. The nature of the human social group and the social institution are studied with particular emphasis on American social patterns.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

SOC 290 - Social Problems
IAI: S7 901, SOC 911    1.1
Social Problems provides an analysis and evaluation of selected social problems peculiar to contemporary American society. Sociological principles and concepts will be the basic tools for analysis. The student will have an opportunity to engage in research on a problem of their choice.
Prerequisite: SOC 190 or consent of the instructor.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

SOC 291 - Criminology
IAI: CRJ 912    1.1
Criminology is a study of crime as a form of deviant behavior. It includes a survey of schools and theories of criminology with special emphasis on crime in relation to social structure and social institutions. Special attention is given to career criminals, “white collar crime,” and the treatment of criminals in the justice system.
Prerequisite: SOC 190 or consent of the instructor.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

SOC 292 - Sociology of Deviance
IAI: SOC 915     1.1
Sociology of Deviance examines the sociological study of the origins, causes and control of deviance and deviant behavior which is seen as a labeling process. Emphasis is placed on individual and group deviance, resulting from societal norms and values. Primary areas to be covered include drug abuse, sexual deviance, marginal deviance, and career deviance.
Prerequisite: SOC 190 or consent of instructor.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

SOC 293 - The Aging Process
IAI: None    1.1
The Aging Process is a basic introduction to the field of gerontology. The process of aging will be viewed from several theoretical perspectives. Special emphasis will be placed on the role of the aged in Western society.
Prerequisite: SOC 190 or consent of instructor.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

SOC 294 - Urban Sociology
IAI: None    1.1
Urban Sociology is the study of the historical development, growth, nature, structure and function of the city. Emphasis is placed on social relationships and social institutions in the city. The patterning of metropolitan areas, the process of ghettoization, suburbanization, and the ecology of the city are covered.
Prerequisite: SOC 190 or consent of instructor.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

SOC 295 - Racial and Ethnic Relations
IAI: S7 903D, SOC 913     1.1
Racial and Ethnic Relations presents an analysis of the origins, causes and theoretical explanation of prejudice, discrimination and stratification as related to racial and ethnic groupings in American society. The course deals with the impact of conflict and socio-cultural changes on majority-minority relations and current trends in ethnic/racial identity. In addition, race and ethnic relations worldwide will also be discussed.
Prerequisite: SOC 190 or consent of instructor.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

SOC 298 - Sociology of Sex and Gender
IAI: S7 904D, SOC 914    1.1
Sociology of Sex and Gender will focus on the multifaceted similarities and diversities between sex and gender within various environments and social situations. The course will focus on the social construction of gender and its impact on men and women in the workplace, family environment, personal, and intimate relationships.
Prerequisite: SOC 190 or equivalent.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

SOC 299 - Marriage and the Family
IAI: S7 902, SOC 912    1.1
Marriage and the Family is a study of the institutions of marriage and the family. The course will be presented from an interdisciplinary perspective with major emphasis on the American family and marriage.
Prerequisite: SOC 190 or consent of the instructor.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0