Riverland Community College

This course is an introduction to the field of anthropology and its sub-disciplines: cultural anthropology, archaeology, physical/biological anthropology and linguistic anthropology. A major theme of this course is the interaction between human biology, culture and the natural environment. MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 10/PE); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 10 - People and the Environment

This course introduces cultural and social processes that influence human behavior using comparative examples from different cultural groups and historical periods with the goal of better understanding the broad range of human behavioral potentials and those influences that shape the different expressions of these potentials. MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 8/GP); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 8 - Global Perspective

This course is an analysis of current United States and world policies, issues and problems using some basic principles of economics. MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 2/CT); (2 Cr - 2 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 2 - Critical Thinking

This course introduces the basic principles and methods of economics and then applies them to national income accounts, aggregate supply and demand, business cycles, economic growth and monetary and fiscal policy. There will be a special emphasis on international trade and the global economy. MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 8/GP); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 8 - Global Perspective

This course is an analysis of current United States and world policies, issues and problems using some basic principles of economics with special emphasis on decision making by individuals and firms. MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 8/GP); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 8 - Global Perspective

An overview of geographic concepts is provided including methods used to identify and study places. This course entails the study of both physical and human geography. Spatial aspects of land forms, weather and climate are explored. Spatial aspects of culture (including population, language, politics and urbanization) and economic activity (including agriculture, manufacturing and services) are studied. The geography of natural resources are examined.

MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 10/PE); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 10 - People and the Environment

This course introduces the worldwide effects of human occupancy of the earth and the influences of location on human behavior.  Topics include patterns in spaces, cultural influences, and means of livelihood, political spaces and human effects on the environment.

MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 10/PE); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 10 - People and the Environment

This course introduces students to the basic concepts, trends, and interconnectiveness of globalization throughout the world.  In class, students may examine journal articles, book chapters, videos, and webcasts in the study of globalization across disciplines.  It will provide an overview of history and theoretical approaches that have created a global society.  This is a required course for the Global Studies Emphasis.  Completion of English 1101 and 1104 or 1105 or 1106 is suggested prior to enrollment in this course.

MnTC Goals (5/SS and 8/GP); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 8 - Global Perspective

This survey course examines U.S. History from pre-contact through the Civil War era. It covers the genesis of American culture, society and politics in the colonial period to the Revolution. It also includes the study of the early national period to the post-Civil War years.

• MnTC (Goals 7A/HD and5/SS);
• (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 7 - Human Diversity

This survey course covers U.S. history from the Civil War era through the present. It emphasizes the settlement of the West, industrialism, the rise of the United States to world power, and the post-World War II gender, racial and class revolutions, which helped move the American reality closer to the American ideal.

• MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 7A/HD);
• (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 7 - Human Diversity

This survey course explores Western/European civilization from pre-history through the early modern era. The course will especially focus on the Greco-Roman roots of western civilization, the medieval period, the Renaissance and the Protestant Reformation.
MnTC (Goals 8/GP and 5/SS); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 8 - Global Perspective

This survey course looks at Western/European civilization from the early modern era through the present. It focuses on the political revolutions of the nineteenth-century, industrialism, imperialism, and the twentieth-century decline of European power.
MnTC (Goals 8/GP and 5/SS); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 8 - Global Perspective

This survey course examines Minnesota's historical development from the pre-Columbian period to the present. It will especially focus on the loss of Native American control of the state, as well as the development of Minnesota's unique political culture.

• MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 7A/HD);
• (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 7 - Human Diversity

This survey course examines world history from the late nineteenth-century to the present. It focuses on the decline of European global domination, the world wars, the Cold War, "Third World" liberation movements and the rise of non-European powers.

• MnTC (Goals 8/GP 5/SS and 5/SS);
• (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 8 - Global Perspective

This survey course examines recent decades of world history.  It will cover events from the end of the cold war to the present.

MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 8/GP); (1 Cr - 1 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 8 - Global Perspective

This course is a study of the United States national government in all of its aspects with special emphasis placed on constitutional theory, major governmental institutions and the national political culture and practice.

MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 9/EC); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 9 - Ethical & Civic Responsibility

This honors course is an enriched study of the United States national government in all of its aspects with special emphasis placed on constitutional theory, major governmental institutions and the national political culture and practice.  This course will require students to become involved with their community and to engage in direct political action.  Honors courses emphasize independent inquiry, informed discussion, and direct application within small transformative classes which feature close working relationships with instructors. 

MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 9/EC); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 9 - Ethical & Civic Responsibility

This course is a study of the principal concepts, process, and institutions of state and local governments of the United States. Special emphasis will be placed on Minnesota government.

MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 8/GP); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 8 - Global Perspective

This course examines contemporary political issues arising in the United States.  The course will examine the origins of the issues as well as the institutional and political responses to those issues.  In doing this, the class will examine basic governmental institutions, as well as political actors in both the public and private spheres.  Additionally, the class will examine how ordinary citizens can affect national, local and private actions with regards to the issues examined.

 (3 Cr lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 9 - Ethical & Civic Responsibility

This is an introduction to international relationships of the modern world. Special emphasis will be placed on long-term trends and on current international developments.

MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 8/GP); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 8 - Global Perspective

This course is designed to focus on current issues in modern American government and politics.   Topics will include United States national government, constitutional theory, major governmental institutions and the national political culture and practice.  MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 9/EC); (1 Cr - 1 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 9 - Ethical & Civic Responsibility

This course introduces the student to general topics in psychology and is designed to provide an overview of the field of psychology and human behavior. Topics include psychology as a behavioral science, the scientific method, biological foundations of behavior, sensation, perception, consciousness, learning, memory, thinking, language, intelligence, motivation, emotion, lifespan development, social psychology, stress and coping, and a brief overview of psychological disorders and therapies.

• MnTC (Goal 5/SS and Goal 7A/HD);

• (4 Cr – 4 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 7 - Human Diversity

This course explores human growth and development from the prenatal through adult life stages, including aging and death.  Students will examine the interaction between genetics and environment on the individual’s physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development. In addition, family, culture and cohort influences will be explored.

MnTC (Goal 5/SS and Goal 9/EC); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 9 - Ethical & Civic Responsibility

This honors section of Developmental Psychology is an enriched exploration of human growth and development from the prenatal through adult life stages, including aging and death.  Students will examine the interaction between genetics and environment on the individual’s physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development.  In addition, family, culture and cohort influences will be explored.  This class will also include active interactions with members of various developmental groups.

MnTC (Goal 5/SS and Goal 9/EC); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 9 - Ethical & Civic Responsibility

This course is an overview of abnormal behavior and mental illness. The format of the course follows the psychiatric diagnostic scheme of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, (current edition) and includes a discussion of symptoms as well as the possible causes of and treatments for various personality and psychological disorders. Legal and social issues concerning abnormal behavior and psychopathology are also presented.

• MnTC (Goal 5/SS and Goal 7A/HD);

• (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 7 - Human Diversity

This course introduces basic statistical terminology as well as the principles of statistical measurement associated with behavioral science research methods. Emphases will be placed on appropriate application and interpretation of statistical measures such as: measures of central tendency and variability, probability and distributions, correlation and regression, hypothesis testing, t-tests, analysis of variance, and chi-square tests. Students will also use the statistical software SPSS or another statistical package to independently analyze laboratory data from course assignments. Prerequisites: PSYC 1105 General Psychology with a grade of ‘C’ or higher and MATH 2021 Fundamentals of Statistics with a grade of ‘C’ or higher. College-level reading skills are critical. (MnTC Goal 5/SS and Goal 2/CT; 4 Cr – 3 lect, 1 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 2 - Critical Thinking

This course provides an in-depth and comprehensive discussion of how the social environment influences and is influenced by the individual.  Topics include (but are not limited to): conforming behavior, attitudes, persuasion, self-perception, aggression, prejudice, pro-social behavior and interpersonal attraction.

MnTC (Goal 5/SS and Goal 9/EC); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 9 - Ethical & Civic Responsibility

This course is a survey of the sociological concepts, theories and ideas that have been developed through the scientific study of human interaction. The emphasis of the course is the description and analysis of the nature and characteristics of societies, the structure and processes of social life, the influence of social forces on individuals and groups with an emphasis on cultural diversity and globalism.

• MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 7A/HD);
• (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 7 - Human Diversity

This course focuses on the nature, dimensions, causes, and characteristics of selected social problems in modern society. The sociological perspective and critical thinking will be emphasized in examining theories, research, and programs for the prevention and reduction of social problems. MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 9/EC); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 9 - Ethical & Civic Responsibility

This course focuses on the social processes and social structures of courtship, marriage, and family. The relationships between society, cultures, family systems, families and individuals will also be examined.

• MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 7A/HD);
• (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 7 - Human Diversity

This course examines the historical framework and the social interactions of racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Gender, sexual orientation, religion and other characteristics that contribute to a culturally diverse society are also described and analyzed in this course.

• MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 7A/HD);
• (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 7 - Human Diversity

Why do people break the law, and how do societies respond to criminal behavior? This course presents sociological understandings of criminally deviant behavior. Topics include theories of crime, trends in criminal behavior, and methods of criminological investigation. U.S. and international public policy implications are considered. The global focus of this course draws from cross-cultural, transnational, and international examples, such as the drug trade, human trafficking, or terrorism. (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 8 - Global Perspective

This course focuses on sexuality and interpersonal relationships. The following topics will be emphasized: healthy sexual attitudes, communicating about sexuality and relationships, decision making, responsibility, values, gender roles, sexual abuse, dealing with changing expectations in relationships and society, differentiating healthy from unhealthy relationships, and forms of intimacy.

• MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 7A/HD);
• (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 7 - Human Diversity